PINE GROVE — The girls’ soccer program at Pine Grove has been building since Jason Brown took it over in 2009.
Last season, it blossomed.
When it was over, the Cardinals finished 21-2, their best season in program history.
After a 2-1 loss to Minersville on Sept. 8, Pine Grove rattled off 17 consecutive wins. That included a 12-0 record in Schuylkill League Division I play, an overall league title and a District 11 Class A championship.
The division and league titles were firsts. So was the district championship. The total number of wins, winning streak and goals scored (104) were program records.
Interest in Pine Grove girls’ soccer has never been higher. There are 37 girls out this season, the most Brown has ever had in his seven years as the Cardinals’ coach. The culture has changed and the feeder program is strong.
The expectations for a season haven’t been higher, either, and everybody knows it, from the players, coaches, fans and the rest of the league. Ten starters returning from a championship team will do that.
“We had a talk about how much pressure we feel, but the coach said not to feel pressure,” midfielder and senior captain Mackenzie Lesh said. “We just have to take it one game as a time.”
The only starter lost to graduation was midfielder Emily Weaver (4 goals, 7 assists in 2014), while two other seniors, Brianna Felty and Tiana Dillon, also graduated. As of now, junior Adrianna Tennis is slated to take Weaver’s place, but that could change before Pine Grove opens the season Saturday morning against Williams Valley at the Halifax Tournament.
Tennis saw plenty of playing time in 2014. So did the rest of the returning Cardinals, who were third overall in the league in offense (4.52 goals per game) and second in defense (24 goals allowed, seven shutouts). Pine Grove outscored its opponents 19-4 in its four postseason games, including a 6-1 win over Schuylkill Haven in the league title game and a 3-2 victory over Moravian Academy for the district title.
The season ended with a 2-1 loss to Tulpehocken in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.
Sophomore forwards Rachel Edge (40 goals, 8 assists) and Mariah Lesh (23 goals, 7 assists) return to lead the Pine Grove attack. As a freshman in 2014, Edge was the Republican-Herald Co-Player of the Year with Schuylkill Haven’s Rileigh Evitts. Edge was also named to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association All-State team and had the most productive offensive season in the league for a freshman since Evitts in 2011.
Joining Mackenzie Lesh (12 goals, 12 assists), who had a hat trick in the district title win but missed the state playoff game with a concussion, in the midfield are juniors Steph Aungst (4 goals, 7 assists), Mackenzie Hasenauer (3 goals, 3 assists) and Tennis. Junior Faith Shiffer (2 goals, 4 assists) will be the stopper, junior Maddie Frew the sweeper, junior Cierra Geiger at left defender, either seniors Coral Kreiser or Jazmyn Snedden at the other defender and junior Jennifer Kaufman in goal.
There is no question about Pine Grove’s talent and experience it will bring on the field. But it is a new season and things change. The biggest difference this fall is the expectations of the opposition.
Brown felt the Cardinals snuck up on teams in 2014. That’s no longer going to be the case. Everybody expects Pine Grove to be good. The Cardinals are now the ones with the targets on their backs, the team to beat.
The biggest challenge this season might be not looking too far ahead.
“We have the mindset of where we look to the first game, and then we will look to the second game,” said Brown, who was named the National Federation of State High School Association’s State girls’ soccer Coach of the Year. “We don’t look to leagues, or districts or to states. Other people might and that’s OK, but we try to keep them with realistic expectations because you never know what could happen. You could lose players in the first game that could have a significant impact on the season.
“We have a talented group and they will do well, but you never know how well they could do and how far they could take it. That is going to be up to them.”
Perennial Division I contenders Blue Mountain — which saw its four-year run as league champ come to an end in 2014 — and Pottsville will challenge the Cardinals again this season. Tamaqua and Lehighton will be in the mix, while Jim Thorpe always provides a tough test. Schuylkill Haven, Minersville, Williams Valley and Tri-Valley should all be in the running in Division II, and could be potential opponents for the Cardinals in the district playoffs.
“We have to keep focus,” Mackenzie Lesh said. “The season gets really long. We have to keep drama off the team.”
“Team drama” wasn’t an issue for the Cardinals last season. Brown believes it is going to be the key to this season if Pine Grove hopes to equal 2014, and perhaps move beyond that.
“They are a great group of kids,” he said. “That benefited us last year and I think that will benefit us this year.
