HONOLULU – The Big West released its preseason coaches poll Friday morning with the University of Hawai'i women's water polo team ranked second to finish the conference in 2022.
 
The Rainbow Wahine received two first-place votes, while the other five went to UC Irvine. UC San Diego trails Hawai'i in the third slot, while Long Beach State and UC Davis share fourth. Rounding out the conference are UC Santa Barbara at five and CSUN picked last.
 
The 'Bows claimed both the regular-season and tournament titles last season, the fourth time they have accomplished each of those feats since joining the Big West in 2013.
 
The CWPA previously announced their national rankings on Wednesday. After finishing the 2021 ranked fifth nationally, UH starts this year one spot lower at No. 6. The 'Bows are the highest nationally ranked team out of the Big West.
 
Reigning coach of the year Maureen Cole and Big West Champion Rainbow Wahine begin their season in Ann Arbor, Mich., for the Michigan Invitational on Jan. 29 that features five nationally ranked teams. UH's was slated to open the season this weekend at home, however those matches were canceled due to health and safety issues with Loyola Marymount and San Diego State.