East Lyme

Coach: Kristy Behbehani (5th season)

Key returnees: Sr. A Kristen Healy, Sr. D Abby Mountain, Sr. D Natale Taylor, Sr. G Lydia Swan, Jr. M Lindy Erikson, Jr. M Caroline Real, So. A Sarah Healy.

Outlook: The Vikings went 14-5-1 a year ago, sharing the ECC tournament title with Stonington and advancing to the Class M quarterfinals. They did take some graduation hits, but return an experienced senior class anchored by Swan, an ECC all-star, in goal. "With new additions to the team, we have a lot of potential," Behbehani said. "I believe the success we achieved last year will carry over into this season."

Fitch

Coach: Diane Kolnaski (9th season)

Key returnees: Sr. F Ella Bergandahl, Sr. G Hailie Kesterson, Sr. M Maggie O'Leary, Sr. D Allyssa McIlquham, Sr. D Paige Pollard.

Outlook: The Falcons went on a late six-game winning streak to finish 8-8 in 2018, and hope to ride that momentum into 2019, where they return eight starters. McIlquham was an ECC all-star a year ago and anchors an experienced defense that also returns Pollard and Kesterson, and depth could turn into a strength with 30 players in the program. Kolnaski expects a promising group of newcomers to help keep the Falcons competitive in the conference.

Stonington

Coach: Jenna Tucchio (17th season)

Key returnees: Sr. D Sarah Flakus, Jr. M Teagan O'Brien, Sr. M Kaira Wiltshire, Jr. M Ellie Korinek.

Top newcomers: Sr. G Claire Evans, So. D Sophia Fernholz, Fr. D Anne Drago, So. M Eileen Ackley, So. M Sandy McGugan, So. F Dillon Griscom, So. F Olivia Monte.

Outlook: The Bears are young, but don't let that fool you. Despite key graduation losses, including The Day's All-Area Player of the Year (Miranda Arruda), Stonington has the ability to win its 10th straight ECC title in 2019 after going 17-2-2 a year ago and reaching the Class semifinals, where they dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to eventual champion Immaculate. "Despite our younger lineup," Tucchio said, "we have a strong core of players ready to defend our ECC championship and look for a long and successful run in the state tournament."

Waterford

Coach: Molly Quiles (1st season)

Key returnees: Sr. M Kasey Kirchoff, Sr. G Nini Yangga, Sr. F Jess San Juan, Sr. C Molly Quiles, Jr. F Hannah Buczkowski.

Top newcomer: So. M Sophia Hathaway.

Outlook: Quiles, a five-year assistant, takes over as head coach, and must replace a strong senior class that include a pair of players (Cassidy Susi and Alyson Sanford) that made The Day's All-Area team. Despite those losses, Quiles believes the Lancers can return to the Class S state tournament after going 9-9 a year ago.