Girls soccer: Scouting Lake County

FOX VALLEY FOX

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Bethany Russ (second year)

Last season: 7-12-1, lost to Crystal Lake Central in Class 2A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Erin Boban, Callie Calamia, Carson Sparkman, Maggie Wehde

Top returning players: Karleen Gomez Sr. MF/F, Kayley Larson Sr. MF/F, Anna Sizelove Sr. D, Lauren Spalding Sr. MF, Emily Werfel Sr. F, Rachel Effa Sr. GK

Newcomers: Rachel Kocialkowski Sr. MF/F, Amanda Larson So. MF

Other notable players: Jenny Biondo Sr. D, Cara Fontana Sr. D, Quin Garbett Jr. MF/F, Lura Quandt Jr. D/MF, Kaitlyn Wilson Jr. MF/F, Aly Hamrick So. D, Stephany Madrid So. MF, Joslynn Smith So. MF/F

Outlook: Coach Bethany Russ has bigger and better expectations from her team in her sophomore season. Grayslake Central has 14 returning players and nine of them, including Winona State-bound forward Emily Werfel, are seniors. "We just need the senior class to step up as leaders," Russ said, "and work together (with the other players) as an entire group."

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (ninth year)

Last season: 10-10, lost to Antioch in Class 2A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Lindsey Allen, Kendall Detweiler, Mallori Hamelton, Kelly Meyer, Chelsea Olson (Roosevelt University), Erin Parro

Top returning players: Megan Davis Sr. GK, Maggie Fish Sr. MF, Kayla Hartigan Sr. D, Teagan Johnson Sr. MF/F, Sarah Myers Sr. D/MF, Kelly O'Brien Sr. MF, Abby Rice Sr. GK, Sammie Villwock Sr. MF/F, Morgan Lyon So. D, Sydney Paez So. MF

Newcomers: Corryn Smith Jr. MF, Cammy Cowperthwaite So. MF/F, Tania Garcia So. D, Lauren Davis Fr. F, Rosie O'Malley Fr. D

Outlook: Sammie Villwock returns after a two-year absence to play club. The midfielder/forward is signed with South Dakota. Other experienced players return as well. "We still have quality talent throughout our mix of experience and youth," coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "They have the ability to pick up where those departing girls left off. We should be solid behind the ball, with a good group of defensive-minded players. While at the same time, we should be more clinical in front of the goal with attacking options we have up top this season."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL

Coach: John Halloran (12th year)

Last season: 12-5-2, lost to Mundelein in Class 3A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Sarah Bowles (St. Norbert), Mackenzie Burns, Jen Capparelli, Emily Halle (St. Olaf), Sadie Jung (St. Norbert), Leah Lach, Katie Sandecki (Coe)

Top returning players: Kayla Handel Sr. MF, McKenzie Runyan Sr. MF/F, Megan Runyan Sr. D/MF, Erin Johnston Jr. MF/F, Angela Salvi So. MF

Newcomers: Sophia Sarkis Fr. GK, Elizabeth Sykes Fr. D.

Other notable players: Jennifer Doyle Sr. D, Emma Kobitter Sr. D, Amanda Lasso Sr. MF, Mary Murphy Sr. MF/F, Mackenzie Sheehan Sr. MF, Lisa Hardwardt Jr. D, Madeline Lombardo Jr. MF/F, Christina O'Block Jr, GK, Rachel Bierman So. GK, Alyssa Cepon So. MF, Haley Miller So. D/MF, Grace Nolan So. D/MF, Abigail Potter So. MF,

Outlook: The returning talent includes college-bound players Kayla Handel (Swarthmore), McKenzie Runyan (Rochester) and Megan Runyan (Rochester) as well as 2014 all-ESCC selections Erin Johnston and Angela Salvi. Eleven returning players bode well for the Corsairs. Add some exciting newcomers and you have a team to watch. The Corsairs opened their season by going 2-0-1 in their quad. "I fully expect us to be competing for conference and regional championships," coach John Halloran said. "I'm excited to work with this group of players. We've got a great collection of talent. If we put in the work, commit to a vision and play for each other, we should be successful in 2015."

