Aberdeen Eagles
1997 record: 13-6
Coach: Janine Robinson
Top players: Lindsey Crothers, Sr., H; Rachel Fender, Sr., H; Quintessa Johnson, Jr., S; Jane Marsinio, Jr., D; Teresa Smith, Jr., S.
Outlook: Short in numbers, the Eagles must rely on defense to match recent success. Johnson, a three-year starter, is the primary server and setter.
Bel Air Bobcats
1997 record: 9-7
Coach: Amy Sexton
Top players: Meg Bowlus, Sr., H; Lauren Dixon, Sr., H; Christi Kimball, Sr., S; Melissa Malcolm, Sr., H; Jill Wittnebel, Jr., H; Daniel Young, Sr., H
Outlook: Sexton likes this group's potential. Wittnebel could emerge as one of the league's top hitters and servers and should team well with third-year starter Kimball. The Bobcats' tall middle hitters figure to control play.
C. Milton Wright Mustangs
1997 record: 10-3
Coach: Kim Maforth
Top players: Myesha Douglas, Sr., H; Holly Dye, Sr., H; Megan Hube, Jr., H; Dawn Lorden, Sr., H
Outlook: The Mustangs, state semifinalists last fall, will continue to use an attacking style. Maforth's squad has strengths at each position, beginning with Hube, a strong hitter, and Douglas, a solid blocker.
Edgewood Rams
1997 record: Not available
Coach: Debbie Brinkman
Top players: Cortney Bailey, Sr., H; Denise Campbell, Sr., H-S; Sherice Campbell, Sr., H; Lauren Heede Sr., H; Andrea Fisher, Jr., H-S
Outlook: Inexperience could slow the Rams' steady improvement recent years. Fisher is the main cog on offense, and an increase in height has Brinkman hoping for better hitting and blocking.
Fallston Cougars
1997 record: 8-6
Coach: Jennifer Lewis
Top players: Jennifer Hahn, Sr., H; Melissa Juhasz, Sr., H; Amber Mason, Sr., H; Carla Quinn Sr., H
Outlook: The defending league-champion Cougars were unbeaten in eight county games a year ago but didn't win a non-league match. First-year coach Lewis has a thin bench but sees improved serving. Mason returns as the top hitter.
Harford Christian Eagles
1997 record: 9-6
Coach: Jennifer McCall
Top players: Alisha Brooks, Jr.; H; Jessie Gasiorowski, Jr., S; Gina Neuman, So., H; Sarah Schafer, Jr., H
Outlook: The Cobras had their first winning season in four years last fall and will count on a strong junior class in challenging for the Maryland Association of Christian Schools title. Setter Gasiorowski should give Brooks and Neuman plenty of chances.
Harford Tech Cobras
1997 record: Not available
Coach: Mary Odachowski
Top players: Jennifer Dorbert, Sr., H; Tammy Hamilton, Sr., H; and Rhiannon McNutt, Sr., H
Outlook: The Cobras will regroup after losing all of last year's starters. Odachowski sees slow development with a squad of mostly sophomore players.
Havre de Grace Warriors
1997 record: 2-10
Coach: Peter Leon Guerrero
Top players: Kim Gorsuch, Sr., S; Joann Harding, Sr., H; Marie Harding, Sr., H; Keri Mentzer, Jr., H
Outlook: First-year coach Guererro hopes that better chemistry among his four returning starters translates into a higher level of play. The Warriors' focus is on better positioning.
John Carroll Patriots
1997 record: 2-11
Coach: Greg Cullison
Top players: Young Eun, Sr., D; Meredith Fowler, Jr., H; Sarah Kacher, Sr., H; Michelle Kelleher, Sr., D; Kate Magsmen, Sr., S; Amands Noto, Sr., H; Kim Pirisino, Sr., S; Emmy Ralston, Sr., H
Outlook: The Patriots have eight returning players, all good athletes. Serving should improve with Pirisino and Magsmen back. Kelleher and Young will control the back line.
Joppatowne Mariners
1997 record: Not available
Coach: Al Reeves
Top players: Whitney Gray, Jr., H; Olivia Smith, Jr., H; Christina Swatzell, Sr., S; Monique Washington, Sr., H
Outlook: The return of Washington and Swatzell has the Mariners believing they can finish among the league's top three. Washington's 119 kills led the team a year ago, and she's much improved after attending camp over the summer. Swatzell is the primary setter and one of several servers returning from a team that averaged better than 80 percent last season.
North Harford Hawks
1997 record: Not available
Coach: Scott Guckert
Top players: Kelsey Guckert, Jr., S-H; Jen McMillan, Sr., H; Crystal Morgan, Jr., S-H; Jennifer Natale, Sr., H
Outlook: Guckert expects the Hawks' level of play to be much improved with a strong contingent of players with club experience. Two are Guckert and Morgan, who should get good support from McMillan.
Pub Date: 9/10/98