“They will play together as a team. When problems come up when we lose, we will bounce back together as a team, they will fight and push forward. Together.”
Here is a breakdown of how the division races could shape up:
Division I
It’s four-year division and overall league championship run came to an end, but Blue Mountain (11-8-1 overall, 9-2-1 D-I) still qualified for the league playoffs by finishing second and earning the wild-card spot. The Eagles had the league’s top defense last season, allowing 20 goals and posting eight shutouts.
At times, however, Blue Mountain had trouble putting the ball in the net, ranking 10th in the league on offense (2.30 goals per game). The Eagles do return most of their top offensive producers, including seniors Abigail Fanelli and Angelica Kaledas, and sophomore Emily Valentine.
Pottsville (12-6-1, 8-3-1) lost eight starters to graduation, including All-State midfielder Gabrielle Evans (23 goals, 9 assists). The three returning starters are all on defense, including senior goalie Alyssa Kondrack, a three-year starter, along with senior Aubrey Ricci and sophomore Autumn Tarconish.
The Crimson Tide’s top returning goal scorer is sophomore forward-midfielder Catie Coyle. Although not starters, Pottsville does have players returning with experience. The Crimson Tide are young, however, and need to quickly mature.
Tamaqua (6-12, 4-8) returns a solid core on defense in seniors Allison Amadeo and Taylor Fritz, and junior Cailyn Joseph. Also back for the Raiders are their two leading scorers — senior forward Morgan Boyle and senior midfielder Lynn Kistler.
Lehighton (12-7, 6-5) turned in a solid campaign in its first season in the Schuylkill League and has a ton of experience returning on defense in seniors Lauren House and Allison Dekorte, sophomore Ally Matika and sophomore keeper Julie Frey. Junior forward Rajah Quinones and junior forward-midfielder Morgan Yurastis will lead the offense.
Division II
Schuylkill Haven (16-6, 12-2) has ruled the division since 2012, winning three consecutive titles. But it’s a new era for Hurricanes, who have a new coach in Chris Evitts and have to deal with heavy graduation losses on the offensive end.
Rileigh Evitts (39 goals, 13 assists) finished her career with the Schuylkill League girls’ record for career goals with 152. Kelsey Sisko (29 goals, 12 assists) left with the league record for career assists with 64. Also gone is midfielder Keegan White (21 goals, 24 assists) and keeper Geni Tucci.
But Schuylkill Haven does have some experience returning, with senior Jodie Mattern and junior Alyssa Gerber leading the defense, junior Mary Zimmerman in the midfield and junior Taylor Felty at forward.
Williams Valley (13-6-1, 11-2-1) had its best season in program history in 2014, reaching the league playoffs for the first time. The Vikings lost Hannah Nestor (27 goals, 9 assists) and Emily Wessner (22 goals, 11 assists), their two top goal scorers, to graduation.
The defense was outstanding in 2014, allowing 15 goals during the regular season, and a solid core from that group returns in senior keeper Alyssa Schadle, seniors Megan Schadle, Cassie Schorr and Katie Whelski, and juniors Erica Wessner and Haylee Sweigert.
Williams Valley had trouble generating offense during its scrimmages, however, and made some lineup changes. Wessner will move to midfield and Pinchorski to forward to start the year.
Minersville (12-5-3, 9-3-2) took a big graduation hit numbers wise, losing its two top defenders in Jayme Kerrigan and Grace Lecavage, along with forward Dominika Rutecki.
The Miners have just two seniors on the roster, but there is plenty of young talent returning.
Back is senior forward Rachel Sterner, sophomore midfielders Marlena Purcell and Emily Kriston, and sophomore keeper Maggie Wigoda.
Tri-Valley (10-8-1, 9-4-1) returns 14 letterwinners from 2014, and, like Minersville, are a heavy-titled underclassman team with only four seniors.
Among the key players returning are senior midfielder Brianne Pacenta, and juniors Wendy Header (forward), Lexi Fosmire (midfielder, defender), Madyson Horn (keeper) and Pagie Tamberelli (defender).