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

ANTIOCH

Coach: Marni Polakow (fourth year)

Last season: 12-11-1, lost to Lake Forest in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Hannah Bohn, Amanda Cleven, Alex Fracek, Sinclair Guntharp, Kristen Kelly, Kali Pope, Zoe Zeien

Top returning players: Mikayla Abbeduto Sr. F, Haley Capek Sr. D/MF, Domo Nelson Sr. D/MF, Lauren Slack Jr. MF, Megan Helgeson So. MF/F

Newcomers: Courtney Coleman Jr. MF, Danielle Bay Fr. MF/F, Danielle Brose Fr. Fr. MF/F, Morgan Keefer Fr. MF/F, Karly Monaco Fr. D, Rachel Moore Fr. MF/F, Ella Roberts Fr. D, Monica Wilhelm Fr. GK

Other notable players: Devin Kappie Sr. D, Anna McIlhany Sr. MF/F, Maria Pena Sr. MF/F, Kayla Vazquez Jr. D, Gracie Bouker So. D, Tessa Furlong So. MF/F, Christina Michaels So. D

Outlook: The Sequoits may be on the youthful side with seven freshmen, but they also have some experienced players, including Carroll College-bound Mikayla Abbeduto, who was an all-NSC selection last spring. The Sequoits will be playing their home games at Lakes because of construction of new turf being put down at Antioch. "Even though they are young, they are very experienced players and I expect them to step in right away and play at a high level," coach Marni Polakow said of her players. "We have depth at many positions, and all players on the roster will be able to contribute on some level."

GRANT

Coach: Michael Kennedy (10th year)

Last season: 7-10, lost to Cary-Grove in Class 3A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Nina Deligio, Danielle Frazer, Julie Peterson, Ana Rodas, Alyssa Wilhelm

Top returning players: Marissa Allen Sr. F, Leah Nehila Sr. MF, Jenna Pecorini MF/F, Brett Aichholzer Jr. D, Brianne Barnes So. MF

Newcomers: Emily Miles So F, Hazel Moreno So. MF, Savannah Barnes Fr. MF, Samantha Kaye Fr. D, Rachel Ramirez Fr. MF, Lexi Werve Fr. GK

Other notable players: Carissa Brown Sr. MF, Kelli Varney Jr. D, Sarah Ramirez Jr. F, Meghan Murray So. MF, Sophia Richards So. MF, Madelynne Westoff So. D

Outlook: Marissa Allen, Leah Nehila (Wisconsin-Whitewater), Jenna Pecorini (Cape Fear-N.C.) and Brianne Barnes lead the Bulldogs, who look to bounce back after winning just seven games last season. Nehila, Pecorini and Barnes were all-conference picks in 2014. "The key for the team will be getting all the girls working together," coach Michael Kennedy said. "The upper-class girls have experience on the varsity level and will be looked upon as leaders. Expectations for this team will be to compete and give our best effort every day."

LAKES

Coach: Kevin Kullby (10th year)

Last season: 14-8, lost to Prairie Ridge in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Jessica Cipolla, Kimberly Messmer, Daniela Richter

Top returning players: Nicole D'Ambrose Sr. F, Nicole Denman Sr. D, Kara Jones Sr. GK, Brianna Rosales Sr. F, Maya Schmitt Sr. MF

Newcomers: Alyssa Bombicino Fr. Hannah Morway Fr, Rylie, Matchett Fr.

Other notable players: Emma Boehm Sr. MF, Alyssa Brey Sr. D, Caitlin Farrell Sr. MF, Gretchen Metzger Sr. MF, Allison Vancrey Sr. MF, Jenna Binkley Jr. D, Kaitlyn Baertsch So., Theresa Cipolla Jr., Nicole Nitti Jr. D, Ally Nitti So., Jaqueline Pettigrew So., Bella Pighini So. MF, Izzy Quaranta F, So. Lindsey Smith So.

Outlook: Numbers tell the story, as the Eagles count 18 returning players, led by senior strikers Maya Schmitt and Nicole D'Ambrose, who's committed to Viterbo College. The duo combined for 28 goals and 17 assists last year. Schmitt, D'Ambrose and keeper Kara Jones give the Eagles three returning all-conference talents. "With virtually the entire starting lineup back, my hope for the team is to win the Prairie Division," coach Kevin Kullby said. "We have to play more competitively against the better teams to be ready for the state tournament. Hopefully, the team can hold up and win a regional title. But our sectional can potentially have the top 4 teams in the state for (Class) 2A - Lake Forest (2014 state champion), Carmel, St. Viator, Prairie Ridge. So winning a regional would be a great accomplishment."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Josue Jimenez (first year)

Last season: 6-14, lost to McHenry in Class 3A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Dania Barrientos (College of Lake County), Stephanie Figueroa, Araceli Juarez, Sarahi Maravilla, Melissa Mejia, Izzy Rodriguez, Daisy Torres, Karen Uribe Sr.

