In 2005, Purdue, Northwestern and Michigan finished 1,2 and 3 at regionals.

Purdue returns two fifth-year seniors (All-Region player Michelle Groscost and Kali Frost) as well as last year's Freshman of the Year Kami Larson to lead an experienced and solid team. Their captain, Groscost, expects the team to be even quicker than last year. Their horizontal stack offense will rely on Groscost's big lefty hucks and Frosts's omni-field-presence to move the disc. Look for Brickhouse at Queen City and Terminus this spring.

Northwestern also returns most of the players that led them to a second place regional finish in 2005, including captains Candice Tse, Christen Kirby and All-Region player Vanessa Fajardo. They play a fundamentally sound game that depends on working as a team and "wearing all black with a little bit of flair." Look for Gung Ho at Vegas, Southerns and High Tide this spring.

Michigan lost several key players last year to graduation including their handler core. However, the returning crew, led by captains Becca Mark and Carolyn Chappell, has not lost any ground. They won January's Michigan Indoor with wins over Purdue and Northwestern. The strength of this team is its depth. Out of 24 players, only two are true rookies to the game. Look for Flywheel at Queen City, Mardi Gras and Terminus this spring.

Beyond these three teams, the competition does not drop off. Illinois, Notre Dame and Indiana have strong traditions. Ohio State and Michigan State played well this fall and at the Michigan Indoor, and both are looking to improve this season. Other teams to watch for are Ohio University, Oberlin, Case Western and U of Chicago.