Capsules

North Division

Auburn Trojans

Coach - Debbie Barlow, fifth year.

1996 league record - 4-8-4 (sixth in North Division).

Returning players - Rebecca Greely, MF, sr.; Erica Hopf, MF, sr.; Krista Hurzeler, D, sr.; Christie Kight, FW, sr.; Megan Loney, GK, sr.; Robi Thayer, D, sr.; Gracie Wilson, MF, jr.; Liz Herrington, MF, so.; Julianne Sanford, MF, so. Key newcomers - Carla Gilbert, MF, fr.; Leilani Sebolboro, F, fr.

Outlook - Thayer, an All-SPSL first-team choice last year, leads strong, experienced defense and Kight provides firepower up front. If freshmen play with confidence, Trojans should be playoff contenders.

Auburn Riverside Ravens

Coach - Dave Winter, third year.

1996 league record - 3-10-3 (seventh in North Division).

Returning players - Nicky Kinney, D, sr.; Jamie West, D, sr.; Rachel Moyer, MF, sr.; Natalie Swigart, D, sr.; Amber Carollo, F, sr.; Lindsey Thompson, MF, sr.; Jeanna Egerdahl, F, jr.; Melanie Locke, GK, jr.; Katie McVie, F, jr.; Lindsay Jewett, MF, jr.; Melanie Langley, F, jr.; Sarra Spadaro, MF, jr.; Amber Landry, D, jr. Key newcomers - Krystle Anderson, MF, jr.; Angela Clyde, MF, so.; Stephanie Swigart, MF, fr.

Outlook - Look for usually defensive-minded Ravens to be in attack mode this season with a dangerous offense. Langley especially knows how to find the net. That doesn't mean the defense will slip, especially with McKinney moving back from midfield. Controlling the ball in the middle is a key to Ravens' rise.

Enumclaw Hornets

Coach - Dan Rogel, first year.

1996 league record - 3-8-5 (seventh in North Division).

Returning players - Mandy Thomasson, MF, sr.; Codi Hanson, D, sr.; Nikki Nachtsheim, D, sr.; Jacki Irwin, MF/D, jr.; Jessica Miller, F/MF, jr.; Becky Long, F, jr.; Sara Short, MF, jr.; Erica Madill, MF, jr.; Megan Liebmann, F, so.; Kim Gragness, D, so.; Jo Jo Nachtsleim, D, so. Key newcomers - Angie Merrill, AA, fr.

Outlook - Merrill brings solid all-around skills and aggressive attitude to a team full of optimism, despite coaches' poll that ranks Hornets last. Rogel says passing game is a strength.

Kentlake Falcons

Coach - Ed Gutierrez, first year.

1996 league record - None; new school in 1997-98.

Key newcomers - Nicole Losacco, D, jr.; Beckie Griffin, F, jr.; Christine Eckloff, D, jr.; Michele Franklin, D, jr.; Kelli Payne, F, jr.; Kelly Custis, MF, so.; Christina Bannon, MF, so.; Nicole Oordt, D, so.; Alex Lindbergh, MF, so.; Meghan Miller, GK, fr.; Pam Smethers, MF, fr.; Megan Franich, MF, fr.; Sarah Adams, MF, fr.; Katie Heeb, D, fr.; Carly Bogdan, D, fr.; Stephanie Newquist, MF, fr.; Lindsay Morris, MF, fr.; Ruth Bjorkman, MF, fr.

Outlook - With no senior class, young Kentlake might take a few licks in inaugural season. But Falcons have core of experienced players, led by Losacco, Griffin and Payne. If they play with intensity and aggressiveness, they could surprise a team or two.

Kent-Meridian Royals

Coach - Gunter Borhmann, 10th year.

1996 league record - 5-8-3 (fifth in North Division).

Returning players - Kelly Hendrickson, MF, sr.; Megan Tiemann, MF, sr.; Nikke Watters, D, sr.; Mballu Konteh, D, so.; Liz Leaf, D, so.; Katie Lavato, MF, so.; Jennifer Ross, F, so. Key newcomers - Desiree Dampier, F, jr.; Liz Over, GK, jr.; Ashley Jeffrey, MF, so.; Tanya Lewark, D, so.; Jillian Boyer, GK/F, so.; Emily Bartlett, MF, fr.; Erin McLeondon, MF, fr.; Amber Swim, MF, fr.; Quinn Thomas, MF, fr.

