LOYOLA
1994 record: 16-3 (NCAA semifinalist).
Coach: Diane Geppi Aikens (seventh).
Top returnees: Michelle Meyer, Jr., M; Betsy Given, Sr., A; Jeanne Harrington, Sr., A; Mandy Lewis, Sr., A; Stephanie
Roberts, Soph., M; Kerri Johnson, Soph., M.
Top newcomers: Maureen Duffy, Fr., M; Elizabeth Schaffner, Fr., M, Erin Wylde,. Fr., M.
Outlook: Loyola lost nine starters to graduation, including five All-Americans. However, the Greyhounds return five of their top eight scorers. Meyer, a third-team All-America selection, excels in the transition game. Aikens is looking for increased scoring from Lewis, a two-year starter. Harrington, who moved back into the starting role last season on attack, averaged over a goal per game. One area of inexperience is in goal, where junior Erika Schaub and sophomore Dana Hoffman are still in contention.
MARYLAND
1994 record: 12-1 (NCAA runner-up).
Coach: Cindy Timchal (fourth).
Top returnees: Kelly Amonte, Soph., A; Laura Harmon, Sr., A; Elizabeth Downing, Soph., M; Karen MacCrate, Jr., A; Randall Goldsborough, Jr., M.
Top newcomer: Cathy Nelson, Fr., A.
Outlook: The graduated class left with a 52-7 record and one national championship, finishing as national runner-up twice. Don't worry about Maryland, which has not lost more than three games or ended the season lower than fourth in five years. The Terps consistently rank among the top in offense, but all-time leading scorer Betsy Elder has graduated. The offense shouldn't slow with Amonte, and Harmon will assume the scoring chores. Downing, MacCrate and Goldsborough are excellent feeders and run the field well. Two-year starter Jamie Brodsky returns in goal.
TOWSON STATE
1994 record: 2-11.
Coach: Ashley Duncan (first).
Top returnees: Tara Bailey, Sr., M; Megan Drake, Jr., A; Gwen Hicks, Jr., G; Sally Sands, Sr., D; Gretchen Schemberg, Sr., A; Kim Wilson, Sr., A.
Top newcomers: Gretchen Heilman, Fr., A; Erika Lee, Fr., A; Amy Dean, Fr., D.
Outlook: Towson State looks for its first winning season in two years, and will regroup under Duncan, who was an assistant for national champion Princeton last year. Defense is the strength of the Tigers, who lost their final four games last season. Sands, a three-year starter, leads the defense and begins the fast breaks. Hicks, who started all 13 games in goal, allowed an average of 9.5 goals per game. The offense will center on Wilson, a four-year starter and the second-leading scorer last year.
UMBC
1994 record: 11-5.
Coach: Kathy Zerriaut (22nd).
Top returnees: Alison Zaetz, Sr., M; Emily Petrlik, Jr., A; Meghan McElwee, Sr., A; Gina Tirocchi, Jr., M; Kristen Lewandowski, Soph., M; Kim McKewen, Sr., D; Chrissy Tirocchi, Soph., D/M; Danielle Fostik, Soph., G.
Top newcomers: Kathy McCafferty, Fr., M; Tammi Daniel, Fr., D; Heather Kormanik, Fr., M; Amy Voight, Fr., D; Michelle Beaver, Fr., M; Jamie Schlick, Fr., G.
Outlook: Disappointed about not gaining national recognition last year, UMBC will face such powers as Maryland, Virginia, James Madison and William & Mary. Zaetz, who has been ranked in the top 10 in scoring for the past three seasons, is the top threat. Petrlik is more of a passer than Zaetz and balances out the attack. The biggest concern is defense, which will start only one senior, McKewen. Tirocchi replaces stopper Kelly Archambo, and is expected to add some scoring.