1 McDonogh -- The Eagles, who swept through the Catholic's League A Division with a 19-0 mark, are loaded once again starting with junior striker Laurie Schwoy. After scoring 49 goals with 21 assists last year, she's off to a similar start this season with 12 goals and five assists in McDonogh's first two games. The Eagles have six other starters back from last year and added midfielder Julie Baker, a transfer from North Carroll. Sweeper Susie Pitt and stopper Liz French key the Eagles' defense.
2 Loch Raven -- The defending Class 1A-2A state champ Raiders have plenty of talent returning, starting with senior striker Robyn Harry, an All-Metro pick in 1993. Coach Lou Menegatti says this year's team is just as talented as last year's team that finished 16-1 overall, including a win against Class 3A-4A state champ Dulaney. Bridgett Harthausen and Kim Allen control the midfield and goalie Terry Hendricks anchors the defense.
3 Dulaney -- The defending Class 3A-4A state champion Lions lost striker Aimee Vaughan to graduation, but coach Kathy Schmidt said this year's team has the potential to match last year's effort. Plenty of talent does return, led by senior midfielder Abby Bausman, junior forward Ali Schuch and senior sweeper Nikki Smith. Goals will come from a lot of different players this season and the Lions have a strong bench to keep things rolling.
4 Fallston -- Coach Nancy Ferguson has all but one starter returning from last year's 11-4 squad that advanced to the state semifinals. Beth Blasi led the team in scoring as a sophomore and should do even more as a junior. A stingy defense remains intact with senior Suzy Harrison in goal. Ferguson is pleased with the added depth and likes the Cougars' overall team speed.
5 Centennial -- Dave Greenberg takes over as head coach of the Eagles and has a lot of talent to work with. Centennial failed to win a third straight Class 3A-4A state title a year ago, losing in the state semifinals and finishing at 8-3-3 overall. Junior Michelle Clare is one of the most explosive strikers in the metro area, finishing with 16 goals last year. Junior sweeper Tania Riismandel must take control of a defense that lost a pair of All-Howard performers to graduation.
6 Wilde Lake -- The Wildecats have a solid mix of experienced players and talented newcomers to defend their Howard County title. The defense will be stingy with senior stopper Carrie Brelsford back for her fourth year on varsity, along with senior fullbacks Siobhan Hayes and Ann Tiburzi. Junior Katie Douglas will move to sweeper after playing midfield as a sophomore. Senior striker Kristen Riismandel and center half Lindsay Waxler will provide much of the scoring.
7 South Carroll -- The Cavaliers are loaded with talent, experience and depth after finishing 10-2-1 in 1993. Senior Amber Clutter is one of the metro area's top strikers and has 55 career goals. She has plenty of help with senior Anne Schaeffer and Lindsey Vosloh also dangerous up front. Senior goalie Kendra Pulis played with a bad shoulder all last year. After surgery in December, she looks to be back in top form.
8 Severna Park -- It was a typical season last year for coach Joyce Stefancik and the Falcons as they reached the state final, losing to Dulaney, and finished 14-2. This year should not be much different with a solid group back. Junior Shannon Chaney will start in goal, but also will see time at midfield or up front when the Falcons are behind. Lauren McAlister is a reliable backup keeper. The Falcons have depth at midfield, led by Lindsey Poland. Tammy Permenter, a sophomore, leads the way up front.
9 C. M. Wright -- The Mustangs enjoyed a banner season in 1993, going 12-1-1 and advancing to the regional finals, where they lost a tough 1-0 decision to Dulaney. The defense will be a question mark at the start with a pair of four-year starters gone. Everyone returns offensively, including Jackie Bangert and Miranda James. The two combined to score 29 goals last season and should be able to make things comfortable while the defense gets settled.
10 Chesapeake -- The Cougars have a solid nucleus back from last year's 11-3-1 state playoff team, led by striker Melissa Wagner, midfielder Erin Thomas and goalie Sandra Norris -- all seniors. Norris allowed only nine goals last season and recorded seven shutouts. Maggie Dziuban, another senior, also returns at sweeper. All three of the Cougars' losses last season came against playoff teams -- county rivals Severna Park and Arundel, and Dulaney in the state semifinals.
11 Old Mill -- The Patriots have some big shoes to fill, most notably up front with the departure of Arundel Player of the Year Michelle Salmon. Coach Bruce Sponsler is pleased with the squad's depth, which will help account for the eight players lost to graduation. The defense is set behind senior goalie Stephanie Rose and fullbacks Carina Sonberg, Amber Wilkerson and Kristen Wimbrow.
12 Liberty -- After two straight state playoff appearances under former coach Lynn Stone, the Lions will be guided by Chuck Martin. Injuries already have taken their toll with midfielder Haley DeLaurence sidelined for the season after knee surgery and forward Shanna Ziegenfuss out three weeks with a bad leg. Both were first-team All-Carroll selections as freshmen. There's still plenty of talent, led by senior striker Natalie Hannibal and junior sweeper Michelle Clawson.
13 Arundel -- The Wildcats have 15 players returning from last year's 11-3 team. The team's strength will be on defense, led by senior Kim Kesselman. Someone will need to step up offensively with the departure of Barb Mueller, who had 12 goals last year as a senior. Shauna Donahue and Christy Nichols are the likely candidates. Kristin Smeby and Nicole Ross anchor the midfield.
14 Glenelg -- The Gladiators came on strong at the end of last year, finishing 7-4-1 overall including a tie against mighty Centennial. An already strong defense welcomes the addition of freshman Kathy Gaertner at sweeper. Gracia Walker returns at stopper with Julia Custer and Lindsay Rupp on the sides, along with Becca Christensen in goal -- all four are seniors. Senior forward Emily Cox, who scored five goals last season, will lead the attack.
15 Mercy -- The Sharpshooters return plenty at both ends of the field from last year's 12-3 team. Heather Miskiewicz, Aubrey Schaeffer and Tina Steck give coach Bob Doerfler plenty of balance up front. Senior Lisa Olszweski returns in goal and will get support from a solid defense, led by junior Melissa Davidson.
How the poll was compiled: The 1994 preseason girls soccer poll was compiled by the local sports staff of The Baltimore Sun.