Princeton's biggest strength should be at the blueline. Junior defenseman Annamarie Holmes (10, 18) proved to be one of the more capable defensive scorers in the conference last season, and senior defenseman Dani Holtschlag (6, 11) can also contribute on offense.

Sophomore goaltender Susan Maes (3.05 GAA) had an erratic rookie year between the pipes for the Tigers. She will need more help from her teammates in the defensive zone this season.

7. Providence

As usual, the Friars (19-12-3, 15-8-3) will ask a lot of Sara DeCosta (2.32 GAA), their all-everything 5'9" goaltender. DeCosta used her height and experience with the 1998 U.S. Olympic Team to frustrate opposing offenses and earn Second-Team All-America honors last year.

Providence has done its best to help out its netminder, and the Friars will return all of their defensemen from last season, led by junior Valerie Bono (12, 11) and sophomore Kim Mathias (7, 7).

But things are not as promising on the offensive end. The Friars will rely on junior forward Jess Tabb (19, 18), who led the team in scoring last season after winning the ECAC Rookie of the Year Award in 1997-98.