Spring 1999: Part 2 Best Bets for the Top 10 Part 2 of a 7-Part Series... (Note: This is a continuing series on a hypothetical Spring 1999 Soccer season. We evaluate the current rosters of each Division 1 team as of this spring, before new recruits are added and assuming seniors are graduated. We suggest reading at least Article 1 which has an intro to this series which will help you better enjoy the information below). The Rest of the Top 10 UCLA The Bruins are loaded with all 11 starters returning and 8 freshmen and sophs much more experienced this time around. Easily a Top 5 team and would challenge Hartford for the final spot in the College Cup. Coach Saldana has maybe the deepest team in the Spring season as several freshmen and sophomores, including subs Emblem, Bogart, Altman and Krista Boling are ready to step up for any starter. Milburn and James continue to be a great balance for regular striker Duncan as the Bruins appear ready to cash in on soccer success like their male UCLA counterparts. Virginia Despite losing two defenders and having a weak finish in '98, the Cavaliers are primed for a Top 10 return and a strong run at a Quarterfinalist finish. Seven starters still have just two years experience led by freshmen Gaworeski, Borski, Lindsey, Meeker, Tracy and Westinghouse. All America Angela Hucles is primed for her best season yet and could be the top player in the ACC. Baylor The Bears continue their climb to the top as ten starters and several mainstays return. Six rising seniors will be focused on more than a Top 10 ranking. Molly Cameron and Courtney Saunders are two of the premier strikers in the country and Nikki Hales is a great field general. Coach Waldrum now has a nice blend of experience and lots of youth to make a solid Top 10 team and become a real threat for a College Cup berth. Penn State Carol Dutchka is a big loss but 9 starters will bring another Quarterfinalist finish for the Lions. Still youthful, PSU has star players in Bonnie Young, Kelly Convey and Jeannine Verdrager. All America Emily Oleksiuk has given the Lions a much stronger defense than in years past as she excelled in goal in '98. While the Big 10 keeps getting stronger, PSU continues to climb towards the top of the nation's elite teams. Vanderbilt The Commodores would likely win the SEC over National Champ Florida and be within earshot of a Quarterfinalist finish if not seriously challenge for a College Cup berth. Coach McDonald has a super player at each position with Koerner at forward, Helgadottir at midfield, Kamholz on defense and Whitt in goal. Those four are part of 10 starters returning, making the Commodores a Top 10 team with College Cup credentials. Dartmouth Can the Big Green duplicate their Top 10 run of 1998? Luckenbill in goal is key with losses in the back but this team enters 1999 much more experienced. Dartmouth loses only two full-time starters and returns solid depth along with key players Lang, Murray, Post, Castro and Roth. Coach Knudsen had one of the best turnarounds in the '98 season and should continue that trend as a team that would vie for a Quarterfinalist position in a Spring NCAA Tournament. Next Week: Which soccer teams are on the verge of Top 10 status in our "Spring 1999 Season"?... Find out on Monday, January 25 in Part 3 of Soccer Buzz' Spring '99 Series. Top | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7