Outlook - Royals have skills to crack top three if they play up to potential. Their young players must play with confidence. Lack of depth on defense is a concern, so staying healthy is a key.

Kentridge Chargers

Coach - Rick Fox, third year.

1996 league record - 1-11-4 (ninth in North Division).

Returning players - Lana Walquist, D, sr.; Lindsay Stubrud, MF, sr.; Tisha Rivera, F, sr.; Lindsye Hupp, MF, sr.; Lindsey Hunt, MF, sr.; Dee Bernasconi, MF, sr.; Jolene Gagnon, GK, jr.; Steph Lyon, GK, jr.; Nicole Medina, MF, jr.; Courtney Lyle, F, jr.; Shannon Fox, D, jr.; Melissa Morgan, MF, jr.; Brandi Sturtevant, F, jr.; Christie Kovtan, MF, jr.; Walker Loseno, MF, so. Key newcomers - Summer Thuney, MF, so.; Meghan Giados, D, so.; Ann McEnroe, D, so.; Emily Wesly, F, fr.; Jennie Capato, MF, fr.

Outlook - This is the season Chargers have been building for. They appear especially strong in midfield and have ability to dominate some teams. Gagnon and Lyon are solid tandem in goal. Fox said the key is playing composed, methodical, technical game rather than kick-and-run. They'll miss senior defender Bridgette Takeuchi, out for the season with a knee injury.

Kentwood Conquerors

Coach - T.R. Stonebeck, second year.

1996 league record - 12-2-2 (second in North Division); lost to Shorecrest in first round of AAA state playoffs.

Returning players - Marissa Berg, D, sr.; Kristina Mustacich, D, sr.; Tracy McLes, GK, sr.; Niki Ironside, MF, jr.; Ford Ness-Doscher, D, jr.; Abbe Roche, D, so. Key newcomers - Amber Welch, D, sr.; Katie Mustacich, MF, so.; Jill Green, MF, so.; Stefanie King, MF, fr.; Tara Koetter, F, fr.

Outlook - They lost eight players to graduation, three to Kentlake and two to knee injuries, so Conquerors face major rebuilding project. They lack size, but have some young talent willing to learn. Will improve as they gain confidence.

Tahoma Bears

Coach - Kassie Meath, first year.

1996 league record - not available (Pierce County League).

Returning players - Megan Dillon, MF, sr.; Erin Klep, F, sr.; Jacqueline Bennion, MF/F, jr.; Teresa Cross, D, jr.; Crystal Harwood, D, jr.; Erika Jonasson, MF/F, jr.; Brenna Durham, D, so.; Karli Reichert, F, so. Key newcomers - Hillary Johnson, MF, so.; Cailan McCutchan, MF, fr.; Brenda Nobis, GK, fr.; Ashley Pryor, MF, fr.

Outlook - Bears lost nine seniors and are jumping up from Class AA, but few expect them to struggle. In fact, they're division favorites. Tahoma must be aggressive and play as a team.

South Division

Bethel Braves

Coach - Shelly Simmons, fifth year.

1996 league record - not available.

Returning players - Rachael Bartell, GK, sr.; Janelle Vrieze, MF/F, jr.; Kelly Reed, F, jr.; Bree Grothe, MF, jr.; Tiffany Dearringer, MF, jr.; Jennifer Pyeatt, D, jr. Key newcomers - Faith Selga, F, sr.; Lisa McCann, D, jr.; Laurie Loete, MF, jr.; Karla Clark, D, jr.; Shannon Wilson, D, jr.; Erin Glathar, D, so.; Lindsey Andersen, MF, so.; Lindsay Geffre, MF, so.; Sarah Schenck, F, so.

Outlook - Bethel has gotten better and better the past four seasons, but the program is still developing and division is stronger than ever with addition of the three Federal Way schools. Glathar and Andersen are very solid players and team is very quick overall. Braves must become more physical.

