Top Division I teams

Outlook: Although the Tigers lost almost a third of their scoring from last year with the graduations of Lindsay Dixon and John Blatchley, who accounted for 69 of Towson's 225 points, last year's top scorer, senior Joe Genovese, returns on attack. Genovese scored 29 goals and had 13 assists last season, including a last-second goal that gave Towson a 14-13 win at Johns Hopkins in the regular-season finale. Junior Steve Carcaterra (18 goals, nine assists) also is back on attack, and sophomore David Quinn will move from midfield to the third attack spot. The midfield returns two of three starters from last year's team in senior Colin McDermott (4, 2) and junior Stewart Crotty (11, 3). Sophomore Bob Doherty will be the third starter. Sophomore Tim Lucky, who led Towson in ground balls last year with 78, senior Brian Cesarski and freshman Mark Goers will handle the faceoff duties. On defense, seniors Rich Regan, who led Towson defensemen with 53 ground balls last year, and Jason Scarborough return. The third starter will be either junior Jim Moore or sophomore Mark Spencer. The Tigers lack experience in the goal. Runk will have to choose between junior Tim Colt, a backup his previous two years, and freshman Brian Whalen. Towson's schedule contains five teams that appeared in last year's tournament, including Syracuse, whom the Tigers haven't played since 1989. Towson was eliminated by Johns Hopkins, 15-8, in last season's NCAA quarterfinals.

UMBC

Coach: Dick Watts, 23rd season, 171-141.

1992 record: 10-5.

Outlook: The Retrievers could be hard-pressed to repeat their recent success when they were nationally ranked at the end of each of the last two seasons. Eight key contributors graduated, but four of the top seven scoring leaders return, plus most of the defense. The key attackman is junior Jason Smith, who set a UMBC Division I single-season record with 47 goals. For the third straight season, Jamie Batley, Sam Walker and Stewart Walker will team up on the midfield. Three of the four defensemen who played the majority of minutes last season -- Grady Marshall, Scott Wicks and Rich Fritz -- form a formidable back line. Steve Gorski has an edge over three other freshmen and senior George Antonopoulos as the No. 1 goalie.

Virginia

Coach: Dom Starsia, first season.

1992 record: 7-5.

Outlook: Look for the Cavaliers to be one of the nation's best under Starsia, who replaces Ace Adams. Virginia's biggest weakness is lack of depth, but its first-teamers can compete with any team in the country. Any talk about Virginia has to start with senior All-American attackman Kevin Pehlke, who had 26 goals and 28 assists last season. Pehlke has totaled 179 career points. Senior Rob Falk (18 goals, 21 assists) and sophomore Sean Miller (2, 0) are expected to join Pehlke on the attack. The midfield, led by Ray Kamrath, could turn into an outstanding unit, but it depends on how junior Drew Fox and senior Warren Kohm play after missing last season with injuries. Virginia's defense is questionable after losing two starters from a year ago. Junior James Ireland (125 saves) returns in the goal. One thing that won't be said about Virginia this season: It won't fold for one quarter in every game.

Tomorrow Division III preview.