SOUTH JERSEY LEAGUE

MEDITERRANEAN DIVISION

Defending Champion: Vineland

Overview:

Vineland, the four-time defending state team champion, lost some key swimmers but anytime your list of returnees begins with Tiffany Malatesta, the defending 100-yard freestyle state champion, and continues with Sabrina Warren and Stevie Anderson who, along with Malatesta, comprised three-fourths of the record breaking state champion 200 free relay, you're in pretty good shape. Add Victoria Bonifield, Karly Daplyn and Sara Mulvihill among others with state championship experience and you have the recipe for a five-peat.

Behind the Fighting Clan are a number of solid teams, but don't be surprised if Washington Township emerges as the strongest of that next group. First year coach Jessica Slates, a former Minutemaid herself, will rely on one of the state's top distance swimmers, sophomore Cassie Cregar, along with Andrea Castiglione and Jackie Mannon, to lead the Minutemaids. They'll be young but they have some talent.

Eastern has a strong nucleus returning led by senior captain Emily Reichard, who was ninth in the 200 free and eighth in the 100 breaststroke at states last year, junior Monica Dawydowych and sophomore Shannon Silber, 11th in the 100 free. Having a steady place to practice all season will help.

Cherry Hill East and Lenape were both hit hard by graduation, but the Cougars have a nice group coming back led by Morgan Ley, Matti Perilstein and Ashley Showers as do the Indians in a junior class led by Shannon Patrick and Jenell Walsh-Thomas.

Blair Gontowicz, a finalist in both sprint free events at states, is Rancocas Valley's top returnee, but she will have company in butterflyer Jessica Hart, and the Sobiela sisters, Missy and Jamie, while Cherokee's strength will be on the board where state diving champion Natalie Thomas is absolutely captivating.

CARIBBEAN DIVISION

Defending Champion: Cherry Hill West

Overview:

The Lions graduated most of their center lane strength, but they have depth and will challenge for second through fifth place against most opponents. Junior Allison Rolish and sophomores Amanda Waldner, Jen Rashti and Maureen O'Neill lead the list of returnees along with Liza Marianna, the 2003 state diving champ.

Bishop Eustace will be young, 17 of the 25 swimmers on the roster are freshmen and sophomores, but the Crusaders are eager to improve on last year's 4-8 mark. Seniors Cara Choplin, Jen Ehrenreich, Chris Moylan and Kemy Murphy will provide the leadership, but look for the underclassmen to make an impact as the season progresses.

In its first season as a split program, West Deptford is fortunate enough to have 15 letter winners returning from last year's coed team. The strength of this team, at least in numbers, is in the sophomore and junior classes. Lauren Potter leads the five juniors with varsity experience while Madison Saunders and Eileen Vernetti are among the seven experienced sophomores.

Moorestown is in a rebuilding mode but does return freestyler Liz Schroll among those who swam on last year's South Jersey Public B state champion. The future is bright though with freshmen Sophie Kenuk, Whitney Suflas and diver Erica Serpico.

Allie Hagan is the most experienced Holy Cross swimmer returning and the Lancers have to hope a large group of seniors progress enough to help out. CAPE-ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Defending Champion: None

Overview:

It's been a long time coming but the Cape-Atlantic girls' swim league makes its debut this year. Mainland, Atlantic City, Holy Spirit, Wildwood Catholic, Millville and Our Lady of Mercy Academy will be joined by Ocean City and Absegami in this inaugural season.

Mainland has a strong nucleus returning from last year's 6-1 squad led by Debbie Bateman, Alex Prudie, Molly McGroarty, and Ashley Filmore. Freshman Joanna Thomas is a sub-5 minute 500 free swimmer who bears watching.

Holy Spirit doesn't overwhelm you with star power, but their M.O. is they always peak at championship time. Kate Merz, Caitlin McCusker, Ali Funk and Beth Mooney lead the Spartans' veterans.

Ocean City has Renee Tomlin, Samantha King, Kelsey Levering and Carly Stranges to start its program, while Wildwood Catholic will be a tough meet with the likes of Amy Wuko, Katie Basolis, Victoria Lederer and Genee Voumard occupying the center lane.

Millville has the most potent one-two punch in the league in the Smaniottos, senior Cara, a two-time All-South Jersey first teamer, and Jill, a freshman, who has plenty of club experience.

OLMA was hit hard by graduation but does have a solid trio in Emily Fralinger and her cousin, Amy, and Johanna Brady, while Atlantic City will look to improve this year behind two-time league diving champion Julie Brinberg.

The other first year program, Absegami, has Laura Bassford along with Morgan Masalucci and Sharon Buckalew to kick start the program.

INDEPENDENTS

If this appears like it should be titled the Tri-County Conference you're getting warm. The conference is one team short of forming a separate girls' league. The schools will continue to split when they face each other and swim coed against the rest.

Gloucester Catholic graduated nine top swimmers, but the Rams have a strong nucleus returning bolstered by the addition of junior Megan McCourt, a transfer from Bishop Eustace. She joins an impressive returning lineup led by Melissa Blaston, Kellene McCall, Ashley Robb and Mary Chew in what should be an interesting year for the Rams.

Woodstown is optimistic about the season and well it should be with the addition of junior Samantha Edwards to the lineup. A veteran club swimmer, Edwards is a sub-five minute 500 free swimmer and a member of the United States National Junior Team.

Kingsway is equally optimistic and sees itself as a Public B contender. The Dragons will rely on breaststroker Cassie Tubb, backstroker Stephanie McAllister and the versatile Skyler Lindsey to lead the charge.

Clearview's split was met with overwhelming enthusiasm as 61 girls signed up for the team. Obviously filling lanes won't be a problem.

Seniors Krista Freitag, Megan Contino, Meredith Hankins and Lauren McDonald give Cumberland the leadership it'll need and Amber Hendricks gives the Colts a strong presence on the diving board.