Curtis Vikings

Coach - Gary Spidahl, first year.

1996 league record - not available (second in South Division), lost to Jefferson in SPSL tournament.

Returning players - Jenni Burrough, F, sr.; Allison Porter, F, sr.; Renee Rice, D, sr.; Hilary Law, D, sr.; Jade McNallan, MF/D, sr.; Gretchen Winter, F, sr.; Rachel Hurd, D/MF, sr.; Katie Kasper, GK, jr.; Sydney Johnson, D/MF, jr.; Joelle Tybon, D, jr.; Saral Zielske, F, jr. Key newcomers - Becky Hyatt, F, sr.; Elise Burrell, D, sr.; Diana Dargan, GK, jr.; Amber Blondin, MF, jr.; Rachel Rodrick, MF, so.; Lindsey Raby, MF, so.; Layley McNallan, MF, so.; Allison Richardson, F, so.; Cassie Christiansen, D, so.; Jenny Swanson, MF, so.

Outlook - Vikings have good mix of returning and new players. They can keep pressure on offensively and have good leadership on defense. Should be a fit team.

Decatur Gators

Coach - Dan Flint, fourth year.

1996 league record - 12-1-3 (first in North Division); lost to Bellarmine in AAA state championship game.

Returning players - Stephanie High, GK, sr.; Lori Lanning, F, sr.; Erin Haney, D, sr.; Emily Hamilton, D, sr.; Megan Olsen, F, sr.; Liana Heskin, MF, sr.; Erin Hoyt, MF, sr.; Jonna Melton, GK, jr.; Kristin Baker, D, jr.; Amber Svalstedt, F, jr.; Marissa Norwood, D, jr.; Katrina Stroh, F, jr.; Kellie Krueger, MF, jr.; Brittany Norwood, D, so.; Kim Boers, D, so.; Kristen Brehm, F, so. Key newcomers - Jennifer McGaw, D, jr.; Kristin Cow, MF/D, jr.; Laura Harvey, MF/F, fr.; Christine Johnson, F/MF, fr.; Callie Carpenter, D, fr.

Outlook - All but one starter returns from last year's state runner-up team and Gators believe they can finish on top this season despite a season-opening loss to rival Jefferson. They usually gain steam as season goes on. They must regain confidence, work together and keep everyone eligible.

Federal Way Eagles

Coach - Michele Wood, fourth year.

1996 league record - 9-6-1 (fourth in North Division).

Returning players - Jamie Minkler, MF, sr.; Maygan Bowman, D, sr.; Theresa Gibson, D, sr.; Cindy Popich, MF, sr.; Erika O'Brien, MF, sr.; Jodie Kaczor, F, sr.; Eva Dizon, MF, sr.; Molly Rutter, D, sr.; Brittany Thompson, F, jr.; Jamie Rae, MF, jr.; Bethany Reardan, D, jr.; Paula Hendrickson, MF, jr.; Heidi Chambers, D, so.; Robyn Turney-Loos, D, so.; Nicole Ruiz, D, so. Key newcomers - Sarah O'Donkor, F, sr.; Jessica Dowling, GK, jr.; Erin Howell, F, jr.

Outlook - Look for Eagles to take more risks on offense instead of stacking their defense as Wood traditionally has. They graduated only three starters. Minkler is among top players in league. Eagles must avoid kick-and-run game.

Jefferson Raiders

Coach - Steve Manderville, fourth year.

1996 league record - 11-5-0 (third in SPSL North), lost to Kentwood in SPSL tournament.

Returning players - Kim DeHuff, D, sr.; Stacey Dunn, D, sr.; Genie Feist, MF, sr.; Sara Hart, GK, sr.; Stacie Heigh, MF, sr.; Shannon Kittelson, MF/F, sr.; Brianne Strothers, D, sr.; Annie Corrington, D/MF, jr.; Ariana Downs, MF/F, jr.; Bea Sakdy, MF/F, jr.; Mikki Seagren, MF/F, jr.; Lauren Gotchy, MF/D, so.; Lindsay Lapthorne, D, so. Key newcomers - April Parnell, D, sr.; Heather Warner, MF, sr.; Andrea Furgeson, F, so.; Jamie Perkins, MF, so.; Marissa Aslanian, MF, fr.; Anne Johnston, MF, fr.; Julia Ugarte, F, fr.

