Severna Park Falcons
1996 record: 13-2-2
Coach: Joyce Stefancik
Top players: Katie Rowles, senior, M; Leigh Ann Emrich, senior, D; Dizzy Keller, senior, D; Trish Vukovich, senior, M; Jen Lindler, senior, M; Meghan Young, junior, F-M; Meg Miller, Bre Benten, sophomore, F; Meg Miller, sophomore, F-M
Outlook: The Falcons, state champs in 1995, were knocked out of the playoffs last season by county rival Arundel, 1-0, in the region final. Stefancik is counting on a solid group of seniors along with her "super sophomores" to get back on top. Most of the experience is at midfield, where Rowles was a major $H presence last season in earning first-team All-County honors. Vuckovich will also play a big role at her left midfield position. The sophomore class is represented all over the field with Noga one of the top scoring threats, Nauman a returning defender and Miller, who started in goal as a freshman, moving to play midfield or forward. Freshman Kerry York appears poised to take over in goal.
South River Seahawks
1996 record: 13-1-3
Coach: Will Pharr
Top players: Lorie Zamarippa, senior, D; Nichoal Zamarippa, junior, M; Erin Graham, senior, GK; Eryn Belt, junior, D; Jessie Duvall, junior, M; Angie Beckett, sophomore, M
Outlook: The Seahawks put it together in 1996, sharing the Class state crown with Liberty after the two teams played to a scoreless tie. A lot of the pieces remain intact for the Seahawks to make another serious challenge. The team's strength is up the middle with Graham coming off a stellar season in goal, Lorie Zamarippa anchoring the defense at stopper and her sister, Nichoal, a first-team All-County pick, the spark at midfield. "Nichoal has great skills. She sets a tremendous pace and knows the game well," Pharr said. The Seahawks will play aggressively, seeking quick counterattacks.
Southern Bulldogs
1996 record: 6-5-2
Coach: Charlie Wermine
Top players: Kim Manas, junior, D; Ashley Wermine, senior, M; Melody Johnson, senior, D; Tara Litz, senior, GK; Megan Raley, senior, D; Alisha Juliano, junior, D; Leslie Donnelly, senior, M; Kristen Bozzella, junior, M; Sarah Thornton, senior, M; Devon Pierce, senior, F; Jessica Pott, junior, F
Outlook: The Bulldogs' ties last season came against two of the best in the state -- Severna Park and South River -- showing they were able to play with any team. The same is possible this season with a strong group back, but the defense will have to carry the load early on while the team tries to replace the majority of the offense lost to graduation. It may be up to the task with Litz returning in goal, Manas and Juliana strong and fast along the sides and Johnson and Raley controlling the middle at sweeper and stopper, respectively. Wermine is a solid two-way player at center midfield.
Girls soccer poll
Preseason Top 15
1. St. Mary's
2. Catholic
3. Arundel
4. Loch Raven
5. Severna Park
6. C. Milton Wright
7. Fallston
8. South River
9. Liberty
10. Chesapeake-AA
11. River Hill
12. Mercy
13. Franklin
14. John Carroll
15. McDonogh
The preseason poll was chosen by The Sun staff after consulting with area coaches.
Pub Date: 9/04/97