At a glance
Defending Schuylkill League champ: Pine Grove
Schuylkill League playoff qualifiers: Blue Mountain (Division I wild card), Schuylkill Haven (Division II champ), Williams Valley (Division II wild card)
2014 District 11 playoff qualifiers: Class AAA — Pottsville; Class AA — Blue Mountain, Lehighton; Class A — Pine Grove (champs), Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Tri-Valley, Williams Valley
New coaches: Mike Fisher (North Schuylkill), Tom Cassidy (Nativity), Chris Evitts (Schuylkill Haven)
Players to watch: Rachel Edge (Pine Grove, soph., F), Rajah Quinones (Lehighton, jr., F-M), Mariah Lesh (Pine Grove, soph., F), Rachel Sterner (Minersville, sr., F), Morgan Boyle (Tamaqua, sr. F), Morgan Yurastis (Lehighton, jr., F-M), Lynn Kistler (Tamaqua, sr., M), Mackenzie Lesh (Pine Grove, sr., M), Marlena Purcell (Minersville, soph., M), Selina Albert (Lourdes, soph., F-M), Rayanne Hawk (Williams Valley, sr., F)
DIVISION I
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Mike Burcik (18th season)
Last season: 11-8-1 overall, 9-2-1 Division II. Division runner-up and league semifinalist, District 11 Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Erin Ebling (sr., D), Abigail Fanelli (sr., M), Maria Gerace (sr., D), Angelica Kaledas (sr., F), Abigail Kramer (sr., D), Bethany Kramer (sr., F), Kelley Maberry (sr., F), Jenna Porter (sr., F), Courtney Steinruck (sr., GK), Hadley Bolinsky (jr., M), Shelby Charters (jr., D), Julia Kutz (jr., M), Emily Laubenstine (jr., M), Jillian Moyer (jr., D), Emily Renninger (jr., D), Kiana Rivera (jr., F), Kaitlyn Steinhilber (jr., M), Molly Thompson (jr., M), Lauren Wagner (jr., M), Shelby Whiteash (jr., F), Zara Albertini (soph., F), Sam Puzzi (soph., F), Emily Valentine (soph., M)
Newcomers: Brittney Dunleavy (soph., F), Lauren Faust (soph., M), Taylor Kerstetter (soph., D), Kendra Rice (soph., D), Tess Spitler (soph., D), Kaitlyn Yeakley (soph., M), Olivia Benner (fr., F), Lianne Derrick (fr., GK), Isabel Fortune (fr., D), Kylie Kutz (fr., M), Erin McQuillan (fr., F), Jacey Miller (fr., M), Sydney Riegel (fr., F)
Outlook: The Eagles return plenty of experience and have more depth than in previous years. The defense will be solid as always, but the key will be creating, and finishing, more offensive opportunities. Division contenders again.
Lehighton
Head coach: Rich Emmert (2nd season)
Last season: 12-7, 6-6. District 11 Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Allison Dekorte (sr., M-D), Hannah Schatz (sr., M-D), Lauren House (sr., D), Susan Cook (sr., F-M), Jennifer Plocinik (sr., M), Cheyenne Pettit (jr., M), Jada Whiteman (jr., M-D), Morgan Yurasits (jr., F-M), Rajah Quinones (jr., F-M), Julia Frey (soph. GK-D), Thera Hibbler (soph., M-D)
Newcomers: Kasey Davis (jr., M), Channel Baez (soph., M), Aryana Phillips (soph., M), Savana Serfass (soph., M), Brenna Long (fr., F,-M), Elizabeth Eckhart (fr., M-D), Alyssa Matika (fr., F-M), Alexandra Hydro (fr., M-GK), Amya Quinones (fr., F-D), Amanda Mathisen (fr., F-M), Elaina Moretz (fr., M), Sydney Laybourn (fr., M)
Outlook: The Indians have a strong core returning defensively, as well as individuals who can put the ball in the net. To take the next step, need to beat the league’s elite. Should be in the division race.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Tom Condly (4th season)
Last season: 6-12, 2-10 D-I
Returnees: RuiNa Gentile (sr., D), Rebecca Cressman (sr., GK), Ilse Hassler (sr., M), Ava Lowin (sr., M), Monique Jervier (sr., F), Meghann Principe (sr., D), Aislinn Galvin (sr., M), Autumn Cope (sr., D), Camille Principe (jr., M), Lauren Donati (jr., F), Maggie Holloway (jr., M), Brooke Cope (jr., D), Alyssa Dulski (soph., M), Jackie Condly (soph., F), Monae Bullock (soph., F), Noelle Fasolino (soph., M), Devon Lignore (soph., F)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: The Olympians were in the middle of the pack in the league in both offense and defense last season and return several key players, especially on defense. Offense needs to produce more in order for the Olympians to compete with top teams in division.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Greg Fisher (1st season)
Last season: 0-17, 0-16 D-I
Returnees (positions not available): Thaise McCauley (sr.), Maddie Meyer ( sr.), Kelsey Burns (sr.), Kaeli Quick (sr.), Jacquie Kane (sr.), Bryel Frasch (sr.), Shea Selgrade (sr.), Annah James (jr.), Lexi Roche (jr.), Dakota Andrews (soph.), Brook Antalosky (soph.), Morgan Beaver (soph.), Megan Sacco (soph.), Joie Clews (soph.), Sara Manbeck (soph.), Audrey Mastishin (soph.)
