1. Mother McAuley–The defending Class AA state champions, are loaded. Start with junior Traci Broadway, a 5-foot-11-inch hitter-setter.
2. Marian Catholic–Six starters return from last year`s 25-3 team that lost twice to McAuley, including setter Nancy Gaspadarek.
3. Richards–The Bulldogs will fight it out with Oak Lawn and Sandburg in the tough South Inter-Conference Association North Division.
4. Palatine–The 1984 state runner-up must find a setter to get the ball to 6-0 blocker Karen Staab.
5. Oak Forest–Senior Cheryl Prihar could be the state`s premier setter.
6. Oak Park–The Huskies, who have won two state titles, have six starters back from last season`s 21-14 team.
7. Oak Lawn–Five starters return including setter Donna Tucci, an all-SICA North selection.
8. Sandburg-The young Eagles (nine juniors) are led by hitter Sharon Stefan.
9. Homewood-Flossmoor–Junior setter Jenny Sherlock is already being touted as one of the best around.
10. St. Charles–The Saints should improve on 29-5 mark Lisa Vitale.
11. Resurrection–The Resites always give McAuley a test.
12. Providence–Juniors Jenny Hurkanin and Karen Kamarauskas lead the Celtics.
13. Lockport–Senior Andra Dystrup developed into a devastating blocker before last season`s end.
14. Maria–This team is always in McAuley`s shadow, but always rough.
15. Woodstock–Four starters, led by seniors Patience Eckler, Kelly Stieg and Jenny Eriksen, are back.
16. Downers North–The Trojans, ranked No. 1 much of last season, lost five starters to graduation.
17. Riverside-Brookfield-Three-year starters Missy Siuda and Michelle Gordey are back.
18. Downers South-The Mustangs will build around hitter Sharon Dunovsky.
19. Immaculate Conception–The Knights are always Class A contenders.
20. Thornwood–The Thunderbirds will go as far as Tina Murray, MVP at the junior Olympics, can take them.