Top returning players: Brenda Barros Sr. D, Veronica Chavez Sr. MF, Michelle Hernandez Jr. F, Jasmine Cruz So. MF, Melanie Rodriguez So. F

Other notable players: Karyna Barrientos Sr. GK, Katerina Berdenis Sr. D, Ivonne Briones Sr. D, Yeseli Delgado Sr. MF, Maria Estrada Sr. D, Stephanie Figueroa Sr. MF, Jackie Hernandez Sr. D, Ariana Melesio Sr. D, Ana Rodriguez Sr, F. Jordan Devera Jr. GK, Alondra Landa Jr. F, Evelyn Torres Jr, MF, Destiny Vazquez Jr. F, Yurizet Villa Jr. MF, Mariann Kick So. F, Michelle Paz So. MF

Outlook: Josue Jimenez takes over as head coach for Andres Orbe. The Panthers won just six games last season but return an all-NSC player in senior defender Brenda Barros and are off to a 2-0 start in 2015. "I'm making sure that my athletes learn more about the sport of soccer and the tactics that are involved," Jimenez said. "We have been working a lot on our decision-making and making sure that we play smarter. We have to be proactive with our movements off the ball and where is the best position that we should be in certain scenarios. I expect us to be a more physical team this year and more disciplined on our marking."

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Vince DeLuca (12th year)

Last season: 13-6-2, lost to St. Viator in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Kimberly Amari, Katherine Koczwara, Natakina Mariduena, Kelsey Seal

Top returning players: Amy Andrea (Arkansas State) Sr. D, Kristen Guglielmi Sr F, Kaitlin Gramins Sr. MF, Nathalie Orozco Sr. MF, Monica Bahlmann Sr. D, Sr. GK Sydney Resnick

Newcomers: Abigal Harty Jr. MF, Katlyn Burrows So. MF

Other notable players: Katie Brettman Sr. F, Ashley Favia Sr. D, Madison Guillaume Sr. MF, Kelly Hull Sr, MF, Haley Lieberman Sr. F, Erin VanDemerkt Jr. MF, Becky Bahlmann So. D, Samantha Biede So. D, Emma Pappano So. D, Ally Ripes So. MF, Rena Roos So. MF

Outlook: The Cougars count 11 seniors, nine of whom have played varsity for four years. Defenders Amy Andrea and Monica Bahlmann, midfielders Nathalie Orozco and Kaitlin Gramins and goalie Sydney Resnick were all-conference players as juniors. "We've got a core of players that are skilled and bring a lot of different qualities to our program that will help us compete in a lot of our games," coach Vince DeLuca said. "Our core players should provide great leadership abilities and support each other."

WAUCONDA

Coach: Patrick Heckmann (fourth year)

Last season: 8-10-1, lost to Vernon Hills in Class 2A regional semifinal

Top players lost: Bree Brzostowski, Madi Granata, Lauren Mantas, Alyssa Stepanian (Knox College)

Top returning players: Diana Guzik Sr. F, Jackie Lung Sr. MF, Allie Magiera Jr. GK, Aimee Berg So. D, Erica Miller So. MF

Newcomers: Kayla Meyer Sr. MF, Yulissa Solis Jr. F, Rachel Denovo Fr. D, Annalyse Maze Fr. D, Jillian Rejczyk Fr. D, Gabriella Reyes Fr. D, Kyla Wisniewski Fr. F

Other notable players: Maddie Maze Sr. F, Marissa Miller Jr. D, Brittany Stepanian Jr. D, Leah Leoni So. F, Emma Lewandowski So. MF, Natalie Thompson So. D, Brianna Vargas So. F

Outlook: With some new talent and solid group of junior veterans, including Jackie Lung and Diana Guzik, the Bulldogs are optimistic. Lung and Guzik bother had all-conference seasons a year ago. "We've got five freshmen who are all potential starters, which makes for an interesting dynamic with the returning varsity players," coach Patrick Heckmann said. "I feel our bench is deep and that if we jell quickly, we can have a successful season."

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Michael Castronova (fourth year)

Last season: 18-3-1, lost to Barrington in Class 3A sectional semifinal

Top players lost: Meghan Gelinas (Miami of Ohio), Alison Heinrich, Jordan Jackson, Julia Kuhn, Katie McCurley (Ohio), Claire Skowron, Allie Thompson

Top returning players: Blair Coughenour Sr. D, Elly Daleske Sr. GK, Danielle Ufheil Jr. MF, Nicole Rasiarmos Sr. F, Maggie Tuckey Sr. D, Madeline Blasko Jr. MF

Newcomers: Emily Udelhoven Jr. F, Natalie Young Jr. D, Erin Neeson So. MF, Siena Robertson So. D, Alexa Juarez Fr. MF

Other notable players: Meagan Bens Sr. D, Katie Fabbrini Sr. MF, Lexi Miranda Sr. D, Carolyn Radecki Sr. F, Danielle Ufheil Sr. F, Devon Kennedy Jr. MF, Jasmine Mirabelli Jr. F, Rebecca Kubin So. F, Kyra Ripoli So. MF

