ESPN RISE

ESPN RISE takes a look at the teams to watch this month in Greater Cincinnati:

Girls' Golf - Mason
Fred Reeder has a problem most other programs envy. There are so many good golfers on Mason's squad, he has trouble finding playing time for all of them. "We have girls who would be starters on nearly any other golf team in Ohio, except maybe Walsh Jesuit," Reeder says, "but they have to play JV because we can't find space for them." Interestingly, Reeder singled out the team Mason must dethrone if the Comets are to take the Division I title this year. Last year, they fell 13 strokes behind Walsh Jesuit after Day 1, and tied them on Day 2 to finish as runners-up. "It was a mixture of excitement at finishing second and disappointment at not performing at their potential," Reeder says. "I think every girl would say they hadn't played their best those two days, and yet to finish second is something we were able to do."Walsh coach Bill Reilly has mentioned how Mason will be right on the Warriors' backs this year. Reeder says the team is focusing on its own game and not on any other team, but if the Comets compete for a state crown, it'll be up to seniors Alexis Nelson and Elizabeth Nebraski and sophomores Emily Wright and Erin Michel. "Those are four of about 10 girls who are so close in ability level that its tough to figure out who's our No. 1," Reeder says. The key for Mason will be consistency and poise. With an extra year of experience under their belts, the Comets may have what it takes to secure the state crown.

Football - Sycamore
Sycamore and Moeller are separated by less than five miles. So it's strange that the two schools met for the first time in 11 years last season in the second round of the playoffs. Moeller came back from a 21-0 halftime deficit to win, 35-28. But Sycamore may find more luck this year. The team's top offensive players (all seniors) return, including running back Bud Golden, receiver Lamar Passmore and quarterback Casey MacClean. Senior defensive back Steve Hull (team-leading seven INTs) also returns.

Girls' Volleyball - Chaminade-Julienne
Chaminade-Julienne racked up the conference awards last year after a 14-0 regular season and a 20-3 overall record. Coach Sara Bachus Redman won Coach of the Year, and outside hitter Lisa Treadway won Athlete of the Year. Treadway returns this season to help the Eagles try to advance beyond regionals, where they lost a tight, five-set match to Butler. Joining Treadway will be seniors Mariah Nussbaum, a second team All-Conference pick, and Rachel Brun, an honorable mention selection.

Boys' Soccer - Elder
Elder dominated Dayton-area soccer last season, topping Carroll, Alter and Chaminade-Julienne in the regular season. Then the Panthers defeated previously unbeaten Beavercreek in the Division I regional title game before falling to Hilliard Davidson in the state semifinals. This year will be more challenging for Elder, which must replace first team All-Ohio pick Anthony Meyer. Seniors Steve Schaefer and Jimmy Hice will lead a team that hopes to avoid letting this season become just a rebuilding year.

Breakout teams

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL  HARRISON
Senior Kim Rosen and juniors Ashley Hoeffer and Hannah Volkerding look to advance beyond districts.

BOYS' SOCCER  SEVEN HILLS
Senior Michael Fink helped the Stingers to the district finals in 2007.

GIRLS' SOCCER  CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
After reaching the district finals, senior Margaux Andrews looks to lead CHCA even further.

FOOTBALL  DUNBAR
Three of the team's five losses last year were by three or fewer points.