Harford County
Aberdeen Eagles
1998 record: 4-8
Coach: Marissa DiSanto
Top players: Felicia Fields, Sr., D; Courtney Keithley, Sr., A; Stacy Lindencamp, Jr., D; Kristy Lynch, Jr., A; Jame Marsilio, Jr., G; Melissa Spangler, Sr., D.
Outlook: The Eagles could be the most improved team in the league. One reason is Marsilio's agility in goal, and the Eagles remain intact at all other positions. With more discipline, Aberdeen could be on the verge of its first winning season in nearly a decade.
Bel Air Bobcats
1998 record: 9-6
Coach: Ken Zorbach
Top players: Ann Clark, Sr., D; Jen Chumley, Jr., G; Shelly Ishmael, Sr., A; London Jones, Sr., G; Adrianne Justis, Sr., M; Jen Parker, Sr., M; Jen Wilkinson, Sr.; D.
Outlook: The Bobcats have four returners on defense, but will settle for goals by committee. Zorbach has two capable goalies, but prefers one to emerge as the starter.
C. Milton Wright Mustangs
1998 record: 17-2
Coach: Paul Snyder
Top players: Lauren Cramer, Jr., M; Tamara Deckert, Sr., D; Paige Heath, Jr., M; Lauren Hess, Jr., A; Sarah Janowitz, Sr., D; Tracie McClintic, Jr., A; Dawn Rumbley, Sr., D; Rachel Sappington, Sr., D.
Outlook: Without a standout on attack, the Mustangs will attempt to replace the 121 goals they lost from last season. Still, the Mustangs' versatility and athleticism should keep them among the league's best. The defense can't afford too many letdowns with a first-year goalie. "Right after Easter we'll know where we stand," Snyder said, referring to season-opening games against Mercy and St. Mary's.
Edgewood Rams
1998 record: 7-6
Coach: Stacey Sewell
Top players: Heather Miller, Jr., D; Terri Staab, Sr., A; Stephanie Wardrope, Jr., D; Stefanie Wilhelm, Jr., A.
Outlook: The Rams are expecting more of themselves after their first winning season in school history in 1998. All but one starter returns, and Sewell has installed a winning attitude. Staab is their top shooter. Endurance will be needed on defense.
Fallston Cougars
1998 record: 14-2
Coach: Gina Hormes
Top players: Jessica Hammer, Jr., M; Gina Lattanzi, Jr., D; Chrissy Peregoy, Sr., A; Paula Priest, Sr., D; Jen Schuerholz, Jr., A.
Outlook: The Cougars lack star quality but have the usual array of speedy, skilled players. Peregoy and Schuerholz must assume larger roles on offense, and Priest is the big stopper on a defense that may start a freshman in goal.
Havre de Grace Warriors
1998 record: 1-10
Coach: Jody Forder
Top players: Toni Adams, Sr., A; Jessica Musgrove, Sr., D; Crystal Poughkeespie, Jr., A; Erin Rogers, Soph., M; Anita Williams, Sr., A; Angie Wood, Jr., A.
Outlook: The program is in its fourth season and most of the players have been with Forder for three years. But that won't make winning any easier. The Warriors are thin on attack and the defense is backed up by an underclassman goalkeeper.
John Carroll Patriots
1998 record: 6-7-2.
Coach: Nelia Cheney
Top players: Jen Biscoe, Jr., M; Melissa Hedrick, Sr., M; Nicole Lewis, Jr., M; Liz Macin, Jr., A; Kourtney Porcella, Jr., M; Michele Vornadore, Sr., D.
Outlook: First-year coach Cheney has put a lot of emphasis on the defense. Hedrick and Biscoe return as last season's top two scorers. Cheney coached most of her players during an indoor league at Perring Athletic Club. "How we do is anybody's bet," Cheney said.
Joppatowne Mariners
1998 record: 6-7
Coach: Pam Reich
Top players: Brandi Chavis, Sr., G; Alicia Gordon, Jr., D; Kim Gorsch, Jr., A; Whitney Gray, Jr., M; Nicole Hammer, Sr., M; Denise Kurtyka, Sr., D; Olivia Smith, Jr., M.
Outlook: The junior-laden Mariners appear to be a year away from being a real threat in the league. Reich said the team's chemistry is better, but she has little help beyond the starters. Gorsch (40 goals) and Smith trigger the offense.
North Harford Hawks
1998 record: 9-6-1.
Coach: Barb Waite
Top players: Meghan Ayers, Sr., D; Tracey Comer, Sr., M; Mandy Hawes, Sr., G; Kristyn Krastel, Sr., M; Daniel Mezzanotte, Sr., D; Cindy Molen, Jr., A.
Outlook: With 12 returning players, Waite likes her team's chances of contending for both league and regional titles. The Hawks can score from almost anywhere on the field, including their defensive wings. Hawes must raise her game as the defense lacks a true stopper.
Preseason Top 15
Rank Team '98 W-L 1.
1.Roland Park 22-0
2. Bryn Mawr 11-4
3. Mount Hebron 16-3
4. Notre Dame Prep 14-2
5. Annapolis 20-1
6. Severna Park 13-3
7. St. Mary's 16-3
8. Towson 16-2
9. Liberty 14-4
10. Loch Raven 13-3
11. Fallston 14-2
12. South River 12-4
13. North Carroll 11-2
14. Broadneck 11-3
15. Parkville 14-4