Carver A&T; Wildcats
1997 record: 4-8
Coach: Kristie Pugh
Top players: Sandy Schmidt, Sr., D; Kaitlin Pugh, Jr., M; Hannah Levin, So., F; Valerie Battenfeld, Fr., F; Amber Casserly, Fr., D; Doria McKenzie, So., F; Pam David, So., M.
Outlook: With an influx of club and CYO players as well as eight returnees, the Wildcats are looking to make a move in Division I. New coach Pugh, a former player at Fallston, takes over a team with a solid defense, but questionable offense. The Wildcats had trouble scoring last year, but this year's line is more experienced despite being younger. Look for the Wildcats to move toward .500.
Catonsville Comets
1997 record: 2-9-1
Coach: Bob Greenwalt
Top players: Michelle Stagmar, Sr., M; Christina Mitchell, Sr., F; Lindsay Muir, Sr., F; Meghan Powell, Sr., M; Rachel Pfeiffer, Sr., M.
Outlook: The Comets lost nine seniors, and the defense is almost all new, anchored by new goalie Mandy Higdon. Greenwalt's goal is to take pressure off the defense by getting more scoring and pushing more people up. Although the Comets have less experience, they work well together.
Dulaney Lions
1997 record: 8-3-1
Coach: Diane O'Connor
Top players: Chrissy High, Sr., G; Mary Warner, Sr., F; Ivy Owens, Sr., M; Lauren Wittelsberger, So., M; Marlena Wittelsberger, Jr., D; Tracy Mullaney, So., F.
Outlook: The Lions lost just four starters, but three of them were on defense. However, rebuilding in the back will be easier since High returns to the nets. The strength here is in the offense. Scoring could come from the line or from the midfield, where the Lions have plenty of potential finishers. The Lions could be in the hunt for the Division I title.
Dundalk Owls
1997 record: 5-8-1
Coach: Michael Vetri
Top players: Kristin Williams, Jr., M; Jamie Fisher, So., F; Monica Gladyse, So., F; Erin Barrow, Jr., D; Candace Johnson, So., M.
Outlook: The Owls have struggled in Division I with inexperience and lack of depth, but all that could be changing. With only three starters lost to graduation and the addition of talented transfers Williams and Barrow, the Owls appear poised to make a big move. The attack is eager and the defense should be strong behind Barrow, Beth Gontasz and Mandy Foard.
Eastern Tech Mavericks
1997 record: 6-6
Coach: Wendy Butz
Top players: Amy Wallner, Sr., G; Beth Thomas, So., D; Andrea McNew, Jr., M; Jaime Stimmel, So., D; Valerie Cushing, So., F.
Outlook: The Mavericks lost three starters but all from the defense. Butz is reworking the backfield, moving Thomas to sweeper from midfield to provide some experience in front of veteran Wallner. At the other end of the field, the Mavericks should continue to be strong with a host of finishers. The Mavericks have the skill and the experience to improve on their record, so Butz is concentrating more on the mental aspects of the game.
Franklin Indians
1997 record: 11-4-1
Coach: George Wagner
Top players: Lindsay Sproul, Jr., M; Missy Farrell, Sr., F; Candice Doten, Jr., G; Kristin Miller, Sr., D; Kim Hunt, Sr., M; Rocky MacDonald, Jr., D.
Outlook: The defending Division I champs lost most of their offense with the graduation of Sara Gustafson, a three-time All-Metro and four-time All-State pick, but they return one of the stingiest defensive units around. Doten, Sproul, Miller and company allowed just 14 goals while notching eight shutouts and four one-goal games. Sproul will move to center halfback with MacDonald at sweeper, but don't look for any letdown. By moving up, Sproul (9 goals, 7 assists) adds punch to the offense led by veteran Farrell (19, 6).
Hereford Bulls
1997 record: 13-1-3
Coach: Steve Power
Top players: Melissa Mueller, Sr., F; Jen Cox, Jr., M; Annie Ernst, Sr., D; Brooke Levine, Sr., M; Hollis Botti, Fr., F.
