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1. Maranacook

The Black Bears enter the new season as the defending Class C champion after winning their second state title in three years with a 15-1 record. Maranacook did lose its top player, Claire Dwyer, to graduation. However, several members of last year’s team return, including Lydia Garofalo, Julia Thaller and Leah Hildebrandt. Both Garofalo and Thaller qualified for the MPA state singles tournament. There’s reason to believe the Black Bears can be a force in Class C again.

2. Waterville

The Purple Panthers fought through injuries last season but still reached the Class B North semifinals before falling to regional champion Old Town. While Waterville graduated one of its top players in Fatima Shiekh, the rest of the starting lineup returns. That includes junior Sadie St. Peter, who qualified for the state singles tournament, as well as senior Piper Hamilton, a KVAC Class B second-team selection, and the doubles combo of Ava Libby and Hannah Zeimetz, who qualified for the state doubles tournament. If the team can stay healthy, there’s every reason to believe it can challenge for the North crown.

3. Cony

The Rams graduated several seniors from last year’s team but returned their top two players in senior Lilah Goldey and junior Kira Gregor. A state singles qualifier and No. 9 seed as a freshman, Gregor spent much of last spring recovering from knee surgery. She should be at full strength this season. Goldey is the returning Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B Player of the Year. If the Rams can solidify the starting lineup, they can once again be a strong unit.

4. Winthrop

The Ramblers are hoping to build off a strong season with a lineup led by junior Gabby Janik, who had a 7-3 record during the regular season and was a Mountain Valley Conference first-team selection. Coach Joe Menice is also counting on contributions from juniors Chloe Moody and Ellie Barrett, as well as sophomore Sophie Shuman. If the group can make an impact in their new roles, the Ramblers can make a strong playoff push in Class C.