Annapolis Panthers

1997 record: 4-9-1

Coach: Tom Cordts

Top players: Becca McDevitt, Sr., D; Beth Hemminger, Sr., M; Christine Hemminger, Sr., F; Kristy Dirks, So., F; Julie Smith, Sr., D; Robyn Mincher, Sr., D; Lauren Mincher, Sr., D; Allie O'Neill, Sr., M.

Outlook: The Panthers, winless two years ago but with four victories last fall, are working hard on making another step toward respectability with a good nucleus returning. Scoring has been the primary concern, but Cordts believes Smith and Dirks may provide the answers. The Panthers plan to get the most out of midfield depth by rotating six players. "We'll have them in for 15- to 20-minute shifts and look for a high work rate. We want to keep the pressure on and try to maintain possession," said Cordts. McDevitt keys the defense at stopper.

Annapolis Area Christian Eagles

1997 record: 10-8-1

Coach: Paul Brophy

Top players: Jessi Seep, Sr., G; Amy Hendricks, Jr., F; Stephanie Cole, Sr., D; Sarah McClellan, Sr., M; Jen Anderson, Sr., F; Joanna Chino, Sr., D; Ashley Finecey, So., D.

Outlook: The Eagles finished strong to capture the inaugural Tri-State Soccer League championship last season. Seep and Hendricks, who shared league Player of the Year honors last fall, and eight other starters are back to chase another crown. Seep turned back 175 of the 200 shots that came her way in goal, and Hendricks did most of the damage up front with 10 goals and nine assists. "Jessi is fearless, and there's not much worry with her back there. Amy picked up experience, and we expect her to finish a little better," said Brophy. The Eagles have two other regulars back, and five newcomers to add youthful depth. Cole is a mainstay at stopper, and Finecey switches from striker to sweeper. McClellan's ball skills anchor the midfield.

Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers

1997 record: 4-11-1

Coach: Bob Greeno

Players: Amy Campion, Sr., M; Yasmin Alter, Jr., G; Carolyn Petrovick, Sr., D; Katie Linden, Sr., M; Megan Dubina, Jr., F; Kellie Schiavone, Jr., D; Rachel Tansey, Jr., D.

Outlook: First-year coach Greeno brings 20 years of coaching experience and a fresh new approach. The Cavaliers were plenty busy in the preseason, practicing twice a day with the emphasis on conditioning and basic skills. "We're taking it one step at a time, and the first thing is to make them believe," said Greeno, former president of the Bowie Soccer United program. In the middle will be Campion, who provides a lot of everything at center midfield. "She commands the field, has her head up a lot, and is a good leader," said Greeno. Linden joins Campion at midfield with Dubina looking to finish at striker. The defense is sound with Alter in goal and reliable defenders in Petrovick at sweeper and Tansey at stopper.

Arundel Wildcats

1997 record: 11-4-2

Coach: Tom Degner

Top players: Kelly Jordan, Sr., F; Becky Beardsley, Sr., M; Becky Carlson, Sr., M/F; Abria Queen, Jr., F; Erin Hartman, Sr., G; Kristan Blunt, Jr., D; Rachel Moreland, Fr., A; Jill Marcum, Jr., F; Liz Casey, Sr., D.

Outlook: To find a better offensive trio in the county than Jordan, Beardsley and Carlson would be difficult. Jordan scored 18 goals and added 13 assists to earn first-team All-Metro honors for a second straight season. Carlson provided eight goals and five assists. Beardsley brings splendid imagination to the midfield. The three standouts have played big roles in carrying the Wildcats to the state championship game in 1996 and the region final last fall. With another strong supporting cast, they'll make one last state championship run. "Our one goal is to play successfully -- play good soccer with everyone on the same page. There has to be harmony, and everyone has to believe in themselves," said Degner, who called Jordan the team's "heart and soul." Beardsley is the team's motor with her ability to distribute, and Carlson brings intensity and finishing ability. Queen can provide scoring. Blunt and Casey help take care of business at the defensive end.