Newcomers (positions not available): Winnie Li (sr.), Sadie Chikotas (jr.), Aaliyah Sarge (jr.), Margaret Schachte (soph.), Megan Ahrensfield (fr.), Madison Heiser (fr.), Tiffany Fisher (fr.), Heaven Micklesavage (fr.), Madelyn Miles (fr.)
Outlook: The Spartans have gone through hard times in recent years and with a new coaching staff and system, player positions and varsity roster spots haven’t been finalized yet. There are likely more rough patches ahead, but the first order of business is to get the Spartans to be more competitive.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Jason Brown (7th season)
Last season: 21-2, 12-0 D-I. Division and overall league champ, District 11 Class A champ, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Mackenzie Lesh (sr., M), Hunter Madison (sr., F), Coral Kreiser (sr., M), Jazmyn Snedden (sr., D), Breanna Lucas (sr., F-D), Carlee Conrad (sr., D), Steph Aungst (jr., M), Jennifer Kaufman (jr., GK), Mackenzie Hasenauer (jr., M), Faith Shiffer (jr., D), Maddie Frew (jr., D), Cierra Geiger (jr., D), Adrianna Tennis (jr., M), Mariah Lesh (soph., F), Rachael Edge (soph., F), Nilitza Malave (soph., M), Katrina German (soph., D), Sierra Blough (soph., GK)
Newcomers: Caitlin Seiverling (fr., M), Rachael Frew (fr., M)
Outlook: For the Cardinals it is simple: They are coming off their best season in program history and return 10 starters from that squad. Interest and buzz around the program has never been stronger. The team to beat in both the division and in the league.
Pottsville
Head coach: Robert Stock (11th season)
Last season: 12-6-1, 8-3-1 D-I. District 11 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Delaney Golden (sr., M), Alyssa Kondrack (sr., D-GK), Aubrey Ricci (sr., D), Gabrielle Vetrano (sr., F), Emylee Watkins (sr., D), Megan Dalton (jr., F-M), Lauren Martin (jr., F-M), Marquerite Ortiz (jr., D), Emma Stinnett (jr., D-GK), Kristen Campion (soph., D), Erin Cleary (soph., D), Catie Coyle (soph., F-M), Olivia Eagan (soph., D), Hannah Evans (soph., F-M), Liliana Golden (soph., F-M), Camryn Heinbach (soph., D), Carly Hoak (soph., D), Hannah Joyce (soph., F-M), Allura McCuller (soph., F-M), Sophie Murray (soph., D), Marielle Przywara (soph., F-M), Autumn Tarconish (soph., D)
Newcomers: Kali Baldwin (sr., D), Alexa Cesari (fr., D-GK), Sandy Day (fr., F-M), Samantha Day (fr., F-M), Libby Gardner (fr., D), Riley Herndon (fr., F-M), Lily Joyce (fr., D), Hannah Leskin (fr., F-M), Mary Kate O’Brien (fr., D), Lexi Plachko (fr., D-GK) Hayley Richards (fr., D), Emily Rose (fr., F-M), Brea Schaeffer (fr., F-M), Madison Wytovich (fr., D), Alexis Yoder (fr., D)
Outlook: The Crimson Tide lost eight starters to graduation, with the three returning on defense. Still, there are some players back with varsity experience. A young team that must learn and mature quickly, but should be in division hunt.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Clem McCarroll (12th season)
Last season: 6-12, 4-8 D-I
Returnees: Alexis Franz (sr., M), Morgan Boyle (sr., F-GK), Lynn Kistler (sr., M), Emily Wenzel (sr., F), Allison Amodea (sr., D), Julia Shellhamer (sr., M), Taylor Fritz (sr., D), Emma Pester (jr., F), Alexis Higgins (jr., M), Emma Rago (jr., M), Cailyn Joseph (jr., D), Page Eltringham (jr., D), Jannelle Perla (jr., D), Alexa Hromyak (jr., D), Kayla Holland (jr., D-GK), Kayla Clouser (soph., M), Katie Goetz (soph., F), Shanna Brinkworth (soph., M), Megan Ruch (soph., M), Kirstin Jones (soph., M), Olivia Stanek (soph., M), Alyssa Campomizzi (soph., M), Cassidy Derr (soph., M), Angela Ceci (soph., F), Madison Wickersham (soph., D), McKayla Wall (soph., D), Florence Rios (soph., GK)
Newcomers: Kayla Sherry (fr., M), Peyton Gilbert (fr., M), Elizabeth Wagner (fr., M-GK), Talia Lewis (fr., M), Ashley DeAngelo (fr., M), Airyanna Kowalski (fr., D)
Outlook: The Raiders have some experience back across the field. Need to find a new keeper. For the Raiders to find their way back into the league and district playoffs, they need to play better team defense and posses the ball more.
