Head coach: Sam Pandullo (sixth season)

Assistants: Molly Wilson and Joyce Wills

1990 record: 4-14

Returnees: Senior, Jen Tomlinson (3B); juniors, Sherri Walker (SS) and Heather Pandullo (C-P); sophomore, Arian Toles (1B).

Newcomers: Senior, Amy Ferrero (2B); juniors, Erica Tonselet (OF), Shannon Hadden (2B), Ann Treese (2B), Genevieve Banks (1B), Crystal Marks (C) and Melissa Bender (1B); sophomores, Kirstin Johnson (P-2B), Laura Clark (OF) and Christina Aqueda (OF).

Coach's outlook: "We're just not ready for the regular season right now. We had two of our scrimmages canceled because of rain, and we just haven'tspent enough practice time on the field. By the time we played Broadneck (this past Monday, a 24-7 loss), we hadn't faced any other pitching except for our own. My first nine (players) aren't bad ballplayers. But what everything boils down to is pitching. Once the ball's in play, we're fine. We only have six years of varsity experience on theentire team, so that shows people how young we are. I wish we could take the first six teams in our league and let them knock heads all season, and leave the rest of us alone."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: If it were a perfect world, and Pandullo could make his wish come true, his Mustangs would have a shot at a league title. Unfortunately, his team, along with Annapolis, Queen Anne's and Arundel will have to take its licks. Monday's loss to an average Broadneck club maybe a hint of what's to come for Meade.

ARUNDEL WILDCATS

Head coach: Don Banks (third season)

Assistants: Bill Zucco and Delbert Hughes

1990 record: 8-10

Returnees: Seniors, Kendra Cameron (1B), Jen Blake (OF) and Nikki Koenig (OF); juniors, Michelle Harrison (SS)and Tara Beauchemin (OF); sophomore, Traci Koenig (P).

Newcomers:Juniors, Pam Phipps (3B), Julie Vermillion (2B), Tina Dill (IF) and Melissa Stacy (DH); sophomores, Heather Daffin (C) and Julie Harmon (P); freshmen, Kim Hamburger (3B), Kim Humelsine (2B), Heidi Motzer (2B) and Loren Bausell (OF).

Coach's outlook: "This year, we're bothyoung and inexperienced. If we reach .500, we'll be lucky. The playoffs look kind of dim right now. We're in the process of rebuilding. We lost a lot of seniors at the key positions. The key will be how fast our younger players can develop. Our defense is average, and hopefully, our offense will come around. If we can put the bat on the ball,we'll stay in a lot of games. We also have to work on our consistency. We have to beat the teams that we're capable of beating, and maybewe'll get lucky and upset a pretty good team. We know where we standso far, and we know what we have to do. I just hope we can hang in there and improve with each game. We have a long way to go. We'll justhave to take things one game at a time."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: Banks seems to have a good sense of where his team stands. By holding this attitude, he constantly will test his team to pass hismodest expectations. The Wildcats will have a tough time duplicatinglast year's record.

ANNAPOLIS PANTHERS

Head coach: Gloria Day (second season)

Assistant: Corrine Winegrad

1990 record: 0-18

Returnees: Senior, Jodie Smith (SS); sophomore, Leeta White (3B).

Newcomers: Seniors, Ivy Bridgette (IF) and Monica Gimeno (transfer from Germany-OF); juniors, Allison Dacey (1B) and Jennifer Mauch (P); sophomore, Jennifer Enriquez (P); freshmen, Uyen Do (IF), Nikki Finkelstein (C), Tina Goodman (C), Brandie Olinger (CF), Janet Sears (LF) and Jennifer Trumbauer (2B).

Coach's outlook: "We're young, but we're very enthusiastic. I have a very dedicated group of young players to work with. Every day, we're just looking to progress and work on our skills. Hopefully, we'll upset someone. I see lots of potential in this team, and I'm looking forward to the beginning of the season. Just to see the kind of dedication that this bunch shows is great. Theyjust love to practice. Now that we have a JV, things are beginning to look better. Hopefully, it will improve our overall program.

