1999 U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONALS PREVIEW 
  The United States has placed third in the Women's World Championships for three straight years, led by a veteran team. As we approach the next century, a new generation of young talents are being developed and may soon be making their mark. A weight by weight review of the U.S. Nationals for women follows: 
  101.25 LBS. - Three-time World Champion Tricia Saunders controls this weight class, with a record eight U.S. Nationals titles to her credit. Saunders remains unbeaten against U.S. opponents, and continues to lead the way for the U.S. program. Julie Gonzales placed second to Saunders at both the U.S. Nationals and World Team Trials last year. Danielle Hobeika holds the No. 3 national ranking.  
  Other nationally ranked contenders include Teresa Mobley, Kellie Odinet and Thisbe Reardon. Talented Lisa Berube may return after a year off. 
  112.25 LBS. - Stephanie Murata dropped to this weight class last year, and made her third straight U.S. World team. Her fourth place at the World Championships was her best finish ever. Ranked No. 2 is 1998 U.S. Nationals champion Jackie Berube, who won a World silver medal in 1996. Berube is also pursuing a career in Olympic weightlifting. Veteran Malissa Sherwood, the 1998 national runner-up, is ranked No. 3. 
  Afsoon Johnston and Marie Ziegler, who both boast two career World medals, are also nationally ranked. Angela Hesener, who has also competed at 101.25 pounds, is ranked No. 6. Also watch college wrestlers Olivia Ocampo and Janelle Knox, as well as Jen Teske, Lauralee Summer and Miriam Jenkins. 
  123.25 LBS. - Tina George moved to the top spot last year, with an impressive World Team Trials victory. She defeated 1998 U.S. Nationals runner-up Patricia Miranda for the U.S. team position. Veteran Treeva Cohee, who was fourth in the 1994 World Championships, holds the No. 3 ranking.  
  Former national champion Cheryl Meyer is ranked No. 4 and veteran Grace Magnussen comes in at No. 5. Aimee McNab is ranked sixth, but has been competing up a weight class. Sara McMann has dropped to this weight class, and captured the 1999 University Nationals. Others with potential include Katrina Chin, Cassie Inman and Beth Suppa. 
  136.5 LBS. - Lauren Wolfe has dominated this weight class, making four straight U.S. World teams. Her top finish has been fifth in the World, with a goal of winning a medal this year. Wolfe moved up a weight at last year's nationals, then returned to 136.5 pounds to defeat 1998 U.S. Nationals champion Jimi-Dawn Hornbuckle in the World Team Trials. Veteran Olga Lara holds the No. 3 ranking. 
  Young Megan Andrews climbed to a No. 4 ranking on the Senior level, after a successful youth career. Sara McMann is No. 5, but has dropped to 123.25 pounds. Elena Mena is ranked sixth, but has placed third at the U.S. Nationals. Other contenders include Aimee McNab, Megan McHattie and Fanny Rodriguez. 
  149.75 LBS. - Two-time World medalist Sandra Bacher has made four straight U.S. World teams. A two-time Olympian in judo, Bacher has also excelled in wrestling. Satrinina Vernon, the 1998 U.S. Nationals runner-up, placed second to Bacher in the 1998 World Team Trials. College star Katie Downing, the 1999 University Nationals champion, is ranked No. 3. 
  Cassie Inman and Kristy Jeffrey are also nationally ranked, but could compete at the lower weight class. Others in the field include Lisa Bethke, Tarimotimi Awipi, Ana Pines and Beth Artman. 
  165.25 LBS. - Three-time World silver medalist Kristie Stenglein rules this weight class, seeking the elusive World gold medal. Veteran Diana Wesendunk is ranked No. 2, and Iris Smith claimed the No. 3 national ranking. Satrinina Vernon has been successful at this weight class when she moves up from 149.75 pounds. Former national team member Dominique Smalley is also experienced. Others to watch are Tekla Balukus and Melovee Porter. 
  Placewinners at the U.S. Women's Nationals qualify for the Women's World Team Trials in Rochester, Minn., June 10-12. The champions at the Women's World Team Trials will represent the United States at the 12th Women's World Championships in Boden, Sweden, Sept. 12-15.