GOUCHER
Coach: Kyle Hannan, ninth season (76-54 at Goucher, 129-102 overall)
2008 record: 11-5
Conference: Landmark
The Baltimore Sun's take: Although the Gophers return five of last year's top nine scorers - including senior A Sam Fitzpatrick (28 goals, 22 assists) - there are still some holes to fill, especially on attack. The offense could get relief from senior G Austin Main, who ranked third in the nation with a 6.04 goals-against average.
HOOD
Coach: Curt Foxx, first season as college coach
2008 record: 0-17
Conference: Capital Athletic
The Baltimore Sun's take: Foxx, who succeeds Eric Dummann, takes over a program that is searching for its first victory in its four-year history, a span of 46 games. Junior A Sofiane Lazar (15, 1) returns as the top scorer, and the defensive threesome of Jeff Balinsky, Harrison Bliss and Jeff Tarleton must aid the development of sophomore G Nicholas O'Brien.
McDANIEL
Coach: Matt Hatton, third season (13-16)
2008 record: 5-10
Conference: Centennial
The Baltimore Sun's take: Hatton's first objective is helping the team avoid an injury bug that contributed to last season's sub-.500 mark. Four of last year's top six scorers are back, including junior A Gibbs Preston (23, 30) and senior A Mike Hatton (22, 5). Senior G Kenny McHugh (.542 save percentage) anchors a defense that returns three starters.
ST. MARY'S
Coach: Chris Hasbrouck, first season
2008 record: 7-8
Conference: Capital Athletic
The Baltimore Sun's take: Hasbrouck, the offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons, succeeds Jayme Block. Sophomore A Dennis Rosson (29, 13) and junior M Ryan Alexander spearhead a promising offense, and freshman A Michael Mules (Boys' Latin) is a candidate to start. Senior Marc DiPasquale led the country with a .695 faceoff win percentage.
SALISBURY
Coach: Jim Berkman, 20th season (321-30 at Salisbury, 330-35 overall)
2008 record: 22-0
Conference: Capital Athletic
The Baltimore Sun's take: To win their sixth national crown in seven years, the Sea Gulls must replace A Matt Hickman (61, 33) and Greg Titus (55, 10). Salisbury still has reigning Division III Player of the Year Kylor Berkman (34, 49), and junior M Mike Von Kamecke and junior A Jake DeLillo each scored 32 goals. Sophomore G Johnny Rodriguez (Mount St. Joseph) will start.
STEVENSON
Coach: Paul Cantabene, fifth season (43-23 at Stevenson)
2008 record: 13-4
Conference: Capital Athletic
The Baltimore Sun's take: The program formerly known as Villa Julie brings back seven of its top eight scorers, including junior A Richard Ford (59, 27) and junior A Steve Kazimer (37, 46). The Mustangs' only question is in the net, where senior Eric Fleegle is recovering from knee surgery. Sophomore G Geoff Hebert (Dulaney) has the edge over sophomore Andrew Harrington to start.
WASHINGTON COLLEGE
Coach: J.B. Clarke, 10th season (125-46 at Washington College, 134-51 overall)
2008 record: 14-4
Conference: Centennial
The Baltimore Sun's take: The Shoremen's task of ending Gettysburg's run of six of the past seven conference titles gets a bit more daunting with the graduation of three of last year's top four scorers. Senior A Jimmy Kielek (32, 37) will spark the offense, and opponents could struggle against senior D Patrick Healy, Sean Millham and Eric Shea and senior G Gordon Cohen.