Next wave of talent ready to step in for Reporter/Montgomery/Times Herald girls soccer teams

On a cold night in Hershey, Averie Doughty ended the 2018 girls soccer season in style.

The forward’s tight finish in overtime lifted Souderton over Pennridge in an all-Reporter/Montgomery/Times Herald Class 4A state final, handing the Indians their first PIAA championship. Both Souderton and Pennridge have plenty of quality players to replace, but they along with plenty of other local teams still bring high expectations into the fall.

As usual, there’s no shortage of talent in the area as the chase for championships begin Friday.

Souderton wasn’t the only local team with a historic title last season. After six previous tries, Lansdale Catholic finally broke through to win its first Philadelphia Catholic League championship, another dramatic win in overtime. The Crusaders will look to re-tool as they prepare to carry the “defending champion” label for the first time and fend off annual rivals Archbishop Ryan and Archbishop Wood.

Abington changed over to the SOL American and dropped just one game in winning a conference title. The Ghosts were hit heavy by graduation, losing PA Gatorade State Player of the Year Cam Lexow to Virginia and Kailey Horton to Drexel among a large senior class. Junior Casey Touey is back to try and guide the Ghosts through a second run in the American, but they’ll face plenty of challengers.

Hatboro-Horsham returns nearly is entire roster after finishing second to the Ghosts and making its first District I playoff appearance in six years. The Hatters where the only team to knock off the Ghosts in the SOL and with a potent crew including Emily Thomas and Cam Ryan, they’ll look to push for a league title.

With an underclassman heavy team, Upper Dublin will try to regain its perch atop the American while Plymouth Whitemarsh’s now-seasoned roster will try to have a say in the conference race while trying to secure a second district appearance in three seasons.

Up in Souderton, the defending state champs have a large senior class to replace as well, chiefly midfield duo Sara Readinger (Penn) and Campbell Power (Bloomsburg) and standout keeper Lindsey Pazdziorko (Towson). Doughty, the clutch playoff scorer, is back as is Hannah Alderfer up front and a handful of other returners will form the core of the new-look Indians.

Pennridge made its first state title game since 2011 while also notching a third straight SOL Continental conference title. Staying atop one of the toughest conferences in the entire state falls to a squad also reloading after a strong senior group graduated. Senior Lauren McIntyre, juniors Maddie Angelo and Lindsey DeHaven and senior midfielders Chance Hendricks and Maddie Anderson among others are back.

CB West seems poised to seriously chase the Continental crown after topping Pennridge twice last season. The Bucks lost a couple of standout seniors but have a now-experienced core including Tori Albrecht, Taylor Moyer and Ryan Fitzsimmons will look to improve on last season’s early district playoff exit.

North Penn is under new leadership but the Knights have plenty to be excited about after a second-round district playoff appearance. An athletic and high-energy group, the Knights have a few key cogs to replace but the speed and pressure of co-captains Grace Sacchetti and Emily Schurr and their teammates bring will be a force.

A trio of area teams will look to factor into the AACA race against powerhouse Villa Joseph Marie. St Basil won its third straight District I 2A title last fall and has a nice core of players returning although the Panthers did graduate some quality seniors.

Powered by the return of senior Madison Hornig from injury, Mount Saint Joseph is hoping to reverse its bad luck in close matches last season and get back to the playoffs. Early returns look good for the Magic, who hope they filled their quota of bad breaks a season ago.

Rounding out the Catholic Academies trio is Gwynedd Mercy Academy and a good group of seniors and juniors.Co-captains Mollie Hanson, Peyton Palazzo,  Haley Morris and Sarah White will look to guide the Monarchs back to the 3A playoffs.

ABINGTON

2018 Record: 16-5 (13-1 SOL American)

Coach: Rick Tompkins

Notable Losses: Cam Lexow, Kailey Horton, Arianna Mancini, Elizabeth Tracey Ashley Hopper, Elizabeth Pohle, Kaeleigh Serianni, Bella Azcona, Samantha Campbell, Kayla Taylor, and Christina Peachey

Returning Athletes: Casey Touey (Jr, F), Riley Crabtree (Sr, D), Abby Bautista (Jr, M), Olivia Oliphant (Sr, GK), Emily Friel (Sr, F)

Outlook: “Abington expects to contend for the conference crown again despite the loss of so many key players. The coaches are encouraging this year’s squad to match the intensity and quality of last year’s team.”

ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Tom DeGeorge
Notable Losses: Gabrielle Fasti, Leah Brzezicki, Neve Heether
Returning Players: Maggie Cliggett (Sr, M), Leighann Kafel (Jr, M/F), Paige Hoeger (Jr, F), Katie Meinel (Jr, M), Bella Diodato (So, GK), Emily Branchide, Emily Montague, Sam Dougherty, Vee Fillippo, Alyssa DeGeorge, Bella Diodato, Emily Beck, Daryn Savage, Shaina Klos
Outlook: The Vikings will have some quality players up top and in the attacking end of the midfield but shoring up the defense will be a priority as Wood tries to get back into the PCL title picture.

CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
2018 Record: 14-5 (8-4 SOL Continental)
Coach: Mike Moyer
Notable Losses: Trish Hauck, Meg Gallagher 
Players to Watch: Ryan Fitzsimmons Tori Albrecht Taylor Moyer
Outlook: “We have a good core of players returning. I am hoping to compete for a League Title but more importantly staying healthy and making the postseason.”

CHELTENHAM
2018 Record: 5-13 (1-13 SOL American)
Coach: Mark Woodcock
Notable Losses: Cassie Malek, Jada Holland, Emma Christensen, Julia Silberman
Returning Players: Ella Brown (Jr, M), Lola Jahss (So, D), Donya Baxter (So, F), Perri Albert (So, F), Elin McLaughlin (Sr, D), Zoe Moreland (Sr, D), Lia Marquette (Jr, M)
Outlook: “After last year’s improvement we need to look to build on that. We lost a handful of seniors but many of our major pieces are still in place so there is an opportunity to build on our experience from last year. A lot will depend on how well we can develop an attacking philosophy while continuing to defend well. We were competitive in many games last year but couldn’t score enough goals to pull out wins. A lot will depend on the confidence and chemistry needed by all teams to be successful but we have some good players to work with some and some young talent itching to be a part of it.”

DOCK MENNONITE
2018 Record: 13-6 (9-3 BAL)
Head Coach: Stacey Vaitis-Dubost
Notable Losses: Audrey Schweizerhof, Jaci Halteman, Brooke Bozarth
Returning Players: Laura Frederick (Jr, GK), Sydney Leaman (Sr, M), Peyton Scialanca (Jr, M), Emma Kratz (So, F), Lauren Moatemri (Jr, D), Laurel Latt (So, D), MacKenzie Derstine (Fr, F)
Outlook: “The girls have been working hard during preseason to be mentally and physically ready, as well as having strong team unity to prepare for every game. The team has been committed to improving technical and tactical skill as well as defending a district title. With strong central players, this will help to distribute play and create opportunities all over the field.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
2018 Record: 15-7-2 (7-4-1 Inter-Ac)
Coach: Chris Nelson
Notable Losses: Ally Clark, Katie Hackley, Riley Axenroth
Returning Players:  Kiley Kergides, Maddy Burns, Elizabeth van Blarcom, Lil Altomare, Lily Funk, Devin Smith and Paige Lugossy
Outlook: “With eight returning seniors, we hope to find our footing early and to compete for a top spot in the Inter-Ac.”

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY
2018 Record: 7-9-2 (4-6-2 AACA)
Coach: Bill Dailey
Notable Losses: Cailin Panacek, Nicole Esposito, Annagrace Hansen, Jaime Hynes, Julia Koller, Megan Rufo, Morgan Zipfel
Players to Watch: Mollie Hanson (Sr, M), Grace Hirschmann (Sr, M), Kai McClelland (Sr, M), Emily Meenan (SR, M), Maddie Mele (Sr, M), Peyton Palazzo (Sr, M), Kiera Thomas (Sr, D), Sarah White (Sr, D), Carly Andrews (Jr, M), Samantha Berish (Jr, F), Grace Galbreath (Jr, GK), Kaylie Griffin (Jr, M), Tristen Hasson (JR, D), Hailey Morris (JR, D), Hannah Griffin (Fr, M) , Alex Berish (Fr, D, Paige Johnson (So, D), Cassidy Palazzo (So, F), Claudia Hunt (Jr, D), Ellen Malone (Jr, M), Devon Reing (Jr, D)
Outlook: “With a lot of experience on the team this season, we hope to improve our regular season record and post season results. Sophomore newcomers Paige Johnson and Cassidy Palazzo are sure to make a big impact and fit right in, in the close-knit group of returning players.”