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: A positive attitude starts from the top, and Annapolis is lucky to have a coach with Day's type of optimism.While the addition of a junior varsity is indeed good news for the Panthers, the bad news is that they will continue to bring up the rearin what may be the toughest softball league in the entire state. If Annapolis could show a little muscle at the plate, it may be able to sneak up on an unsuspecting foe.

NORTH COUNTY KNIGHTS

Head coach: Sue Fitchett (first season)

Assistants: C. J. Holler and Joe Kisser

1990 record: Brooklyn Park was 16-7, Class 1A state champions; Andover was 9-9.

Returnees: Seniors, Kerri Widner (CF), Colleen Morest (RF) and Krissie Barton (SS); juniors, Karen Hay (P), Lisa Garrison (C), Amy Helm (1B), Tina Armstrong (3B) and Tonya Kolodziejski (LF); sophomores, Nicole Faulkner (2B) and Kristie Rhinehart (P).

Coach's outlook: "We're working on confidence now. I'm still getting to know some of the (players from Andover) and they're still getting (acquainted) with my coaching system. I had about 60 girls try out for the team. About 65-70 percent of the girls are from my program but it's taken a while to get the other (starters) sorted out."

Anne Arundel County Sun's outlook: There's no doubt that the Knights boast loads of talent, beginning with Hay, who is 29-13 in her career and one of the most feared hurlers in the state. She and Garrison are among the squad's top sluggers, batting .485 and .470, respectively. Armstrong (.429) and Barton (.419) also can wield a heavy bat. Rhinehart, Andover's top hurler last spring with an 8-7 record, is a back-up to Hay. The outfield is strong with Kolodziejski and Widner returning to starting positions. The Knights are among the county's five best teamswith Chesapeake, Glen Burnie, Northeast and Spalding and should reach the playoffs in what promises to be a torrid softball season.

BROADNECK BRUINS

Head coach: Don Leonard (fifth season)

Assistants: William Lewis, Merlin Means and Jim Groninger

1990 record: 7-11

Returnees: Seniors, Christa Battaglina (C-DH), Brooke Biller (3B), Lisa Darchangelo (CF), Meredith Huffines (2B), Stephanie Pochet (1B) and Crystal Adams (P-IF); juniors, Ava Tasker (LF) and Jenny Jasick (OF).

Newcomers: Seniors, Joyce Jones (SS) and Carol Cosgriff (P); juniors, Sondra Bittle (IF), Holly Mowry (C), Sherri Ness (P-IF-OF), Kristen Weaver (OF), Nikki Green (OF) and Rachael Sassi (IF); sophomore, Julie Scott (IF-OF).

Coach's outlook: "I think we're going to hit. I don't know if we're going to hit the big boys -- the Jakubowskis and the Karen Hays and the Zulkas. But who does? I look for Broadneck to score more runs than they scored last year. We've got more speed and we've got a lot of kids who can play a lot of different positions. It looks very positive. We are capable of beating one of these better ballclubs, but to do that, I don't think they can be at the top of their game, and we have to play way on the top of our game. But we're going to give it a go. The kids have been working very, very hardand they're ready."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: Broadneck has to be considered an extreme long shot to make the playoffs this season. The Bruins simply cannot match the overall talent of the league's elite teams -- or "murderers' row," as Leonard calls them. If Adamsturns in a strong season on the mound, the Bruins will be competitive, and a .500 season will be within reach. But anything more would prove a real shocker.

CHESAPEAKE COUGARS

Head coach: Dennis Thiele (seventh season)

Assistants: Lin Sullivan and Jerry McBee

1990 record: 21-3, 4A state champions

Returnees: Seniors, Amy Jakubowski(P), Stacey Matcuk (1B-P) and Stacey Grokas (C); junior, Becky Thiele (2B-P); sophomores, Stacey Necessary (SS-OF), Natalie Black (C), Tracy Starke (OF) and Nancy Yeager (3B).