Broadneck Bruins

1997 record: 1-10-3

Coach: Jennifer Sweeney

Top players: M.J. Pruner, Sr., D; Meg McFall, Jr., M; Rachel Shuck, Jr., M; Michelle McGrath, Sr., G; Lori Southard, Sr., G; Lacy Barry, Jr., F

Outlook: The Bruins will look to build a strong future foundation and win a couple more games. Sweeney, in her second season, lost eight players to graduation but got back five starters. Defense will be a strength with Pruner the captain. Linbacher and Witmer also will do their share to shut down opposing offenses. McGrath will share time with Lori Southard in goal. "The defense looks solid, but we may have problems scoring. Communication on attack is something we're working on," said Sweeney. Shuck and Southard will try to get the offense started at center midfield. Barry will work up top with Papafotis also seeing plenty of time on attack. Denise Perone, who played at Chesapeake High and Anne Arundel Community College, will be a varsity assistant to Sweeney with Joe Deak handling the JV varsity coaching duties.

Chesapeake Cougars

1997 record: 10-5

Coach: Lin Sullivan

Top players: Ginny Jorde, Sr., D; Lauren Gontkof, Sr., M; Jennifer Browning, Sr., D; Melissa Garner, Sr., F; Corrine St. John, Sr., D; Lindsay Ries, Jr., D; Michelle Cappe, Sr., M; Kareem Falcon, Sr., M/F; Nicole Jantz, Sr., G

Outlook: The feeling at Chesapeake is that this may be a special year. It's understandable. The Cougars have 10 seniors -- including eight starters. "For the seniors, this is their show, their turn. They can talk about it, but they need to do their talking on the field," said Sullivan. The defensive unit stands out. Ries earned first-team All-County honors in her first season at sweeper last year. Browning has poise and experience at stopper. Jorde and St. John are fast and skilled on the wings. "With the speed we have back there, we can play a little more aggressively, knowing we can get back. They also have a lot of confidence in Nicole [Jantz]," said Sullivan. Most everything runs through Gontkof at center midfield. Cappe also can make plenty happen, and Falcon crosses well from the left wing.

Glen Burnie Gophers

1997 record: 4-9

Coach: Ava Tasker

Top players: Lauren MacSorley, Sr., D; Kelly Nangle, So. M; Erin Barger, Sr., F; Jen Wehner, So., F; Jen Moody, Jr., D; Lori Holland, So., M; Christina Bounelis, So., D; Jackie Ryan, Sr., D.

Outlook: Tasker, a Broadneck and Salisbury State grad, takes over with the idea of adding enthusiasm and structure. Her group is hearing plenty about "CATS" -- which stands for control, aggressive, talking, supporting. "We want to raise the level of concern and take things more serious. The girls are working real hard and absorbing a lot," said Tasker. A strong sophomore class is something to look out for. Nangle will learn as she goes at center midfield, and Bounelis will be sweeper. MacSorley is the veteran in the middle at stopper. Barger and Wehner are the primary targets up front. Patience will be the key, as the Gophers try get away from the kick-and-run style to play a more controlled, build-up game. "We're getting there," said Tasker.

Meade Mustangs

1997 record: 1-11-1

Coach: George Reynolds

Top players: Morgan Gunn, Jr., M/F; Rachel Jennings, Jr., M; Zeuselle Quiles, Sr., G; Julie Armitage, Sr., M/G; Josie Owens, Jr., F; Starsha Driver, Jr., D; Dawn Brandt, Jr., D

Outlook: Reynolds, Meade's third coach in three years, brings 22 years of coaching experience and knows all about building a program after starting the Perryville High boys team in Cecil County, where he spent 12 years. The young Mustangs are working hard and Reynolds has found some solid building blocks, despite a roster with only two seniors but a strong array of juniors. Gunn, a skilled midfielder, also will see time up front. Jennings is another potential standout in the middle. The Mustangs, who gave up a lot of goals last fall, are working on shoring up the defense. Quiles has looked strong in goal; Brandt has looked smooth at sweeper, and Driver is a physical marker at stopper. With 25 players out -- five more than last season -- the Mustangs also will field a JV team.