Outlook: The Division II Bulls look to be a powerhouse. Coming off a season in which they won a county championship and advanced to the Class 1A/2A state final before losing to Glenelg, they return all but three starters and add more depth. Second-team All-Metro Mueller (25 goals) was one of the top scorers in the area last season and Ernst was a key element on a defense that allowed just eight goals. Botti, an ODP regional player, also joins the fold.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1997 record: 3-9-1
Coach: Jodi Brush
Top players: Jessica Todd, Jr., F; Katie Zielinski, Sr., D; Angie Seufert, Jr., M.
Outlook: The young Bluebirds are looking for improvement. Despite the presence of just one senior on the roster, most of the team has played together in past seasons, and Brush hopes that will help propel it to the .500 mark in Division II.
Lansdowne Vikings
1997 record: 5-7
Coach: Kim Ferraro
Top players: Jenny Schwartz, Sr., D; Karen Dudley, So., F; Laura Leisher, Sr., F; Jen Leasher, Jr., M.
Outlook: An exceptionally strong defense and a large number of returning players bode well for the Division II Vikings, who hope to top .500 and make their mark in the playoffs. Dudley and Leisher will lead a capable offense.
Loch Raven Raiders
1997 record: 12-4-1
Coach: Debby Konschak
Top players: Ashley Froman, Sr., F/M; Anne Mobley, Sr., M; Laura Palazzi, Sr., D; Christine Hild, Jr., F/M; Meghan Keeny, Jr., D; Kristen Krejcik, Fr., F.
Outlook: After winning the state Class 1A/2A title in 1996, the Raiders were right back in the state tournament last year after moving up to Class 2A/3A, losing in the state semifinal. Although graduation claimed six starters, don't look for the Raiders to fall out of contention. The Raiders should once again contend for the county's Division I title while gearing up for another run at a state championship.
Maryvale Lions
1997 record: 12-3-1
Coach: Chuck Teal
Top players: Brooke Stastny, Sr., M; Blair Boehm, So., D; Kelly Devlin, Jr., F; Stephanie Sybert, So., F; Dana Olsson, Jr., M; Megan Huether, Fr., G.
Outlook: The Lions went from winning only one game in the A Division in 1996 to winning the Catholic League B Division regular-season title. However, they were upset in the first round of the tournament. Once again, the Lions return a multitalented group led by B Division MVP Statsny, a national pool player. There is plenty of scoring power and sweeper Boehm anchors a solid defensive unit. Count the Lions among the contenders for the championship.
McDonogh Eagles
1997 record: 16-3-2
Coach: Maurice Boylan Jr.
Top players: Marissa Schuchat, Sr., M; Lisa Zanti, Jr., F; Kellan Hoover, Jr., D; Rachel Engle, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Eagles rose from No. 15 in preseason last year to No. 1 before falling to Catholic in the Catholic League A Division title game. After losing just three starters, the Eagles are back on top -- the preseason No. 1. In addition to returning three All-Metro players -- first teamers Schuchat (26 goals, 13 assists) and Zanti (28, 15) and second-teamer Hoover -- All-Metro Coach of the Year Boylan also returns Engle, four-year veterans Lauren Paul and Jessica Shadoff as well as outstanding sophomores Katie Nelson, Jamie Hupp and Jackie Reid. The biggest spot to be filled is in goal, where junior Sarah Parsons and freshman Mariel Wilner are battling for the starting spot. The Eagles are the team to beat.
Milford Mill Millers
1997 record: No team
Coach: Laurie Bulgaris
Top players: Tamika Rogers, So., F; Kara Peterkin, Sr., G.
Outlook: Fielding a team for the first time, Milford Mill will spend this season learning the game. The Millers are young and don't possess many skills, but Bulgaris said her players do have a lot of heart.
Mount Carmel Cougars
1997 record: 7-12-2
Coach: Robert Bonner
Top players: Susan Ecke, Sr., D; Candice King, Jr., D; Alanna Simmons, So., F; Sarah Bitter, So., F; Jaime Westerfield, Jr., D.