DIVISION II
Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech
Head coach: Bryan Hiller (8th season)
Last season: 7-11, 4-10 D-II
Returnees: Gabby Golomb (sr., M), Maya Mayernick (sr., Injured), Elizabeth Boria (jr., F-M), Cassie Eckroth (jr., M), Kayley Johnson (jr., D), Ashley Bailey (soph., D), Brianna Burgess (soph., GK), Kiara Conner (soph., F), Hailee Diltz (soph., M), Bridget Fausey (soph., Injured), Starlette Francis (soph., F), Kayleigh Harner (soph., D), Twylia-Dawn Martz (soph., M-D), Brooke Mertz (soph., M-GK), Bri Newhart (soph., M), Nadine Sharr (soph., D), Hannah Wohlforth (soph., M-D)
Newcomers: Makayla Day (sr., F), Bailey Reddinger (jr., M), Kennedy Andreas (soph., F-GK), Calley Travelpiece (soph., D), Aleah Wenner (soph., M), Grace Wazniack (soph., M), Ashley Burd (fr., M), Sheryl Davison (fr., D), Tessa Faux (fr., M), Aunide Lindner (fr., M-D), Dia Nevius (fr., D), Grace Six (fr., M), Kira Young (fr., D-GK)
Outlook: The Rams are young but have some talented players who want to compete. Looking at qualifying for the District 4 playoffs. To do that, Rams must quickly gel and play together.
Lourdes
Head coach: Charlie Rebuck (5th season
Last season: 5-12, 4-10 D-II
Returnees: Krissy Komara (sr., F-M), Kendall Krebs (sr., M), Celine Jones (sr., D), Maya Khanna (sr., M), Emily Troutman (sr., M-D), Olivia Dobson (jr. M-D), Selina Albert (soph., F), Zoey Bower (soph., D), Amanda Horan (soph., M-GK), Karin Martinez (soph., M-D), Audrey Wilkins (soph., M)
Newcomers: Maria Nguyen (soph., M-D), Madison Primerano (soph., M-D), Lilyauna Bickel (fr., F-M), Gia Candelora (fr., GK), Sierra Coleman (fr., F-M), Abby Fobia (fr., M-D), Elizabeth Nguyen (fr., F-M), Alexia Rawa (fr., F-M), Mary Richardson (fr., M-D), Cassidy Shovlin (fr., D), Riley Trell (fr., F-M), Lillian Yuschock (fr., D)
Outlook: The Red Raiders return their top two offensive threats from last season. In order for an improved record, however, the defense must get better.
Minersville
Head coach: Jeff Rinaldo (4th season)
Last season: 12-5-3, 9-3-2 D-II. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Rachel Sterner (sr., F), Janelle Kramer (sr., D), Sarah Nawrocki (jr., D), Abby Schoffstall (jr., F, did not play in 2014), Alli Polinsky (jr., M, did not play in 2014), Maggie Wigoda (soph., GK), Marlena Purcell (soph., M), Emily Kriston (soph., F-M), Jade Leonard (soph., F-M), Kaitlin Sternick (soph., M), Rosy Mitchell (soph., D), Rebecca Daukaus (soph., M), Paige Dewald (soph., M-D)
Newcomers: Mallory Ebert (jr., M), Karina Yutko (jr., D), Jade Herb (soph., M-D), Janelle Oshman (soph., M-D), Savannah Kostishak (soph., D), Raina Yeung (fr., D), Kayleigh Raczka (fr., D), Nicole Andregic (fr., D), Alexis Hutzel (fr., D), Alexis Charowsky (fr., D)
Outlook: Miners lost their top two defensive players to graduation, but return plenty of experience. A young team with their best days ahead of them, but this season should be pretty good, too. A division contender.