North County Knights

1997 record: 3-10

Coach: Cara Joyce

Top players: Mari Butera, Jr., M; Miranda Cole, Jr., D; Wendy Petryszak, Jr., F; Heather Petryszak, So., M; Jessi Bates, Jr., M; -- Linda Parks, Jr., D; Caitlin Burns, Jr., G

Outlook: The junior-laden Knights continue to build, with a defense that should keep them in games this season. Burns, who showed promise last fall, will be back in goal. Cole is a scrappy sweeper, and Butera, Parks and sophomore Shannon Coffiel provide a cohesive unit. Freshman Jen Taylor will step right in at center midfield. A lot of the offensive creativity will be supplied by The Patryszak sisters will provide offensive creativity. "They're very strong, well-rounded players who always seem to know where each other are on the field," said Joyce. Joyce knows the importance of this season for the program's growth. "We're young and talented and have been playing together for awhile. Now it's time to step up our pace," she said.

Northeast Eagles

1997 record: 6-7

Coach: Charles Parks

Top players: Kim Blotzer, Jr., F; Tiffany Parker, Sr., F; Ashley Anastase, Jr., D; Erin Gray, So., F; Katie King, Jr., D; Erin McGeeney, So., D; Jen Stylc, Jr., D

Outlook: The Eagles look to be on the rise, and some key numbers tell why. Ten of last fall's 13 games were decided by one goal. With only two starters lost to graduation, the experience should turn some close games into wins. Parks is comfortable with an attack led by Parker, who had six goals and three assists last season. "Tiffany is extremely quick and very aggressive. She'll go through two players to get the ball," said Parks. The defense is sound with Anastase bringing a tremendous work rate at stopper. The big question is in midfield, where the Eagles are young and somewhat thin. Answers could come from senior Danielle Wanner and sophomores Karen Kotofoski and Kate Stup.

Old Mill Patriots

1997 record: 8-5

Coach: Bruce Sponsler

Top players: Kristin English, Sr., F; Christy Wilson, Sr., D; Kelly Dearborn, Sr., D; Stephanie Hines, Sr., M; Jennifer Maltagliati, Sr., M; Lisa Lester, Sr., D; Miriam Rafferty, Sr., M; Sarah Bouton, Sr., G; Tiffany Payne, Sr., M; Kristy Phipps, Sr., M; Jen Hines, So., D

Outlook: Last year's junior-filled roster, now seniors, tasted success and will be looking for a higher level. English, a first-team All-State performer who had 13 goals and five assists last season, leads a strong nucleus of 12 seniors. "The kids have played together for quite awhile, and on paper it looks like a good group. The question is how they stack up with every other program that also stepped up," said Sponsler. Opposing defenses will be hard-pressed to stack up with English, who has talent around her when teams key on shutting her down. The depth at midfield, featuring five seniors, should be able to wear down opponents. The defense is a strong and cohesive with Wilson and Dearborn on the sides, Lester at stopper, Jen Hines at sweeper, and Bouton back in goal.

St. Mary's Saints

1997 record: 16-2-1

Coach: Jerry Tobin

Top players: Maria Smear, Sr., M; Kelly Coppedge, Jr., F; Kelly Bertwell, Sr., D; Morgan Thalenberg, Jr., A; Athena Gramates, So., D; Melissa Anderson, So., M/F; Amy Mulligan, Sr., G

Outlook: With six seniors lost to graduation including four four-year starters, the Saints find themselves under reconstruction, although plenty of talent will keep the Saints competitive in the demanding Catholic league. It starts with Smear, a first-team All-County midfielder who had eight goals and six assists last season. "She's a three-year starter, and we're looking for her to have her best year yet. She stabilizes the field for us in transition," said Tobin. Bertwell is an aggressive central defender who can distribute from the back. Mulligan provides more leadership in goal. Erin Coppedge, who led the Saints in scoring the past four years, graduted, leaving the scoring responsibility to a young but experienced group led by her sister, Kelly.