Outlook: The Cougars lost 10 players from last year and have just two seniors. Although Bonner could start as many as three freshmen in the midfield, he has more depth overall. He also has the luxury of four goalies battling for the job, including last year's starter, sophomore Pam Haak.
Mount de Sales Sailors
1997 record: 2-12-2
Coach: Jim Rowland
Top players: Gina Glorioso, Sr., M; Erin Flaherty, Sr., F; Courtney Smith, Sr., F; Liz Holland, Sr., F; Amy Kalodzieski, Sr., D/G.
Outlook: The Sailors took their lumps in their first season in the Catholic League A Division, and Rowland is looking for them to improve. Graduation claimed five starters, but the Sailors have a good balance of experience as well as more teamwork. Although they could improve their record, the Sailors lack depth.
Notre Dame Prep Pirates
1997 record: 6-7-1
Coach: Mark Deaton
Top players: Megan Schwartz, Jr., F; Lindy Zaicho, Jr., M; Meredith Potempa, Sr., D; Emily Lessner, Sr., G; Megan Targarona, So., D; Kim Singleton, So., M/D.
Outlook: The Pirates put together one stunning week last year in which they tied No. 1 Catholic and upset No. 2 Mercy, but the rest of the season was not quite as memorable. Now, the Pirates would like to push for a more lasting spot among the Catholic League A Division's elite. Although they are young, the Pirates have speed and skill. They should also get a boost from a strong contingent moving up from a JV team that, coached by Deaton, lost only two games in two years.
Owings Mills Eagles
1997 record: 2-10
Coach: George Erdos
Top players: Julie Golumb, Jr., F; Allison Sherman, Jr., D; Lori Perril, Sr., D; Alyssa Dennis, Sr., G; Abi Adedeji, Jr., D; Lauren Kurland, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Eagles face a rebuilding year after losing most of their starters from a team that struggled in Division I. Most of the strength returns on defense, with Sherman at sweeper and Dennis in the nets. However, the Eagles lost most of their scoring.
Overlea Falcons
1997 record: 4-8
Coach: Shawn Tormey
Top players: Chris Rahley, Sr., D; Katie Sullivan, Sr., F; Christy Resurreccion, Jr., D.
Outlook: After losing six senior starters to graduation, the Falcons are young, and could start as many as four freshmen, including the goalkeeper. Tormey said his team should be much improved come playoff time. The defense looks solid, but scoring goals could be a struggle.
Parkville Knights
1997 record: 8-2-1
Coach: Bryan Rothstein
Top players: Lisa Tsimbidis, Sr., D; Stephanie Gnau, Sr., M; Stephanie Curnoles, So. M; Emily Anastasia, Jr., D; Kristen Habicht, So., F.
Outlook: Following a third-place finish last season, Rothstein's team should be a force in Division II competition. All but three starters return from the squad that lost in overtime to Westminster in last year's regional playoffs. Habicht (17 goals) will lead the offense, but the loss of their goalie plus a tough schedule will provide good tests for the Knights.
Patapsco Patriots
1997 record: 11-4
Coach: Pat Poletynski
Top players: Megan Neas, Sr., M; Beth Pietro, Sr., M; Jocelyn Campbell, Jr., D; Rachael Richards, Jr., F; Sarah Hughes, Sr., D; Christie Buddemeyer, Jr., M.
Outlook: After losing six starters, the Division I Patriots appear to be in for a rebuilding year. Last season, they reached the Class 2A/3A regional final before falling to Loch Raven. Adjusting to the loss of their leading scorer and their goalkeeper may take a little while, as will fitting four freshmen into the mix.
Perry Hall Gators
1997 record: 9-4-1
Coach: Brad Kressman
Top players: Taylor Gauvin, Sr., M; Courtney Outen, Sr., D; Amanda Capone, Sr., M; Erin Fugate, Sr., G; Lisa Pann, Sr., M.
