Girls lacrosse: The poll

. Still, 16 returning players should keep them in contention in perhaps the state's toughest county (Anne Arundel) and region (4A-3A East).

6. Severna Park

Coach:

Carin Peterson

Last season:

16-1, No. 5

Postseason:

Class 4A-3A East regional semifinalist

Outlook:

The Falcons' only loss came to the Seahawks in the regional semifinal. Despite some key losses, they return players in every area of the field, so this balanced, talented group aims to take back the tough East regional title and go after its 10th state crown.

7. Bryn Mawr

Coaches:

Wendy Kridel, Kim Simons

Last season:

13-5, No. 9

Postseason:

IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook:

The Mawrtians graduated their entire starting line defense and the top goal scorer in school history, but they return talent in between as well as a tough goalie. Look for them fill the voids quickly and join the AConference chase.

8. Broadneck

Coach:

Karen Tengwall

Last season:

15-3, No. 7

Postseason:

Class 4A-3A East regional finalist

Outlook:

The Bruins, who lost to South River in overtime in the regional final, graduated five key starters, but the defense returns nearly intact and a strong group of sophomores is rising fast. Look for the Bruins to be right back in the Anne Arundel and the East regional races.

9. Century

Coach:

Becky Trumbo

Last season:

17-2, No. 11

Postseason:

Class 3A-2A state champion

Outlook:

Former Liberty High and Towson University All-American Trumbo takes over after assisting retired coach Rose Pentz. With eight returning starters, don't look for any letdown in the Knights' program, which has won five state titles in seven years.

10. Marriotts Ridge

Coach:

Natalie Gaieski

Last season:

16-2, No. 13

Postseason:

Class 3A-2A state semifinalist

Outlook:

The Mustangs made their first trip to the state semifinals last season in only their second year as a varsity program. With eight starters back, they should make another run at the state title and appear to be the team to beat in Howard County.

11. C. Milton Wright

Coach:

Brent Ritz

Last season:

15-5, No. 15

Postseason:

Class 4A-3A state finalist

Outlook:

Three veteran midfielders graduated, but the Mustangs have girls who've played enough to step right in. They return eight starters, including their leading scorer and one of the top defenders in the area, Alyssa Blevins, who is coming off knee surgery.

12. St. Mary's

Coach:

Megan Lewis

Last season:

13-6, No. 8

Postseason:

IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook:

Thirteen seniors graduated from a team that upset NDP and Bryn Mawr last year, but just as many veterans return. If they and some of the youngsters grow into their starting roles, the Saints will stay in the AConference race.

13. Liberty

Coach:

Kristin Crutchfield

Last season:

10-4, No. 10

Postseason:

Class 2A-1A West regional semifinalist

Outlook:

The Lions lost by one goal in the regional semifinal to eventual state champ Winters Mill. Although they graduated much of their attack, they return a strong defense and enough firepower to remain a threat in a crowded Carroll County race.

14. Glenelg

Coach:

Ginger Kincaid

Last season:

13-5, No. 12

Postseason:

Class 2A-1A West regional finalist

Outlook:

The Gladiators return a strong group from the team that dropped the regional final to eventual state champ Winters Mill by one goal. They will need to fill in a few holes but should not fall out of the Howard County race.

15. Severn

Coach:

Renie Sotiropoulos

Last season:

11-8, No. 14

Postseason:

IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook:

The Admirals graduated six Division I players, including All-Metro goalie Hannah Hook, who kept them in a lot of games. They have enough talented youngsters and returning veterans to stay competitive.

OTHERS CONSIDERED:

Dulaney (10-8, unranked), Mount Hebron (12-5, unranked), North Harford (11-7, unranked), Roland Park (14-7, unranked), Towson (12-2, unranked), Westminster (12-5, unranked)