Newcomers: Juniors, KristenSpak (OF-P), Michelle League (OF) and Jeanne Coltrane (OF); sophomore, Renee Peters (OF).

Coach's outlook: "I have a young team, but they're experienced. I do have a shortstop area I have to fill in after the graduation of Shannon Perrone. She was my shortstop for four years on varsity. So I have to fill a hole there. And I have an outfield spot that's still up in the air. I have a couple question marks on my team, but with the nucleus of those eight solid kids from last year, I would say I'm probably in a little better shape than most of theteams in the 4A League."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: Withoutquestion, the Cougars are in outstanding shape after losing only onestarter -- Perrone -- to graduation. They have a splendid battery inJakubowski and Grokas, and the pitching is deeper than anywhere in the state. The three seniors compose the heart of a potent lineup. Thiele says the team is "full of questions." By season's end, it will befull of victories. The favorite to take the top seeding in the region playoffs and repeat as 4A state champions.

GLEN BURNIE GOPHERS

Head coach: Bob Broccolino (12th season)

Assistants: Don Dzambo andRob Shaver

1990 record: 13-5, lost to Chesapeake in regional semifinals

Returnees: Seniors, Christy Hutson (1B), Michelle Ackerman (2B), Melanie Scharf (3B-P) and Mandy Albrecht (P); juniors, Heather Smith (SS), Lee Mallonee (C), Stacey Jordan (LF), Erin Sutton (CF) and Janine King (DH-C-RF).

Newcomers: Juniors, Michelle Hammerbacher(RF), Carrie Lippert (1B-OF) and Dora Taylor (SS-OF); sophomores, Lori Hagerdorn (3B) and Becky Lanham (1B-OF).

Coach's outlook: "We have a real good nucleus coming back. I think we should be pretty strong this year. A lot of experience and good defense. And from what you can tell off pitching machines and facing our pitchers, they look like they can hit pretty well this year too. Last year was like, 'Oh geez, what do we have?' This year, we knew pretty much going in who the starters would be, barring any big surprises from jayvee. I see us,realistically, probably fighting for the third or fourth spot in theplayoffs. We'll probably have to duke it out with LaPlata."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: If Broccolino can ward off the host of injuries that beset his Gophers last season, the 1991 campaign looks promising indeed. Losing Jen Schmittle -- who transferred to Old Mill -- was a big blow, but an abundance of seasoned talent returns. And they're versatile, being forced to play more than one position last year. Ackerman, Mallonee and Albrecht are among the best at their respective positions. This team must be viewed as a favorite to qualify forthe regional playoffs.

SPALDING CAVALIERS

Head coach: Jim Nemeth (first season)

Assistants: Ron Chin and Tom Endler

1990 record:16-3 (Catholic League and tournament champions)

Returnees: Seniors, Nicole Dunleavy (SS), Jackie Cordery (1B) and Kerri Endler (3B); juniors, Jen McKeldin (C), Kim Sheridan (P) and Amy Councilman (2B); sophomore, Kelly Mabe (RF).

Newcomers: Juniors, Lisa Smith (IF) andMichelle Chin (RF); sophomores, Amy Povloski (LF) and Kelli Fickes (OF); freshman, Rachel Synowski (CF).

Coach's outlook: "We're just taking it one game at a time. I know it's a corny cliche, but that's something we have to do. Our goal is to repeat as Catholic League andtournament champions. We're going up against some of the best competition in the state and we're off to a great start. We set team goals at the beginning of the season and the girls have been working hard to see that we achieve those goals. It's a joy to coach a team like this. They're just a great group of athletes."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: For Nemeth, the fun has just begun. The Cavaliers are locked, loaded and aimed at re-sweeping Catholic League honors. Spaldingmay only have three seniors, but it has a wealth of experience in its juniors and underclassmen. If the Cavalier infield can keep the errors to a minimum, look for Spalding to win every time Kim Sheridan steps on the mound. Borrowing another corny cliche: "Can't touch this."