HATBORO-HORSHAM

2018 Record: 13-6 (11-3 SOL American)
Coach: Kelsey Daley
Notable Losses: Mads Falcione, Rachel Petrowksi
Players to Watch: Cam Ryan (Sr, M), Kara Thomas (Sr, F), Maggie O’Neill (Jr, M) Emily Thomas (So, F), Izzy de la Torre (Jr, D), Martine Royds (So, GK)
Outlook: “HH has a strong returning lineup this year  and we are looking to make another district playoff run. We have a strong group of juniors and seniors who have done a great job of preparing for this year. We know how tough the SOL American is this year and we are definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

LANSDALE CATHOLIC
2018 Record: 16-6-1 (9-1-1 PCL)
Coach: Bree Benedict
Notable Losses: Emily Schall, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Kristina Finkelston 
Players to Watch: Taylor Connelly (SR, M), Kellie Gillen (SR, F), Julia Boccella (Sr), Lauren Edwards (So, M), Danielle Mehlmann (Sr, D), Lauren Delpo (Sr, M), Brynne U’Selis
Outlook: “While we lost eight senior starters, we return strong players on the back and front lines from last year and have brought in a lot of talented freshman. We will be young, energetic, and hopeful to return to the PCL playoffs.”

LOWER MORELAND
2018 Record: 8-9-1
Coach: Boomer Steigelman
Notable Losses: Allison Asmann, Gianna Penecale, Jessica Murawsky, Felicia Pinto
Players to Watch: Ceili Courduff (Sr, GK), Nicole Castor (Sr, F), Phoebe Lynch (Sr, M)
Outlook: The Lions just missed on a playoff spot last season and their returning players, including the senior group of Courduff, Castor and Lynch, will look to reverse that this fall. Boomer Steigelman, a youth coach with the HVAA program many Lions players come through, takes over the program.

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
2018 Record: 7-10-1 (5-8-1 SOL American)
Coach: Ryan Zehren
Notable losses: Alyse Caffrey, Josee Tassoni
Players to Watch: Anni Shula, Natalie Lannie, Ava Schreiber, Gabby Cooper, Kaitlyn Flanagan, Bella McNew, Max Leszczynski, Sam Matthews, Leah Kaye
Outlook: “With our core players in the program now juniors, expectations are high for our maturing team.  With a strong off season spent on the field and in the weight room we have set ourselves up for a successful season.  Our goal is to be competitive with the top teams in our league, with hopes of making it into the playoffs.”

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH
2018 Record: 2-15-1
Coach: Bill Nayden
Players to Watch: Madison Hornig (capt.), Caroline Kelly (capt.), Gina Sassane (capt.), Angelina Alcaro, Tara Boyd, Emily Friel, Cayla Higginson, Emily Jones, Kasey McMahon, Hannah Phelan, Ava Picofazzi, Alexandra Ritter, Kate Taulane, Grace Thompson, Megan Braun, Kate Kelly, Brynn Lynch, Camryn Mailey, Paige Metzler, Margaux Rawson
Outlook: “We had a difficult run of games last season, losing 8 games by a single goal, suffering some significant injuries to some players along the way. Everyone came into camp healthy and in top shape and conditioned well this year. We have had a lot of success in our preseason scrimmages, winning all four games at the Abington play-day, and beating Upper Dublin, which shows a lot of promise for the season ahead. We have a strong group of players with significant varsity experience, and they have been working extremely hard to put themselves in a position to succeed this year.”

NORTH PENN
2018 Record: 10-7-3 (6-4-2 SOL Continental)
Coaches: Mark Klemmer and Mike Rio
Notable Losses: Ashley Schmidt (G), Emma Dickson (D), Lauren Ruth (F), Liv Jerome (M)
Players to Watch: Grace Sacchetti (Sr, M), Casey Cavanaugh (Sr, D), Olivia Urban (Sr, D), Emily Schurr (Sr, M), Cynthia Sheehy (Sr, F)
Outlook: “As a program, we look to build on the progress of the past two seasons. While we have some returning players, we are a young team and look to translate our energy, work rate and team chemistry into wins on the field. The competition in our conference is unlike any other, and we know that there are no nights off. We look forward to the challenge in going up against some of the historically strongest schools in the state and proving that we belong in the same conversation.”

PENNRIDGE
2018 Record: 21-4-1 (9-2-1 SOL Continental)
Coach: Audrey Anderson
Notable Losses: Senior class
Players to Watch: Chance Hendricks (Sr, M), Lauren McIntyre (Sr, D/F), Maddie Anderson (Sr, M), Megan Kriney (Sr, GK/F), Lindsey DeHaven (Jr, F), Maddie Angelo (Jr, D), Leah Malone (So, F)
Outlook: Despite significant losses to graduation, the Rams come into the fall with a solid core of returning players as they look for a fourth straight SOL Continental title and another playoff run. A senior class that’s featured heavily the past two seasons will be the foundation for the team.

