1. Towson
Last season: 19-1, ranked No. 2
The defending Class 2A state champion has several key returnees and will get better as their setters gain experience.
2. Glenelg
Last season: 16-4, No. 5
Experience, height, depth and a superb setter make last year's 2A finalist Howard County's team to beat.
3. Broadneck
Last season: 17-3, No. 3
The defending 4A state champion is counting on a host of returnees to make a third straight trip to the final four.
4. River Hill
Last season: 13-3, No. 7
Already with good overall height and balance, the Howard County champion gets a boost with Carly Barisich, a 6-foot-1 transfer from Utah.
5. Centennial
Last season: 12-3, No. 8
Skilled and quick, the Eagles will put one of their best ever defensive teams on the floor.
6. Severna Park
Last season: 20-1, No. 1
How fast several Falcons newcomers come along will determine their season.
7. Arundel
Last season: 13-3, No. 14
An athletic and experienced returning nucleus makes the Wildcats a challenger in Anne Arundel County.
8. Owings Mills
Last season: 14-4, unranked
Arguably Baltimore County's top setter, junior Stacey Wasserman is ready to spark an experienced group.
9. Dulaney
Last season: 15-3, No. 4
How fast the Lions adjust to new coach Joanne Marshall could determine their season.
10. Mount Hebron
Last season: 3-12, unranked
Here is Howard County's sleeper. New coach Mike Moynihan moves up from JV to turn the Vikings around.
11. C. Milton Wright
Last season: 11-5, unranked
Returning second-team All-Metro hitter Jessica Allen and her supporting cast make the Mustangs Harford County's team to beat.
12. CHEN
Last season: 25-1, No. 9
The home-schooled Bravehearts should defend their Maryland Christian Athletic League title under new coach Janis Umetin.
13. McDonogh
Last season: 17-3, No. 11
The Eagles appear to have enough experience and firepower repeat as the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference.
14. Fallston
Last season: 11-4, unranked
The Cougars figure to play as they did in 2000 when they made the state semifinals.
15. Western
Last season: 14-3, unranked
With hitters Jerrie Hicks and Beth Sloat returning, the Doves should be the class of the city again.