Arlington Baptist Eagles
1997 record: 7-10
Coach: Liz Byers
Top players: Rachel Hamilton, Sr., OH; Darla Heller, Sr., OH; Jocelyn Johnson, Jr., OH; Julie Barber, Jr., S; Valerie Jones, Fr., S
Outlook: Byers has a number of good players returning from the team that finished second in the regular season in the Association of Independent Schools B Division. The Eagles have a strong nucleus fueled by a good mix of experience and depth. They also lost only one starter from last year and should challenge for the B Division title this season.
Beth Tfiloh Warriors
1997 record: Not available
Coach: Sonya Howell
Top players: Nina Auster, Jr., H; Renata Isaacson, Jr., S/H; Becky Auster, Fr., H; Lisa Miliman, Jr., S; Sherri Cohen, Jr., D
Outlook: New coach Howell, with no seniors and four of her 10 players freshmen, is making lots of changes. But talent exists: the Auster sisters and the freshmen were 7-0 in middle school.
Carver A&T; Wildcats
1997 record: 4-11
Coach: Don Metil
Top players: Katy Korby, Sr., S/OH; Brooke Elsnic, Sr., OH; Leslie McTague, Sr., S/OH/MH; Keri Webb, Jr., S
Outlook: The Wildcats have just nine players, with none over 5-foot-7. Korby and McTague, however, can set, as well as hit.
Catonsville Comets
1997 record: 10-4
Coach: Debbie Clem
Top players: Lauren Buckley, Sr., S; Becca Packer, Sr., MH; Dannie Packer, So., OH/MH; Heather Hartage, Sr., OH
Outlook: The Division I Comets return only two part-time starters, Buckley and Becca Packer. The team is young in terms of skill but has potential, with some players up from an unbeaten county champion JV.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
1997 record: 7-6
Coach: Elizabeth Benzinger
Top players: Jill McMillion, Sr., OH; Chenel Murray, Sr., OH; Delisa Swiger, Sr., S; Jennifer Howley, Jr., S
Outlook: A rebuilding year for the Division II Bayhawks, who have only two players with varsity experience. They will, however, get boosts from Swiger, out injured last fall, and Howley, a solid setter up from JV. Co-captains McMillion and Murray should be strong hitters.
Dundalk Eagles
1997 record: 5-7
Coach: Amanda Barnes
Top players: Shannon King, Sr., H; Liz Srebroski, Sr., H; Jackie Fell, Jr., H; Mandy Cummings, Jr., H; Julia Miller, Jr., MH; Natalie Romano, Jr., S
Outlook: The young Eagles appear to have the tools to compete in Division II, and Barnes thinks the team will improve on last fall's record. Despite only two seniors, hitting will be the strong suit.
Dulaney Lions
1997 record: 17-2
Coach: Ian Blanchard
Top players: Melaney Heagy, Sr., OH; Teresa Graham, Sr., OH; Leanne Costa, Jr., OH; Erin Reinhardt, Jr., S; Lindsay Lawson, So., OH/S
Outlook: The Division I Lions won the Baltimore County championship last fall and, loaded with club players, are favored repeat. Still stinging from last year's regional playoff loss to Perry Hall, Blanchard said this team has one goal -- the state semifinals. With experience, skill, depth, strong serving and excellent defense, the Lions appear headed in that direction.
Eastern Tech Mavericks
1998 record: 15-3
Coach: Wrae Wene
Top players: Holly White, Sr., S; Jennifer Russini, Sr., utility; Stephanie Pferdeort, Sr., OH; April Sigmon, Jr., S; Jessica Laing, Jr., utility
Outlook: The defending Division II champions return just one starter and have a new coach in Wene, a former coach at Patterson. But don't discount them. A large turnout and a strong team ethic will boost them. White, a third-year starter, is just one of many players with good hands.
Franklin Indians
1998 record: 8-6
Coach: Jennifer Diaz
Top players: Jen Day, Sr., OH; Jessie Levy, Sr., S; Missy King, Sr., MH; Stephanie Kleiner, Sr., OH
Outlook: Diaz expects a rebuilding year. Still, with club players Day, Levy and Kleiner and promising seniors King, Paula Yellon and Melissa Dobres, the Indians' foundation is solid. If the youngsters come along, the Indians could make up some ground in Division I.
Hereford Bulls
1998 record: 12-3
Coach: Pat Pilson
Top players: Erin Barnes, Sr., MH; Tara Clarke, Jr., MH; Stacey Ensor, Jr., S; Megan Rutter, Jr., S; Erin McElvaney, Jr., OH
Outlook: Most players on this junior-dominated team spent their summers at volleyball camp, a plus, Pilson feels, for her Division II Bulls, who were regional finalists last fall.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1997 record: 0-15
Coach: Kristen Forsythe
Top players: Kristen Blackburn, Jr., OH/MH; Crystal Carey, Jr., OH/S; Devika Parsram, Jr., S; Heather Zukus, Jr., OH; Cathy Bauer, Sr., OH/MH
Outlook: The Bluebirds struggled after moving up to Division I last fall. But with five club players, new coach Forsythe believes this team may be a year away from making an impact. But don't look for them to go winless again.
