Bates

Last year: 11-13

Players to watch: Jr. G Kelly Meredith (12.4 ppg), Soph. G Molly Brown (11.3 ppg), Sr. G Allie Beaulieu (9.6 ppg), Soph. F Allaina Murphy (6 ppg)

Overview: The Bobcats are still relatively young but have most of its veteran players back. Bates should continue to grow and build off last year.

Bowdoin

Last year: 21-8, lost in second round of NCAA tourney

Players to watch: Sr. G Kaitlin Donahoe (10.1 ppg), Jr. G Allie Piscina (5.9 ppg)

Overview: The Polar Bears gradued five seniors, comprising most of their offense. Bowdoin still had eight underclassmen see time last year that should step into larger roles, including former Edward Little guard Kirsten Prue.

Colby

Last year: 19-7, lost in NESCAC semifinal

Players to watch: Sr. G Diana Manduca (8.4 ppg), Sr. Jacky McLaughlin

Overview: Colby graduated three of its top scorers, Rachael Mack, Jil Vaughan and Aarika Ritchie. That leaves some holes to fill. Colby has added former Hall-Dale guard Carylanne Wolfington and former Cony forward Mia Diplock.

Husson

Last year: 16-11, lost in NAC semifinal

Players to watch: Sr. G Kelli Murray, Jr. G Gab Duke, Jr. F Stephanie Comstock.

Overview: Husson was picked fifth in the NAC preseason poll.

Maine Maritime

Last year: 14-13, lost in NAC semifinal

Players to watch: Sr. G Courtney Dufour (4.9 ppg), Sr. F Leah Jackson (6.2 ppg), Sr. F Alexis Bennett (9.6 ppg), Soph F Beckah Campbell (6 ppg)

Overview: MMA lost its top scorers but return the bulk of last year’s lineup. The Mariners were picked to finish third in the NAC preseason poll.

Saint Joseph’s College

Last year: 20-8, lost in GNAC championship

Players to watch: Jr. Lindsay Moore (10.1 ppg), Jr. F Abby Young (8.0), Sr. G Danyelle Shufelt (6.9 ppg), Jr. G Mackenzie Dufour.

Overview: The Monks lost their top two scorers in Ashley Geel and Megan McDevitt but return a solid young nucleus that should keep the club competitve.

Thomas

Last year: 5-20

Players to watch: Sr. F Jasmine Bishop (6.0 ppg), Jr. F Katie Thibodeau.

Overview: Thomas has just six returnees from last year. Among those back and looking to take on larger roles are former Monmouth guard Kristi Hilton (a sophomore) and former Dirigo forward Morgan Hutchins (a junior).

University of Maine at Farmington

Last year: 10-15

Players to watch:  Sr. F Kenni Norton (11.4 ppg), Lindsay Ranquist (8.5 ppg), Sr. G Rachel Clement (5.9 ppg), Jr. F Holly Oliver, Jr. G Mallory Bonnevie.

Overview: UMF was picked to finish sixth in the preseason NAC poll. The Beavers return three starters in Norton, Ranquist and Clement.

University of Southern Maine

Last year: 21-7, lost in first round of NCAA tourney

Players to watch: Sr. F Haley Jordan (14.9 ppg), Sr. G Nicole Garland (12.9 ppg), Sr. F Jordan Grant (6.6 ppg), Jr. G Erin McNamara (5 ppg), Sr. G Brooke Stevens.

Overview: The Huskies lost top scorer and rebounder Courtney Cochran but still return most of the club that lost in the Little East Championship and reached the NCAA tourney.