Outlook - If experienced Raiders keep work rate high, rather than play in spurts as they did last year, they should challenge for division title. They are sound in all areas, especially defense. Kittelson led North Division scorers last season.

Puyallup Vikings

Coach - Mark Harris, eighth year.

1996 league record - 12-1-1 (first in SPSL South); lost in opening round of AAA state playoffs.

Returning players - Sarah Hughes, MF, sr.; Sara Fitzpatrick, MF, jr.; Ashley Johnston, MF, jr.; Stacy Abberger, MF, jr.; Kaela Kaholakula, MF, jr.; Lauren Jackson, D, jr.; Alaina McGinn, F, jr.; Darcy Hanson, D, so. Key newcomers - Hilary Stemp, D, sr.; Shannon Kabeary, MF, sr.; Alice Reiff, GK, jr.; Siobhan Dye, F, jr.; Angela Petorak, MF, so.; Mandy Smith, D, so.; Renee Thor, GK/D; Lindsay Patterson, F, fr.; Zahra Jalaian, D/F, fr.

Outlook - Vikings play with a lot of energy and try to take opponents out of their game. They got a big confidence boost by beating Federal Way 2-0 last week.

Rogers Rams

Coach - David Rosdahl, second year.

1996 league record - 8-4-2 (third in South Division); lost to Kentwood in SPSL tournament.

Returning players - Naomi Allan, GK, sr.; Brooke Carpenter, MF, sr.; Jamie Schuur, MF, sr.; Laura Humphreys, D, jr.; Carolyn Donohoue, D, jr.; Nikki Lipp, F, jr.; Carli Nixon, D, jr.; Nicole Lessard, D, jr. Key newcomers - Jessica Gacke, D, sr.; Katie Dunn, D, sr.; Sevda Widener, D, sr.; Lexi Wilson, D/MF, jr.; Linda Skinner, MF/F, jr.; Erin Senk, GK, jr.; Holly Tillett, MF, so.; Christine Chilton, F, so.; Jessie Freese, D/MF, so.

Outlook - Rams lost 11 varsity players to graduation and might take a little time to mesh. Allan is as good as they come in goal, earning All-SPSL first-team honors last season.

Spanaway Lake Sentinels

Coach - Trista Dawson, first year.

1996 league record - not available (South Division).

Returning players - Chrissi Fortin, D, sr.; Dawn Sweeney, GK, sr.; Sarah Vanderplatt, MF, sr.; Kristina Krumpos, D, jr.; Theresa Laurente MF, jr.; Sunna Kwun, MF, jr.; Jessica Raddatz, D, jr. Key newcomers - Jamie Whittacker, MF, so.; Olivia Ludwig, F, so.; Cheri Rester, F, so.; Kaetag Hartman, MF, so.

Outlook - Building a competitive program could be slow, steady project in this tough division.

Sumner Spartans

Coach - Moe Orcutt, eighth year.

1996 league record - not available (South Division).

Returning players - Brandy McFarland, F, sr.; Hanna Lohrmann, F, sr.; Anna Brand, F, sr.; Hillary O'Hara, MF, sr.; Molly Gormley, MF, sr.; Kerri Wog, D, sr.; Bree Barton, GK, sr.; Megan Cimmer, MF, jr.; Natlie Ruston, MF, jr.; Jay Moffet, MF, so.; Sayde Marzolf, MF, so.; Jen Haavik, D, so.; Brooke DeLaurier, D, so. Key newcomers - Amy Fallstrom, MF, so.; Patty Martin, F, so.; Lauren Welch, D, so.; Heidi Shrann, GK, so.; Suzy Chase, GK, so.; Lindsay Colgan, MF, fr.

Outlook - With 10 sophomores, Spartans are young. Quick team should play sound defense, although Chase is new in goal.