Nativity
Head coach: Tom Cassidy (1st season)
Last season: 4-12, 4-10 D-II
Returnees: Julia Bendetti (sr., M), Kaitlynn Esemaya (sr., D), Isabelle McDonnell (sr., D), Rachael Souchak (sr., F-GK), Skylar Stoudt (sr., D), Chloe Prezelski (jr., M), Megan Ryan (jr., M-D), Emily Sterner (jr., F-M), Mady Ulsh (jr., M), Madison Clarke (soph., D), Julia Klembara (soph., F-M), Megan Tray (soph., F-M)
Newcomers: Ellie Cassidy (jr., F-M), Maddyson Melochick (jr., D), Morgan Matlock (soph., M-D), Bayley McClure (soph., D-GK), Jourdan Starr (soph., F-M), Nora Vu (soph., M-D), Madison Hayes (fr., M-D), MyKenzie Malacusky (fr., F-M), Lindsay Purcell (fr., F-M), Jade Stickell (fr., D), Mikaela Tobash (fr., M)
Outlook: The Hilltoppers have their best numbers in years, and a balanced lineup. Team established a strong work ethic over the summer and the goal is to finish with a winning record and get into the District 11 Class A playoffs.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Chris Evitts (1st season)
Last season: 16-6, 12-2 D-II. Division champ and league finalists, District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Jodie Mattern (sr., D), Alyssa McDonald (sr., M-D), Adelle Burke (jr., D), Sarah Donati (jr., M-D), Taylor Felty (jr., F), Alyssa Gerber (jr., D), Lily Leymeister (jr., GK), Jensen Luckenbill (jr., D), Isabella Montone (jr., D), Victoria Riegel (jr., D), Mary Zimmerman (jr., M), Kelsey Atkinson (soph., F-M), Alyssa Emerich (soph., F-M), Hanley Higgins (soph., M-F), Megan Moyer (soph., D), Ashley Strouphauer (soph., D)
Newcomers: Bailee Reading (sr., M), Taylor Anthony (fr., F-M), Sophia Bates (fr., D), Erin Batz (fr., F), Isabella Bernitsky (fr., M), Logan Dougherty (fr., GK), Sierra Miller (fr., M), Abagail Mills (fr., D-GK), Corinna Noecker (fr., D), Taylor Phillips (fr., M), Kayleigh Umphrey (fr., M-D)
Outlook: The Hurricanes were hammered by graduation on the offensive end, plus in goal. Still, there is experience back with quality players at every position. Won’t be as high-scoring as years past, but should still be competitive enough to be in division race.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Ryan Wagner (2nd season)
Last season: 10-8-1, 9-4-1. District 11 Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Hunter Miller (sr., F-M), Amanda Pacenta (sr., D), Brianne Pacenta (sr., M), Emily Schwalm (sr., F), Madisyn Horn (jr., GK), Jess Underkoffler (jr., F), Alexa Romberger (jr., M-D), Wendy Header (jr., F), Paige Tamburelli (jr., D), Brooke Henninger (jr., M-D), Elise Laudenslager (jr., D), Lexi Fosmire (jr., M-D), Haley Stehr (jr., D), Rachel Weist (soph., F-M), Jaden Umholtz (soph., M), Cass Reed (soph., M-D), Chelsea Maurer (soph., M-D), Rachel McGovern (soph., F), Kelsey Schwalm (soph., D)
Newcomers: River Deeter (soph., F-M), Katie Deibert (soph., D), Emily McCormick (fr., GK), Ava Connell (fr., M-D), Raquel Harring (fr., F-M), Veronica Singh (fr., D)
Outlook: Bulldogs have 14 letterwinners back and the goal is to make the league and district playoffs. In order to do that, Bulldogs must continue to play strong defense and improve on the offensive end.
