No. 12 DENVER
2019 record: 16-4 (5-0 Big East)
Last seen: In its program’s first NCAA quarterfinal game, dropping a nine-goal decision at Maryland
Senior starters lost: 180 of 240 (75.0 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 78 of 274 (28.5 percent)
Initial forecast: Denver broke through the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in school history and there is plenty of firepower returning, but the Pioneers have to replace several instrucmental leaders. The biggest impact will be on defense, but the Pioneers are fortunate to return Big East Goalkeeper of the Year Carson Gregg, who ranked second in the country in goals against average (7.68). Denver's offense ranked only 31st nationally (13.7 goals per game), but many of the key pieces return. Quintin Hoch-Bullen (71 points), Eliza Radochonski (64 points), Hannah Liddy (58 points) and Bea Behrins (54 points) were four of Denver's top five scorers a year ago.
No. 11 USC
2019 record: 16-4 (9-1 Pac-12)
Last seen: Losing a stunning 11-10 game to Denver in the NCAA first round after overcoming a four-goal second half deficit
Senior starters lost: 39 of 240 (16.3 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 31 of 272 (11.4 percent)
Initial forecast: The Trojans will be loaded in 2020, making them the favorites to repeat in the Pac-12. USC will be expected to contend for a seed in the NCAA tournament and reach the second weekend. Only two starters are gone and four All-Pac-12 honorees will return. The balanced offense which featured nine playmakers tallying at least 20 points has eight of those Trojans back. Kelsey Huff (43g, 35gb), Izzy McMahon (35g, 28 dc) and Hope Anhut (29g, 17a) are a dynamic offensive trio, while do-everything Kerrigan Miller (22g, 56gb, 41ct, 52dc) brings her two-way play back to Los Agneles. In net, Riley Hertford (49.8 save pct., 8.26 GAA) was terrific in her first season as the team’s starter. She will be fronted by Natalie Byrne (21gb, 18ct), Lizzy Wagner (30gb, 10ct) and Morgan Kulgowski (13gb, 10ct).