Lansdowne Vikings
1997 record: 17-2
Coach: Deri Bash
Top players: Sarah Grimes, Sr., OH/S; Dawn Johns, Sr., MH; Lisa Brooks, Sr., OH; Liz Emmons, Sr., OH; Laura Happel, Jr., MH
Outlook: The Vikings are one of the county's most experienced teams. Grimes and Johns should be the heart of a team expected to contend for the Division I title.
Loch Raven Raiders
1997 record: 13-6
Coach: Carol McPherson
Top players: Leah Runyan, Sr., S; Jill Bishop, Sr., MH; Kate McGee, Sr., OH; Rachel Zitnik, Sr., OH
Outlook: The Class 2A state semifinalists have two of the county's best in second-team All-Metro setter Runyan and strong 5-11 hitter Bishop. Without a lot of height at the net, the Raiders will have to play solid back-court defense. McPherson expects most consistency this fall, and if that happens, the Raiders could push Dulaney and Lansdowne in Division I.
Maryvale Lions
1997 record: 5-6
Coach: Jennifer Walter
Top players: Carrie Reinhardt, Sr., OH; Chrissy Sheckells, Sr., S; Ashley North, Sr. OH
Outlook: Walter, JV coach last fall, inherits a team with several good servers that will be strong at the net.
McDonogh Eagles
1997 record: 24-4
Coach: Ginger Gelston
Top players: Leah Clelland, Sr., MH; Aisha Mason, Sr., OH; Jenny Rehor, Sr., MH; Katie Krug, Sr., D; Jazmine Norton, Sr., MH; Catherine Brandt, Sr., OH
Outlook: How good can this team be? Five starters and nine seniors or juniors return to defend McDonogh's AIS A Division title. The Eagles will be especially strong at the net, where Clelland can do damage. Mason, one of the area's top servers, was among the metro leaders in aces last fall.
Milford Mill Millers
1997 record: 3-9
Coach: Pam Wright
L Top players: Chante Alexander, Sr., OH; Janine Cage, Sr., MH
Outlook: Despite two good hitters, the Division II Millers are still looking for an experienced setter. So, working to improve their passing, they might struggle again.
Mount Carmel Cougars
1997 record: 8-13
Coach: Debbie Hanley
Top players: Stephanie Novak, Sr., S; Kirsten Herold, Sr., OH; Andrea Taylorson, Sr., MH; Marianne Narbut, Sr., S/H; Amanda Dayberry, Sr., MH
Outlook: With five starters back, Hanley is confident this veteran group can improve its Catholic League record. Their transition and attack greatly improved, the Cougars lack only height. But ++ Hanley said they should be able to make up for that with the improvements everywhere else.
Notre Dame Prep Pirates
1997 record: 10-3
Coach: Ann Cavanaugh Sipos
Top players: Kristen Peters, Sr., S; Kristen Wallace, Sr., MH; Tracy Haley, Jr., OH; Erin Finnegan, So., OH/MH; Elizabeth Thyberg, So., S/H
Outlook: The Pirates have some rebuilding to do but possess plenty of talent. Peters, a smooth passer, sparks the offense and has improved her hitting at the net, an overall team strength.
Oldfields
1997 record: 6-7
Coach: Beth Franks
Top players: Caroline Latrobe, Sr., OH; Krista Dunning, Sr., MH; Muffy Ward, Sr., D; Hoda Ali, Jr., S; Greta Styles, Jr., MH
Outlook: The question for this experienced team is how well players blend together. If Bry Conover can return from last fall's partial tear of an Achilles tendon, her passing will help the offense.
Overlea Falcons
1997 record: 2-12
Coach: Kathy Luby
Top players: Barbara Horton, Sr., OH; Shannon Megee, Jr., S
Outlook: The Falcons, with just two wins over the last two years against Division I's club player-laden elite teams, are young and inexperienced again. Luby will try to build for the future.
Owings Mills Eagles
1997 record: 9-7
Coach: Lisa Meyer
Top players: Kallie Wasserman, So., OH/S; Megan Menning, Sr., OH; Bess Caplan, Sr., MH; Shelby Winik, Sr., MH; Erin Emery, Sr., OH
Outlook: The Eagles have a nice balance of experience and youth. Meyer looks for a strong offensive team led by a vastly improved Wasserman. Although not be quite ready to crack the Division I elite, the Eagles could pull off a few surprises.
