The Mountain Valley Conference always seems to be in the picture during the Class C playoffs. That winning tradition has contributed to each team gaining a great degree of competitiveness during the regular season.

Telstar returns several players and is tabbed as the favorite. Hall-Dale is the defending regional champion. Livermore Falls has some talented players and could be a surprise, while Winthrop is always in the hunt. The loss of several key players on other teams is offset by strong feeder systems that allow younger players to step in and contribute immediately.

Telstar thought it would require some rebuilding last season, but the team came together and contended for the MVC crown. That experience should prove invaluable. Kayla Mills had a suburb freshman campaign, and Alanna Borst lead the scoring on the front line.

Lauren Hart and Mallory Brown add depth to the offense.

Co-captain Santana Wilson and Krystle Gould are proven halfbacks who can cover ground.

“Our offense is shooting accurately for early in the season. That’s a plus,” Telstar coach Gail Wight said. “(Co-captain) Ashley Stambolis has control of the defensive circle. Both captains are hard workers and lead by example.”

Sophomore Heather Gionet returns in goal. The transition game has been inconsistent in the past, but midfielders Justine Carver, Megan Bailey and Jullian Kimball should shine with another year of work.

Livermore Falls reached the playoffs again last season but drew eventual state champion Dexter. The Andies have a new goalie, so the defense is going to have to come on strong to hold off stronger opponents. Teryn Flagg will be a force in the midfield. The Andies return a veteran offense with inner Andrea St. Pierre and wings Valen Richard and Cassandra Purrington.

“Telstar is always a threat,” Andies coach Amy Druzba said. “Gail Wight is an awesome coach, and they return a lot. Dirigo and Jay with new coaches will be interesting to see. I’d watch for Boothbay and Georges Valley to keep improving as their coaching staff will be staying the same and the girls are getting a feel for winning.”

Dirigo will be in a rebuilding mode, following the graduation of 11 seniors. The task falls on the shoulders of new coach Gretchen Curtis. The Cougars were strong in the middle, led by Nikki Turbide and Alyssa Burns, so it may require time before the offense gets in the flow. Dana Burns and Amanda Law lead the offense, which struggled throughout the preseason.

The defense will need to step up with Sheena Hamner and Liz Hebert. Dirigo also hopes for some freshmen to contribute, including goalie Dani Tompkins and forwards Melissa Bacon and Abby Fenstermacher.

“We are working hard on (offense),” Curtis said. “We are going to struggle with such a young team, but all the girls are ready to go.”

Jay finished 5-8-1 and missed the playoffs last year. They’ll be on a mission under first-year leader Kelly Morin. The system shouldn’t change ,because Morin was the JV coach last year. The Tigers have been below their typical winning ways the last two seasons, and the program has a strong tradition.

The offensive scoring will largely rest on seniors Rachael Gagnon and Courtney Gould. Jacyln Lautz will distribute the ball in the center of the front line, so look for sisters Ashley and Kristen Uhuad to get out on the wings. A key may be getting the ball in to the offensive zone.

“We’ll be a fast team,” Morin said. “The defense is strong with fullbacks Sara Fetterhoff, Heather Johnson and Jamie Melcher.”

Lisbon lost four of five games in overtime last season, so if the fortunes turn, a .500 record is possible. The midfield and offense could shine with veterans Krystal Doughty, Kelly Campbell, Emily Poliquin, Kim Campbell, Nichole Davenport, Amanda Nailor and Jen Hogan.

Goalie Kim Ledbetter has experience, along with backs Kristen Piche and Nikki Smith.

Mountain Valley is the lone Class B team in the MVC. The Falcons still return a majority of the team, so there’s plenty of support.

The midfield has senior Samm Johnson and Brianna Touchette.

It will be important to provide scoring chances to Kaly Bernard and Nikki Demers. Goaltender Sarah Martin is fronted by backs Erin Stearns and Jenn Kellogg.

Winthrop won the MVC crown in 2002 but will be hard pressed to repeat. Several graduation losses caused some holes, but lone senior Tabitha Therrien returns in goal.

The Ramblers have players who have contributed some in 2002, and this year offers a bigger opportunity.

Forwards Nicole Emery and Sarah Cook are scoring threats. Ashley Burgess and midfielder Mackenzie Demkowicz must control the ball. Keltie Mullen and Burgess each played on the Maine Events team.

Hall-Dale won the regional title last year and returns several veterans.