Field hockey preseason poll

1. Archbishop SpaldingCoach: Leslee BradyLast season: 17-0-1, ranked No. 1Postseason: Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference championOutlook: Despite losing All-Metro Player of the Year Erin Shanahan, the Cavaliers are the favorites to win their third title in four years. They return a pair of U.S. under-17 national-team members in senior midfielder Kyler Greenwalt and sophomore forward Margot Lawn, as well as their entire starting defense.2. McDonoghCoach: Denise WolfLast season: 14-3, No. 2Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalistOutlook: Former assistant junior varsity coach Wolf takes over a strong program that again should vie for an A Conference championship. Twelve seniors return, led by All-Metro second-team midfielder Andie Aldave, standout forward D'Arcy Carlson and senior goalie Nadia Hyatt.3. Garrison ForestCoach: Traci DavisLast season: 15-2-1, No. 3Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalistOutlook: Just four Grizzlies graduated, and Gaile Mallon and Eryn Frazier return from a defense that had nine shutouts last season, while Natalie Adamez and Ali Baratta will look to step up their scoring production.4. HerefordCoach: Caitlin DuvallLast season: 17-2-1, No. 4Postseason: Class 2A state championOutlook: Talent abounds for the two-time defending state champion Bulls. Back are All-Metro first-team defender Dana Meehling, second-team midfielder Emily Endres and standout goalie Camryn Kelbaugh.5. Marriotts RidgeCoach: Stacie GadoLast season: 17-2, No. 6Postseason: Class 2A state finalistOutlook: Six starters return from a squad that outscored opponents by a combined 117-12 en route to its first state final, including senior forward Caroline Blalock, who led the Mustangs in scoring (23 goals and 14 assists). Senior midfielders Sarah Blalock and Lily Kennedy also are back.6. Severna ParkCoach: Ann AndrewsLast season: 11-6-1, No. 5Postseason: Class 4A state championOutlook: Despite graduating a pair of All-Metro first-team players, don't be surprised if the Falcons make a strong push for their fourth straight state title, led by midfielder and Delaware commit Ellie Schepens and defender McKenna Lee (Cornell). Andrews, the reigning All-Metro Coach of the Year, always seems to get the most out of her teams come playoff time.7. Bel AirCoach: Emily GryglewskiLast season: 11-7, No. 13Postseason: Class 3A state championOutlook: A year after capturing their first state title in 38 years, the Bobcats will try to repeat. All-Metro first-team midfielder Anna Farley (24 goals), a Georgetown commit for field hockey and lacrosse, leads a team brimming with leadership and experience.8. AtholtonCoach: Martie DyerLast season: 11-3, No. 9Postseason: Class 3A East semifinalistOutlook: An exceptionally strong group returns for the Raiders, including Junior Olympians Tori Raulin, who tied for the Howard County scoring lead in 2015, and center midfielder Stephanie Gottwals. Four-year starting midfielder Rachel Foster also is back for a team that lost just three starters.9. DulaneyCoach: Kellie FialcowitzLast season: 13-3, No. 8Postseason: Class 4A state semifinalistOutlook: A strong attack, experienced midfield and returning starter at goalie again should make the Lions a state contender. On offense, the combination of Casey O'Grady, Reece Spann and Emma Klein will be dangerous in the circle.10. Manchester ValleyCoach: Terry DuryeaLast season: 14-4, No. 15Postseason: Class 1A state semifinalistOutlook: After the closing of North Carroll, two of Carroll County's top 1A programs have merged and will compete in Class 2A. Mavericks senior goalie Jacie Wood was All-Metro second team a year ago, and center midfielder Meghan Harmon had 11 goals and four assists for the Panthers.11. Chesapeake-Anne ArundelCoach: Joan JohnsonLast season: 13-2-1, No. 11Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalistOutlook: After claiming their first Anne Arundel County championship and falling by a goal in the state semifinals, the Cougars are eyeing a state title. Top scorers Rachel Fleg and Renee Duffy (17 goals and six assists apiece) return.12. South RiverCoach: Megan AtkinsonLast season: 11-5-1, No. 12Postseason: Class 4A East finalistOutlook: Eight starters return to a Seahawks squad that advanced to the regional finals. All-Metro first-team forward and Yale commit Sarah King (11 goals, five assists) and senior midfielder Jillian Ulery are back as captains.13. GlenelgCoach: Nikki TrunzoLast season: 13-2, No. 7Postseason: Class 2A East semifinalistOutlook: Former assistant Trunzo takes over for Ginger Kincaid, who is now coaching Wilde Lake. The Gladiators still have plenty of talent, led by senior defender Laney Treacy and midfielders mdfielders Grace Olson and Paige Reese.14. WestminsterCoach: Katie CorsonLast season: 13-7, No. 14Postseason: Class 3A state finalistOutlook: All but three Owls starters are back from a young team that fought through a tough Carroll County schedule last season. Sophomore forward Haleigh Moore led the team with 14 goals and 10 assists, mostly in the postseason.15. BroadneckCoach: Jen PlackLast season: 9-6-1, unrankedPostseason: Class 4A East semifinalistOutlook: The Bruins will be young — 11 seniors graduated, and more than half of their players are underclassmen — but have loads of potential.OTHERS CONSIDEREDArundel (7-7-1, not ranked); Catonsville (11-5, not ranked); John Carroll (14-2, No. 10); Mount Hebron (13-4, not ranked)

Field hockey preseason poll

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