NORTHEAST EAGLES

Head coach: Lynn Pitonzo (13th season)

Assistants: Earl Dundorf, Ron Price and Marianne Shultz

1990 record: 21-0, Class 2A state champions

Returnees: Seniors, Kristy Zulka (P), Stephanie Lazor (SS), Kelly Tibbs (C), Melissa Scarborough (1B), Tammy Kuebel (2B), Jennifer Kisiner (3B), Heather Isaac (OF), Nicole Meister (OF), Kerry Ireland (OF) and Erika Shade (OF-P-1B).

Newcomers:Juniors, Stacy Reynolds (utility), Shannon McCausey (IF) and Rae Anne Dettrey (IF-OF).

Coach's outlook: "We're starting the year like we've started every other year -- we've gone out and had fun. The team is coming along, although our offense is still not where I want it to be yet. I expect us to do well again this year, but I don't expectus to go undefeated again. Luck will be a factor in a lot of the games. We have a lot of returning seniors on the team and they want another state championship. Obviously, that's what they're shooting for. That's the way they want to go out."

Anne Arundel County Sun's outlook: That Northeast will take the county's Class 3A/2A title may already be a foregone conclusion: Going undefeated, as Pitonzo states, may be another story. The Eagles face Spalding and North County over the next two weeks before taking on Glen Burnie (April 17), Old Mill (April 19), Severna Park (May 3) and defending 4A champion Chesapeake (May 8). The Eagles are the favorites the win a fourth straight Class2A state title, but even with 10 seniors and six returning starters,should have a tougher time than last season against county foes.

SEVERNA PARK FALCONS

Head coach: Paul Yannuzzi (sixth season)

Assistants: Wayne Mook and Kerri Drapalski

1990 record: 12-6

Returnees: Senior, Shani Cannon (SS); juniors, Lanna Boorman (LF), Wendy Snyder (2B), Alica Conine (CF), Jill Natwick (C) and Dana Gosewisch (RF).

Newcomers: Juniors, Kerri Schmale (3B), Tiffany Matthews (C-OF)and Georgia Kootsikas (2B); sophomores, Stephanie Kearney (1B), Carrie Shavione (OF) and Jen Shanahan (OF); freshmen, Jen Spampinato (P)and Jen Conner (P).

Coach's outlook: "It looks like we're going to be able to hit again this year. It might take awhile or everything might come together well. We have a lot of young talent, but a lot oftalent. They work hard and listen. I don't know why, but we've always been able to teach kids how to hit, or they've come to us knowing how to hit. So we're going to be able to hit the ball. And with Shani in the middle, we're going to catch nearly everything that goes that way. I told our girls they can win every game. That's the way I want them to think. I think we'll be there."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: It's too bad only four teams can qualify for the regional playoffs, because a strong entry like Severna Park likely will end up on the outside looking in. The pitching is terribly young -- and quite promising. The freshmen duo may suffer some growing pains but more likely will become a pain to opposing hitters. Assuming those two come close to reaching their potential this season, the Falcons will be formidable. But a playoff team? If LaPlata sneaks in again, probably not. And that's unfortunate.

OLD MILL PATRIOTS

Head coach: Debbie Shacklock (third season)

Assistant: Mickey Cashen

1990 record: 18-4, lost to Chesapeake in regional final

Returnees: Seniors, DeniseZellers (IF), Pam Williams (IF), Jen Dorr (OF), Angie Sowers (OF) and Holly Botts (C-IF); juniors, Cindy Davenport (OF) and Jen Bostak (P); sophomore, Chris Baer (IF).

Newcomers: Juniors, Jen Schmittle (P), Sarah Storrs (IF) and Kim McCall (IF); sophomores, Lori Lynch (IF), Amy McKenzie (IF) and Maryta Uleckas (OF); freshman, Keri Strong (C).