Severn Admirals

1997 record: 13-6-1

Coach: Jeff Edwards

Top players: Naomi Harrison, Sr., GK; Carrie Staines, Sr., M; Megan Barkes, Sr., D; Sarah Abbott, Sr., F; Carrie Holibinich, Sr., F; Colleen Knapp, Sr., M.

Outlook: A talented chunk of the team that went 7-1-1 in its last nine games to win the Catholic League B Division tournament last fall is back. One void to fill will be the graduation loss of 15 goals and seven assists from Carol Prickett. Staines, the team captain at midfield, is the top returning scorer (six goals, six assists last fall). Also back are Barkes (eight goals), Abbott (three goals, one assist), Holinbonich (three goals) and Knapp (two goals, four assists). Harrison, with 135 saves a year ago, returns in goal.

Severna Park Falcons

1997 record: 13-4-2

Coach: Chuck Seivert

Top players: Meg Miller, Jr., M; Meredith McAlister, Sr., D; Kim Burke, Jr., D; Kerry York, So., G; Lindsey Nauman, Jr., D; Cate Keller, Sr., F; Holly Noga, Jr., F; Bre Benten, Jr., F; Jen Cielewich, Jr., F; Allison Dooley, So., M

Outlook: Joyce Stefancik stepped down after 18 seasons as coach with a 213-44-13 record and four state titles. The Falcons didn't go far to find her replacement with veteran assistant coach Seivert taking over the coaching for a season that appears no different than many others, with the Falcons particularly strong on defense. McAlister enjoyed a solid junior season at sweeper; York was impressive as a freshman, and Nauman is as good as it gets in the county at wing fullback. "If we can put the ball in the goal, it should be exciting," said Seivert. The offense will revolve around Miller at center midfield; she has plenty of help. This team is smaller and faster than usual at Severna Park, with Keller, plus a strong junior class, leading a balanced attack.

South River Seahawks

1997 record: 14-2-1

Coach: Joseph Acqui

Top players: Nichoal Zamarippa, Sr., M; Eryn Belt, Sr., D; Jessie Duvall, Sr., M; Angie Beckett, Jr., M; Nancy Tucker, Jr., F.

Outlook: New coach Acqui takes over a team that has won consecutive co-state championships. He replaces former coach Will Pharr, who led the Seahawks to consecutive co-state championships the past two seasons, and brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, having played for the Liberian national team and helped with Maryland's women's program. At South River, he inherits another strong side led by Zamarippa, county Player of the Year last fall after scoring 15 goals and assisting on 12 more from center midfield. Duvall and Beckett, reliable contributors at midfield last season, with Tuckerl, a solid scoring threat, return. Defense is where the Seahawks lost the most. Goal is a big void that needs filling. Belt, sweeper last season, should be the team's glue.

Southern Bulldogs

1997 record: 7-7-1

Coach: John Sis

Top players: Kim Manas, Sr., D; Alisha Juliano, Sr., M; Kristen Bozzella, Sr., M; Tiffany Shaw, Jr., M; Kristina Llanes, Jr., D; Kristin Thomas, So., D; Holly Sis, So., M.

Outlook: Sis, a Southern grad who played six years for a club team in the Virginia international league, inherits a young group. "We're starting from scratch and will try to be as competitive as possible, but we'll definitely learn. Our mission is to start a tradition," said Sis. The young group is responding with plenty of enthusiasm and hard work. The Bulldogs will try to work the ball with a controlled passing game. Manas, one of four seniors, will lead the defense. Fellow seniors Bozella and Juliano join Shaw at midfield. The strikers and goalkeepers are sophomores, with Caroline Gross and Kristy Manas leading the way up top and Colleen Welch and Kristin Bowie in the nets.

Metro Top 15

Rank School

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: 9/03/98