Coach: Eric Palleschi (5th season)

Last season: 9-5 in Class C West

Top returners: Parker Ferland (Sr., OF-P), Derek Gray (Sr., P-1B), McKenzie Tozier (Sr., INF), Eric Smith (Sr., C), Garrison Beck (Sr., OF), Mike Lindholm (Sr., UT), Jeremy Ashlock (So., OF), Miles Bonenfant (Sr. P-UT)

Key newcomers: David Hobson (Jr., INF), Josh Davis (Sr., P-OF), Roger Batchelder (So., P-1B), Blake Burnham (So., P-INF), Caleb Carter (So., C)

Outlook: The Mustangs return most of a lineup that won nine games last season. One missing element, though, is pitching. Only Gray returns with any varsity experience. Tozier leads a group of solid hitters while Smith is a four-yera starter behind the plate, but there are some questions on defense. Although Gray went 3-0 a year ago, the Mustangs don't have an ace.

Coach's comment: "It's a good group. It's going to depend on what we get for leadership, especially on the mound."

Coach: Tom Menendez

Top returners: Patrick McInnis (Soph., mid-distance), Kevin Desmond (Soph., mid-distance), Matt Cotton (Jr.m throws),

Key newcomers: Elliott Kahl (Jr., mid-distance), Nate Dostie (Jr., throws, sprints) Matt McInnis (Fr., sprints), Patrick Riley (Jr., mid-distance) Matt Bryant (Fr., mid-distance)

Outlook: The numbers are up at Monmouth, which about 20 competing. McInnis is returning from a shoulder injury suffered during wrestling season. He competed in just one meet last season, so coach Menendez is anxious to get him back.

Coach's comment: We are developing technique right now, and I'm ready to see what they can do."

Coach: Tom Menendez

Last season: 32nd in Class C

Top returners: Stephanie Spencer (Sr., mid-distance), Abby Szotkowski (Jr., sprinter, hurdles), Kirsten Grenier (Sr., hurdles), Devon Ayer (Jr., mid-distance).

Key newcomers: Molly Menice (Fr., sprints, throws) Andrea Pomerleau (Soph., jumps, hurdles), Emily Benoit (Fr., sprints)

Outlook: Ayer returns as one of the team's top runners. She qualified for the Class C meet in the 800 and 1,600 and should provide plenty of points for the team this spring. Grenier also finished ninth in the 100 at the state meet as well.

Coach's comment: "We should have an improvement from last year. We have a real solid core of returners. We'll make a mark in the conference and state meets."

Coach: Tyler Hunt (2nd season)

Last season: 12-4, Western Class C Finals

Top returners: Noah Bosworth (Jr.), Morgan Bergeron (Jr.),Eben Musich (Sr.), Corey Dyke (Jr.), Richard Brassard (Sr.), Blake Hamel (Sr.), Ryan Baillargen(Jr.), Kevin Smith (So.)

Key newcomers: Nick Trenholm (Fr.), Seth Musich (So.), Robbie Neal (So.), Allen Thomas(Jr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs pulled off a big surprise last spring by knocking off No. 1 see Dirigo in the Western C tournament and reaching the regional finals. Monmouth returns five of its top seven players and has two juniors, Bosworth and Bergeron, at the top two singles spots.

Coach's comment: "We are lucky to have back our top players this year and hope to have a good season versus an excellent MVC conference. I think people are pretty excited and we started to get some fans last year because of our success."

Coach: Jessica Callahan (2nd season)

Last season: 5-7, Western Class C Quarterfinals

Top returners: Kelsey Mellen (Jr.), Amanda Bouchard (Jr.), Taylor Scott (So.), Paige Leonas (So.)

Key newcomers: Brittany Lee (So.), Alyssa Stevens (Jr.)

Outlook: Monmouth lost its top three singles players to graduation. Mellen, Leonas and Bouchard will likely play the top three singles.

Coach's comment: "We return a good group of young talent and the challenge will be defining new roles as singles players and doubles teams and developing confidence in their abilities. Our goal is to continue to improve on a daily basis and with each game so we can peak at the right time going into playoffs."

Coach: Rachel Bernier (25th season)

Last season: 12-2, lost in Western D semis

Top returners: C Bethany Neal (Sr.); OF Alyssa Morin (Sr.); OF Lindsey Smith (Jr.); 3B Kelsie Hilton (So.); SS Kristi Hilton (So.).

Key newcomers: P/IF Christina Kahl (Fr.); IF Sara Campbell (Fr.); P/IF Colby Wilson (Fr.); IF/OF Angela Bechard (Fr.); OF Megan Bates (Fr.); OF Tiffany Bouffiere (Fr.).

Outlook: The Mustangs haven't missed the playoffs since 1993, but an inexperienced group here will be challenged to continue the streak. Freshmen are expected to make up the bulk of the starting roster in a competitive MVC division.

Coach's comment: "It's tough when you're taking freshmen and trying to make them play at that level, that's a lot of pressure on them. But the kids do a great job. The first few weeks will be tough, but I know they'll grow."