1. Notre Dame Prep
Last season: 14-2, ranked No. 6
Runners-up in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference last season, the Blazers have the star power to take the final step.
2. Century
Last season: 15-1, No. 7
After claiming the Class 2A state title in their first year of varsity competition, can the Knights come back with an equally impressive encore?
3. River Hill
Last season: 15-1, No. 5
The talented Hawks are still riled after failing in their bid for a fourth straight state title.
4. John Carroll
Last season: 12-6-3, No. 9
The only question for the Patriots is in the back, so look out because defensive-minded coach Gary Lynch will quickly find the answer.
5. McDonogh
Last season: 8-7-4, No. 14
A training session with the University of North Carolina women this summer has the Eagles inspired.
6. South River
Last season: 16-2-1, No. 2
The defending Anne Arundel County champions are skilled and fast up front and plenty sturdy in the back.
7. St. Mary's
Last season: 15-2-1, No. 1
The Saints graduated the program's most prolific class after capturing a third straight IAAM A Conference crown last fall, but talent remains.
8. Severna Park
Last season: 17-1-2, No. 3
The defending Class 3A state champions will look to their offense while a new group finds its way in back.
9. Perry Hall
Last season: 14-2, No. 4
After two straight Class 4A state runner-up finishes, the Baltimore County champs hope the third time will be the charm.
10. Centennial
Last season: 12-2-2, No. 8
Midfielder Hayley Siegel is a quality starting point and the Eagles have plenty around her to give River Hill a challenge in Howard County.
11. C. Milton Wright
Last season: 10-2-1, No. 15
Fast, deep and experienced, the Mustangs have the ingredients to win Harford County and go far in the playoffs.
12. Dulaney
Last season: 8-5, unranked
The Lions, bogged down by injuries last fall, are healthy and raring to go with midfielder Meagan Holmes as the centerpiece.
13. Eastern Tech
Last season: 14-2-1, No. 11
The Mavericks have seven starters back from last season's 2A state semifinal team.
14. Arundel
Last season: 9-3-3, No. 12
The dynamic play of senior Melissa Hornfeck makes the Wildcats go, and with eight other returning starters, they could go far.
15. Bel Air
Last season: 14-5, No. 10
The Harford County champion Bobcats, the state runners-up in Class 3A, have talent and a proven track record.