Weatherly
Head coach: Jennie Farrow (3rd season
Last season: 1-17, 0-14 D-II
Roster (positions not available): Ciana Gomez (sr.), Ally Isom (sr.), Meghan Moon (sr.), Christina Caravella (jr.), Breena Coxe (jr.), Morgan Gower (jr.), Jacqueline Henry (jr.), Keri Hoffman (jr.), Molly Isom (jr.), Nalani Lowman (jr.), Kaitlyn Miller (jr.), Lynea Reiner (jr.), Jillian Bartel (soph.), Shannon Frye (soph.), Gabriella Hernandez (soph.), Julia Hinkle (soph.), Samantha Knepper (soph.), Dana Scatton (soph.), Deanna Stolpe (soph.), Cheyenne Weston (soph.), Khadijah Zuberi (soph.), Kaileigh Barnes (fr.), Kloe Coll (fr.), Nicole Gordon (fr.), Rosie Kramer (fr.), Calista Kuhl (fr.), Jessica Maddock (fr.)
Outlook: A large junior class, combined with three seniors, will lead the Wreckers. For the first time in years the team has bonded and that should allow them to be more competitive.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Gary Fetterhoff (8th season)
Last season: 13-6-1, 11-2-1 D-II. Division wild card, District 11 Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Rayanne Hawk (sr., F), Megan Schadle (sr., D), Alyssa Schadle (sr., GK), Cassandra Schorr (sr., D), Aimee Walborn (sr., D), Katie Whelski (sr., M), Autumn Calnon (jr., M), Haylee Sweigert (jr., D), Erica Wessner (jr., M), Caitlyn Pinchorski (jr., F), Lexi Johns (soph., M), Nakahl Miller (soph., D), Jessica Radel (soph., M-D), Laurel Unger (soph., M), Emma Imboden (soph., D), Rebekah Machamer (soph., M)
Newcomers: Kali Whitcomb (soph., M), Brittney Koppenhaver (soph., D), Allie Smith (fr., F), Hannah Ulsh (fr., F-M), Hailey Troutman (fr., GK)
Outlook: The Vikings lost two of their top scorers from last season. The defensive core returns, but team has had to do some lineup shuffling in order to generate more of an offense attack. Should be in the division race.
Berks League
Hamburg
Head coach: Ken Adam (25th season)
Last season: 3-14-1, 0-10 Berks II
Returnees: Rebecca Blatt (sr., GK), Danielle Bittner (sr., D), Rebecca Hendricks (sr., D), Sarah Vallone (sr., D), Chyanne Lesher (sr., M), Sarah Spayd (jr., F), Olivia Jacobs (jr., D), Andrea Fink (jr., M), Kiara Mariano (soph., M), Vernonica Crespo (soph., F), Natalie Clark (soph., M), Elizabeth Shoch (soph., D), Brea Lesher (soph., M)
Newcomers: Alexis Stump (jr., GK), Reiley Boyer (jr., M), Kylie Clark (soph., D), Jen Chen (fr., M), Haley Savastano (fr., D), Sydney Buchfeller (fr., M), Michaela Sturm (fr., F), Julia Doklan (fr., M), Jasmin Modricker (fr., D), Kaitlyn Wilson (fr., D), Mikalee Kerr (fr., D)
Outlook: The strength of the Hawks will be in the midfield. The key to the season, and grabbing a few more wins in the tough Berks League, is leadership and everybody coming together. Teams to beat in Section II are Fleetwood and Conrad Weiser.
Tri-Valley League
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Lora Kerwin (3rd season)
Last season: 3-14, 1-9 TVL
Returnees: Jessica Hoffman (sr., M), Ashley Hobbs (sr., M), Karolyn Kerwin (sr., M), Katie Miller (sr., F), Kylie Ney (sr., D), Isabelle Pham (sr., F), Brooke Troutman (sr., GK), Hanna Houtz (jr., F), Caitlyn Reed (jr., D), Kylie Sheetz (jr., F), Gabby Thomas (jr., D), Allison Ditty (jr., D)
Newcomers: Hanna Novinger (sr., D), Bri Rohena (sr., M), Addy Wolfe (sr., M), Courtney Baker (soph., D), Maeann Bohner (soph., F), Autumn Czaplicki (soph., GK), Kaylee Gessner (soph., M), Kaylee Pendal (soph., M), Kate Hoch (fr., M), Jen Shade (fr., F-M), Zoe Kennerly (fr., M), Mykenzie Tapper (fr., F), Madie Miller (fr., D), Alexia Rohena (fr., D)
Outlook: Trojans return nine letterwinners and have worked hard over the summer. The team that takes the field will be in a stronger position than in seasons past and there is optimism more wins will follow.