When it comes to collegiate women's soccer, the sport begins and ends with the University of North Carolina. Out of the 22 NCAA Tournaments that have been held, the Tar Heels have won an astounding 17 of them, when no other team has captured more than one.

Sports Illustrated on Campus went so far as to call the Tar Heels' women's soccer program the greatest dynasty in the history of collegiate athletics. And as outrageous as it sounds, it's also pretty hard to dispute.

"North Carolina is the head of the class," Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins said. "They're very good and every team looks to them, as far as chasing them."

The Tar Heels (21-0-0) enter the 2003 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed and the odds-on favorite to win their 18th national title, a position that they're well familiar with. And as impressive as Penn State's six straight Big Ten titles are, they have a way to go to compete with North Carolina's 15 consecutive ACC titles.

The success of the program creates a sort of mystique around the team to the point where it's a relief to not see them in your region of the tournament.

"Every team wants to knock them out," Penn State senior midfielder Joanna Lohman said. "They're pretty hyped up coming into the tournament. If we can knock them out in the final four, that would be amazing, but it's nice not to have them in the second or third round."

Here is a look at some of the other top seeds outside of Happy Valley in the 64-team battle for the national title.

No. 2 Notre Dame (19-2-1)

The Fighting Irish bring one of the most dangerous and balanced attacks into the tournament, featuring four players with 10 or more goals. The Irish dominated for much of the regular season, winning the Big East regular sea-

son title, but falling to Boston College in the conference tournament semifinals.

Though the Irish will be playing at home for the first two rounds, they may have some cause for worry. Their likely second round opponent will be Michigan (9-7-6), the only team to beat them in the regular season, as the Wolverines won 3-2 in South Bend.

No. 3 Florida (16-3-2)

Though the Gators lost in the SEC Tournament finals to Tennessee after penalty kicks, they still remain in a good position to make it to the College Cup, soccer's equivalent of the Final Four.

The No. 14 seeded Volunteers may again stand in the way, however, as they will probably face the Gators in the third round of the tournament.

Along with Purdue, Florida is one of only two teams to beat the Nittany Lions in the regular season, winning the 2-1 season opener in Gainesville.

No. 4 UCLA (16-1-3)

Outright winners of the Pac-10, the Bruins enter the tournament as the only seed higher than No. 5 Penn State in their region. Diminutive sophomore forward Iris Mora has become one of the more productive scorers in the nation this season, tallying 11 goals and 13 assists, including five game-winning scores.