Coach's outlook: "People expect us to be down this year, but Idon't think we will be. I think we'll pleasantly surprise some people. We're younger than we were last year, but I still expect us to be extremely competitive. I'm looking to our returning players to lead the way on offense. The kids look very good at this point, so look forus to be right at the top. All the kids have been contributing and playing well, but it's going to take some seasoning before some of thesophomores are ready. Ideally, I would like to see us make it back to regionals, and I see no reason why we cannot repeat."

Anne Arundel County Sun outlook: Old Mill's pitching staff is suspect with the departure of Michelle Moodispaw and a knee injury to Bostak, but a strong lineup will make the Patriots a solid contender for one of the four regional playoff spots. Glen Burnie transfer Jen Schmittle gives the Pats some help both at the plate and on the mound. Plus, veteransDenise Zellers and Pam Williams return. Look for Shacklock's club tostart slowly, but still contend for a berth in the postseason.

SOUTHRIVER SEAHAWKS

Head coach: Bruce Pyle (first season)

Assistant: None

1990 record: 8-10

Returnees: Seniors, Khristie Dunbar (3B), Karen Manahan (LF), Nikki Shifler (C), Leah Anthony (2B) and Jennifer Cirone (1B); junior, Renee Howard (SS).

Newcomers: Freshmen, Lindsey Pell (P) and Chrica Lee (OF-C).

Coach's outlook: "I would like to improve on last year's record but this is also somewhat of a rebuilding year. The school hasn't been to the playoffs since 1986. That would be nice, but our county is the toughest for softball in thestate, so we have to basically go up against three state championship teams. A winning record would be nice, and the girls have a very positive attitude about the season. I want to make the playoffs, but we'll take what we can get."

Anne Arundel County Sun's outlook: Pylehas spent 22 years coaching in the Mayo Athletic Association so he knows what talent he's up against. With a respectable turnout of 16 talented girls, including a slew of sophomores, he's got a lot of potential in his Seahawks. He will look to co-captains Dunbar and Manahan for leadership. Dunbar is the only returning starter from last year'ssquad but four or five players have stepped up from last year's junior varsity team -- which posted a winning record -- and are expected to blend right into Pyle's coaching scheme. The Seahawks are struggling offensively, an area that may require the most attention from Pyle. At best, the Seahawks will break even this year, which is still an improvement.

SOUTHERN BULLDOGS

Head coach: Marti Woodfield (first season)

Assistants: None

1990 record: 2-16

Returnees: Juniors, Lena Nuckols (SS) and Jennifer Bush (P); sophomores, Amy Manifold(2B), Christy Padgett (L/3B), Karen Jameson (CF), Rachel Lee (1B), Michelle Boerckel (3B), Chrissy Mudd (OF), Angela Miller (OF) and Amy Augustine (C).

Newcomers: Freshmen, Jamie Jones (OF), Tammy Dove (OF), Angela Donovan (OF), Michelle Harper (SS), Tonia Nuckols (1B-C) and Lisa Moore (OF).

Coach's outlook: "We've had one scrimmage, and they looked pretty good. Jameson went 3-for-4 and the rest were really swinging the bats well. I was pleased. We're playing pretty good defense, led by Lena (Nuckols). We had one game already against Atholton and we beat them, 9-8. As for the rest of the season, we'll have to just do the best we can do and sometimes, I know that won't be enough. We want to improve on last year's record and we're already halfway there, but we've got to take the games one at a time."

Anne Arundel County Sun's outlook: Having already grabbed a victory over one Howard County opponent, the Bulldogs will try to snag another today over Atholton's neighbor, Wilde Lake. Woodfield, however, is "flying solo." And since she has no seniors on the squad, she still is searching for a few team leaders. Bush, who had 11 strikeouts against Atholton, could be among the ones who lead by example. Even with only a turnout of 24 girls -- no junior varsity -- it appears that the Bulldogs' program has nowhere to go but up.

1991 SOFTBALL PREVIEW/THE PLAYERS,THE TEAMS,THE COACHES