Trio has some big spikes to fill

Glen Burnie, Northeast, Severna Park get new coaches with a familiar look

Softball

Outlook -- The defending Class 4A champion Cougars have Metro Player of the Year Lauren Gibson returning to the mound to go with a potent lineup and reliable defense in their bid for another title.

2. Broadneck

Last season -- 19-3, No. 3

Outlook -- Sophomore pitcher Kourtney Salvarola was sensational last year, leading the Bruins to their first Anne Arundel County title before falling to Chesapeake in the regional finals. Is this the Bruins' year?

3. Arch. Spalding

Last season -- 15-5, No. 4

Outlook -- The Cavaliers have a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, and might be the early favorite in a wide-open Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference.

4. Northeast

Last season -- 18-7, No. 8

Outlook -- While Chesapeake and Broadneck are the frontrunners in Anne Arundel, the Eagles aren't that far off, with pitcher Heather Brown and catcher Lizzie Wedell leading the way.

5. Hammond

Last season -- 23-1, No. 5

Outlook -- When last we left the Golden Bears, they were celebrating the program's first Class 2A state title when Stephanie Speierman threw a perfect game. The junior returns to lead Hammond's bid to repeat.

6. In. of Notre Dame

Last season -- 17-6, No. 6

Outlook -- With six starters returning, the Indians will look to solid defense and improved offense to offset the loss of standout pitcher Colleen Matthes, who has graduated.

7. Fallston

Last season -- 12-7, unranked

Outlook -- The experienced Cougars have a strong one-two pitching punch in senior Megan Gravell and junior Val Strawbridge, with a talented lineup to provide plenty of support.

8. Seton Keough

Last season -- 15-3, No. 2

Outlook -- The defending IAAM champion Gators graduated the program's most prolific class, but they have enough experience and talented newcomers to contend.

9. C. Milton Wright

Last season -- 16-5, No. 11

Outlook -- Under new coach Russ Kovach, the Mustangs are stockpiled with enough experienced talent to have a say in the challenging Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference.

10. Severna Park

Last season -- 16-5, No. 12

Outlook -- New coach Meredith McAlister, a 1999 Severna Park graduate, was a standout shortstop, and the Falcons have another talented one in senior Jen Haag to put them in contention in Anne Arundel County.

11. Centennial

Last year -- 18-3, No. 10