SOUDERTON
2018 Record: 17-3-6 (5-2-5 SOL Continental)
Coach: Lindsy Jones
Notable Losses: Campbell Power, Sara Readinger, Lindsey Pazdziorko, Miranda Kullmann, Kailee Harwick
Players to Watch: Sarah Toche-Manley (Sr, M), Darby Kramer (Sr, D), Payton Carroll (Sr, D), Averie Doughty (Jr, F), Hannah Alderfer (Jr, F), Taylor Yoder (Jr, F), Morgan Molyneaux (Sr, GK), Grace Kelley (Sr), Gianna Natale (Jr), Leah Mowery (Jr), Ella Kregel (Jr), Kaitlin DiCandillo (So)
Outlook: “Souderton is coming off the most successful season in the school’s history after placing second in District I and winning the PIAA 4A state championship during the 2018-19 season. Souderton will most noticeably be missing the large senior core that made significant contributions throughout last year’s season, many of whom will be continuing their careers at the collegiate level. That said, Souderton has a strong core of talented underclassmen who contributed to the state championship run and will be returning this year in hopes of having another successful season. Many of Souderton’s games last year ended in a draw or were decided by a single goal, including a significant number of overtimes. This year, Souderton aims to improve both defensively and offensively as they defend their state title.”

SAINT BASIL ACADEMY
2018 Record: 12-8-1
Coach: Bob Opalka
Notable losses:  Sophia Mahoney, Ann Marie Coates, Delaney Gayton, Cara Hughes, Tess White
Players to Watch: Shannon Remolde, Liz Deal, Regan Bentley, Riley Jones, Maddie Carter, Maria Storck, Riley Scannell, Grace Comas, Jackie O’Brien, Sasha Lee, Haley Magilton, Alexandra Mahoney, Ava McCrea, Meghan Matthews, Jackie Ryan and Lauren Metro
Outlook:  “St. Basil is returning a good number of players who gained valuable experience last year.  We only have three seniors who we will rely heavily upon for leadership (Liz Deal, Maria Storck and Grace Comas).  They will be supported by a proficient group of juniors and sophomores. All will be revealed.”

UPPER DUBLIN
2018 Record: 11-7-1 (9-4-1 SOL American)
Coach: Chuck Gesing
Notable losses: Sascha Keitz, Katie King, Lexi Moss, Aidan Hopkins, Tina Haig, Emily Boothe, Maddie Sanders
Players to Watch: Julia Eustace (Sr, F), Laura Pendleton (Sr, M/D), Anna Desch (Jr, M), Karolina Bocul (Jr), Rachel Adleman (So, GK), Ella Eustace (Jr, D), Katie Kenney (Jr, D), Molly Brown (Jr, D), Maddie Amoia (So), Berkley Harmon (So). Mary Rose Brown (So, F) Alex Devers (Fr, F)
Outlook: “We have a very young team and a small senior class. Coming together quickly will be the key to our success. We graduated a large senior class last year so there are new faces that need to work together. The sooner this happens, the better we’ll finish. Being so young we are going to have some growing pains early in the season. As the year progresses we should be tougher.”

UPPER MORELAND
2018 Record: 11-9 (6-8 SOL American)
Coach: Lisa Benvenuto
Notable Losses: Sarah Veneziale, Madeline Gerlach, Chloe Leiter
Players to Watch: Jaclyn Martino (GK), Kathryn Morrow (MF), Grace Burns (F), Megan O’Donnell (MF)
Outlook: “Coming off of our accomplishments last season, we have come into camp strong and focused.  The girls are coming together as a unit, and working well collectively as a team. They are determined, and goal driven to reach districts again this season, and are fully aware of the work they will have to put in to get there.  This team has a great deal of potential, and we are looking forward to a very competitive season.”

WILLIAM TENNENT

2018 Record: 7-11-0 (4-8-0 SOL National)
Coach: Bill Hontz
Notable Losses: Jess Jara, Emily Vicklitis, Jenna Rodebaugh, Becca Smith
Players to Watch: Danielle Scott, Gabrielle Sowers, Carline Weir and Chelsea Meltzer, Tori Ferro
Outlook: “Once again we will be doing the tour around the division as we finish playing the teams we have competed against.  The team prepares to improve on last year’s record with notable athletes returning from injury. Tori Ferro has stepped into the Keeper position and has shown great leadership as the captain. A good run in the playoffs is always the goal for the season as we prepare for tough matches against some big schools.”

WISSAHICKON
2018 Record: 7-11 (7-7 SOL American)
Coach: Chris McDonald
Notable Losses:  Lieke Black, Sam Cominitski, Kelly Dickson and Sam Intrieri
Players to Watch:  Carly Amato, Grace Mullen, Anna Schools, Brooke Berry,Quinn Klessel, Anna Schools, Natalie “Scoops” Ryan
Outlook: “Looking to build on some positives from last year and put a few more notches in the win column.  Our attack should be potent and most of our preseason work has been organizing the defense.  We hope to contend for a playoff berth.”