Parkville Knights
1997 record: 4-9
Coach: Butch German
Top players: Jodi Klarman, Sr., MH; Tiffany Vaughan, Jr., MH; Sherri Rauenzahn, So., S
Outlook: The Knights regrouped to win four of their final seven last fall, and German, assistant coach then, hopes that momentum carries over. Seven players, five of them seniors, return.
Patapsco Patriots
1997 record: 13-4
Coach: Michelle Proser
Top players: Amber Wheeler, Sr., MH; Emily Radawiec, Sr., MH; Amy Sibiski, So., OH; Michelle Sowden, Sr., S
Outlook: Second in Division II the past two falls, the Patriots look to take the next step. Their imposing lineup features three 6-footers, including Wheeler. Sowdon, a capable reserve last fall, will be the key setter.
Perry Hall Gators
1997 record: 12-6
Coach: Pam Wilt
Top players: Catherine Abgoon, Sr., OH; Sharnell Sephes, Sr., OH; Christine Hurt, Sr., D; Melissa Grap, Jr., S
Outlook: The Gators, Class 4A state semifinalists last fall, are struggling with injury and illness. Top hitter Abgoon has been sidelined with a back injury and a sprained ankle, and setter Grap is recovering from mononucleosis. The Gators need them healthy if they hope to challenge Dulaney for the Division I title.
Pikesville Panthers
1997 record: 7-8
Coach: Jodi Kuleck
Top players: Jennifer Katz, Sr., D; Rachel Ringel, Jr., MH/OH; Jana Rubin, Jr., MH; Stacie Grosso, Sr., D; Melisa Cohen, Jr., S
Outlook: The Division II Panthers improved significantly last season but have only one starter back. Four new starters are up from last fall's 10-4 JV.
Randallstown Rams
1997 record: 0-14
Coach: Dee Ellis
Top players: Manikka Little, Sr., MH; Patrice Little, Jr., OH; Kim Wiggins, Sr., D
Outlook: The Division II Rams seem to have a lot of potential, with all of last fall's team back, including five seniors. Sisters Manikka (6-foot-3) and Patrice (5-10) Little are weapons on offense, and Wiggins leads a strong back-line passing attack. Randallstown should win some, but setting could be a problem.
Sparrows Point Pointers
1997 record: 10-8
Coach: Linda Day
Top players: Jen Roth, Sr., OH; Cindy Wozniak, Sr., D; Michele Stallings, Jr., S; Meghan Booth, So., MH
Outlook: Day has only one starter back but expects another big finish to go with last year's state Class 1A semifinalist team. Against tough Division I competition, the Pointers may start out slowly.
St. Paul's Gators
1997 record: 8-5
Coach: Kim Radle
Top players: Micah Cunningham, Sr., MH; Allison Ramsdell, Sr., S; Jessica Schmidt, Sr., OH; Holly Freedman, Sr., OH; Jennie Taylor, Jr., MH
Outlook: All six starters are back for an experienced team that lost to Chapelgate in the AIS B Division championship. Radle is optimistic, because most of the starters have played together for four years. Cunningham is one of the Division's top players.
Towson Generals
1997 record: 7-7
Coach: Jayne Lacy
Top players: Marie Desmarais, Jr., OH; Sarah Clinton, Sr., S; Renee Eisenhuth, Sr., OH; Nora McDonald, Sr., D
Outlook: Lacy is optimistic, with an offense that should be more balanced and has two strong hitters, one of them freshman club player Ashley Windisch. What the Generals lack is leadership, but they do have great potential that could move them over .500.
Towson Catholic Owls
1997 record: 8-7
Coach: Carroll Brown
Top players: Megan Brown, Sr., OH; Erica Haywood, Jr., MH; April Rich, Sr., OH
Outlook: The Owls have six players back and an offense looks good but needs a setter to provide spark. Brown, Haywood and Rich will help the Owls, who should be strong at the net.
Western T&E; Wolverines
1997 record: 7-7
Coach: Michael Moynihan
Top players: Jacqueline Pundt, So., H; Tania D'Angelo, Sr., OH/MH; Abbey Yeske, Jr., S
Outlook: The Wolverines feature a roster full of young, talented players. Six-footer Pundt, a fourth-year varsity player, can be a dominant hitter, and Yeske possesses solid skills. With so little experience, however, passing could be a glaring weakness.
Woodlawn Warriors
1997 record: 11-4
Coach: Gordon Daye
Top players: Stacie Allen, Sr., S; Rebecca Walker, Sr., H; Tanika Mack, Sr., server
Outlook: The Warriors are rebuilding. But led by Walker's hitting, Allen's setting, and Mack's serving, they could surprise.
Pub Date: 9/11/98