The anchor of the defense should be sophomore goalie Meaghan Cahill, who finished sixth in the league with a 2.62 GAA.

Princeton

The Tigers (12-16-2) hope to repeat their surprise performance in the ECAC Tournament last year, when they upset No. 2 Northeastern in the quarterfinals.

But Princeton will have to replace goalie Tammy Orlow, who started every game for the Tigers last season. Sophomore Annamarie Holmes (10 g, 13 a), a Second-Team All-Ivy defender, will have to anchor the Princeton defense in Orlow's absence.

Holmes will receive help from junior Dani Holtschlag (4 g, 19 a), a Second-Team All-Ivy defender who also plays on the front line. Junior forward Danya Marshman (13 g, 18 a) should be another offensive contributor.

But the bulk of Princeton's offense should be generated by senior forward Ali Coughlin (25 g, 16 a). Coughlin finished 13th in the league in scoring, good enough for a spot on the All-Ivy second team and a Kazmaier Award nomination.

Cornell

Six-year assistant Carol Mullins take over the coaching duties from Julie Anderhan, who left the Big Red (15-8-3) to try to build a team at Wisconsin. Cornell's front line will miss forward Janna Dewar, a first-team All-Ivy selection and Kazmaier Award nominee last season.

Filling in for Dewar will be junior Colette Bredin (21 g, 12 a), a Second-Team All-Ivy forward, and senior forward Morag McPherson (14 g. 7 a). Senior netminder Alanna Hayes (2.06 GAA) will anchor the Big Red defense.

St. Lawrence

The Saints (8-16-2) finished ninth in a rebuilding year last season, but should be improved. The team is still very young, however, and may be a year away from making a run at the ECAC title.

St. Lawrence will rely on the Class of 2001 at both ends of the ice. Sophomore goalie Emily Stein will lead the defense after finishing 11th in the league with a 4.23 GAA in her rookie campaign.

On the front line, sophomore forwards Caroline Trudeau (22 g, 9 a) and Nicole Kirnan (14 g, 15 a) should do most of the scoring for the Saints.

Niagara

The 1998-99 Purple Eagles will be the first women's varsity ice hockey team in school history. It is fitting that Niagara's team leaders in its rookie season should be freshman.