Outlook: After losing to Liberty in last year's regionals, and losing three of four fullbacks to graduation, the Division II Gators look to be competitive again. They will get a boost with the return of Gauvin, who missed nearly all of last season after tearing an ACL in the first game. Sweeper Outen will lead a defense that will have to fill several holes.
Pikesville Panthers
1997 record: 8-6
Coach: Mike Snitzer
Top players: Dara Millen, Sr., F; Sherri Barber, Sr., M; Laurie Parson, Jr., G; Erica Pearlstein, Jr., M; Jennifer Stahl, Jr., D.
Outlook: The Division II Panthers will look for a repeat performance following the best season in school history. They will be young, with two freshmen in the starting lineup, but solid at nearly every position on the field. They have the potential to equal last year's mark.
Randallstown Rams
1997 record: 0-10
Coach: Adam Yazinski
Top players: Eva Okereke, Jr., M; Desha Thomas, Sr., D; Ena Okereke, So., F.
Outlook: New coach Yazinski plans to keep continuity in the program by continuing to teach the philosophies of previous coach Joel Thornton, who is now coaching the boys team. After a winless 1997 campaign, the Rams should be competitive in Division III. Most of the team returns.
Sparrows Point Pointers
1997 record: 7-5
Coach: Terri Walls
Top players: Keli Stevens, Jr., M; Mimi Fowlkes, So., F; Jessica Kalwa, Sr., D.
Outlook: The junior-dominated team has strengths, but may have a tough time equaling last year's record in Division II. Five seniors, including the goalie, graduated from a team that lost to Hereford in the regional semifinals. The midfield, however, returns all three players.
Towson Generals
1997 record: 7-6-1
Coach: Bob Pater
Top players: Katie Dolan, Sr., M; Kate Lannon, So., F; Bria Martin, Jr., M; Amanda Noyes, Sr., D; Erin Rowse, Sr., D.
Outlook: Eight of 11 starters return for the Division II Generals, including all but one on defense. Dolan, a four-year starter, and the dominating Martin anchor a strong midfield. The key will be how quickly four key freshmen develop.
Towson Catholic Owls
1997 record: 1-12-1
Coach: Mick Mazurek
Top players: Rachael Browne, Jr., M; Kristen Capobianco, Jr., F; Jackie Connor, Jr., D; Kristen Keener, Jr., F; Lindsay Cole, So., F.
Outlook: With no seniors and 17 freshmen and sophomores on a 23-girl roster, the Owls will field one of the youngest teams in the Catholic League B Division. However, new coach Mazurek sees plenty of speed, offensive agility and defensive toughness among his youngsters.
Western T & E Wolverines
1997 record: 6-7
Coach: Gretta Schaefer
Top players: Katie Lanasa, Sr., D; Melanie Potter, Sr., F; Megan Bowes, Sr., G; Lindsey Cohen, Jr., F/D; Theresa Driscoll, Sr., F.
Outlook: Most of last year's team returns, and that bodes well for the up-and-coming Division III Wolverines. Schaefer said her players have a good rhythm from playing together in past seasons. Bowes returns for her second year in goal.
Woodlawn Warriors
1997 record: 3-9
Coach: Darlene Joyner
Top players: Laura Estrada, Sr., F; Stephanie McPherson, Sr., F; Lynn Bruner, Sr., G; Amara Lattimore, Jr., F; Katie Arrildt, So., M.
Outlook: Field hockey's loss may be soccer's gain. The Warriors inherited a number of athletes from the disbanded field hockey team, giving Woodlawn its largest turnout in years. Seven players also return, including Estrada, a force on the offensive end.
Metro Top 15
1. McDonogh
2. Mercy
3. Liberty
4. John Carroll
5. Severna Park
6. St. Mary's
7. Fallston
8. Hereford
9. Arundel
10. Catholic
11. South River
12. River Hill
13. Chesapeake-AA
14. Centennial
15. Loch Raven
Pub Date: 9/02/98