Outlook: Could there be a repeat of last year's success (18 wins, regional title)? There's a strong possibility considering the Bears return eight starters, including 2014 all-conference picks Elly Daleske (goalie), Nicole Rasiarmos (forward), Blair Coughenar (defender), Madeline Blasko (midfielder) and Danielle Ufheil (midfielder). "We have a good mix of experienced players and some newcomers," coach Michael Castronova said. "We have the potential to have a very successful season. Our schedule gives us many opportunities to come together as a team as the season progresses. We hope to be playing our best soccer at the end of the season."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Andy Bitta (20th year)

Last season: 8-8-2, lost to Stevenson in Class 3A regional final

Top players lost: Steffi Bauer, Krista Erlandson, Kathleen Graham, Sydney Mudd, Lauryn Such, Ali Urbanski, Jessica Von Roeyen

Top returning players: Mia Hollingsworth Sr. F, Alli Brucato Sr. D, Abbey Peters Sr. MF, Ellie Daugerdas Jr. D, Julia Neiweem Jr. MF, Danielle Pacholski Jr. MF, Maddie Olson So. F

Newcomers: Danielle Swift Sr. D, Natalie Jaroch So. F, Taylor Underwood So. MF

Other notable players: Brittany Bierman Sr. F, Emily Boyd Sr. MF, Kaitlin Considine Sr. D, Lexi Francke Sr. F, Izzie Griffith Sr. D, Sarah Hoult Sr. MF, Laura Janousek Sr. GK, Izzy Loffredo Sr. F, Kaitlyn McKernan Sr. D, Maggie Peterson Sr. MF, Sabie Ramiret Sr. F, Annie Thompson Sr. F, Alex Yoor Sr. MF, Bridgett Burnetti Jr. D, Mary Graham Jr. MF, Ellie Hauser Jr. F. Jordan Hertzer Jr. GK, Maddie Novak Jr. MF, Alyssa Seefeldt Jr. D, Gabby Struik Jr. MF, Claire Costakis So. F, Britt Dahlin So. F, Kelsey Gaines So. D, Mary Kate Mieszala So. MF, Emily Olson So. F

Outlook: The Wildcats will have a deeper roster than in recent years and that should help make up for the loss of Mia Hollingsworth, who's injured. The senior forward was an all-NSC choice last season, as were fellow returnees Julia Neiweem and Ellie Daugerdas. Allison Brucato and Danielle Pacholski earned honorable mention all-conference honors. "We look to play good soccer," coach Andy Bitta said. "We'll have more depth and have skilled, experienced players that will compete. We're just trying to get better. We're hoping to compete and it would be nice to win the (Lake) division, which is so strong. We need to take things game by game and want to improve game by game."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Ernie Billittier (fourth year)

Last season: 14-5-5, lost to Barrington in Class 3A regional final

Top players lost: Jasmine Ader (Spring Hill College) Kaila Cancelli (Spring Hill College), Michele Chernesky, Aubrey Larkin

Top returning players: Megan Carroll Sr. D, Shannon Carroll Sr. F, Jessica Schultz Sr. D, Reyna Bennett Jr. D, Kelly Grove Jr. MF

Newcomers: Caitlin Newell Sr. F, Amy Richards Jr. D, Emily Hay Jr. MF. Molly Mishler Fr. D

Other notable players: Beth Groteleushen Sr. D, Cristy Nambo Sr. F, Alexis Malka Jr. MF, Leah Goldman So. D, Rachel Hansen So. F, Emily Ollendick So. MF, Lexi Pawlowski So. GK

Outlook: Plenty of leaders and varsity experience return for the Mustangs. Both Megan and Shannon Carroll made the all-conference team last year, so did Michele Chernesky, who's playing club this season. "We expect to be competitive in every game and develop over the course of the year," coach Ernie Billittier said. "We will need to stay healthy, and we will need to come together as a group in order to achieve our goals."

STEVENSON

Coach: Kevin Heffernan (second year)

Last season: 7-11-4, lost to Buffalo Grove in Class 3A sectional semifinals

Top players lost: Erin Bailey, Maddie Boutros, Carolyn Briggs, Nicole Glait, Sophia Godoy, Hakey Green, Katy Karabestsos, Blake Klinsky, Megan Petrick, Sara Putwen, Lily Zhang

Top returning players: Rachel Blumenthal Sr. D, Kyra Kirsh Sr. MF, Kya Suzuki Sr. MF, Courtney Bruckman Jr. D, McKenzie Connington Jr. MF, Emma Jaeger Jr. MF, Savannah Kruse Jr. MF

Newcomers: Caroline Dempsey Sr. D/MF, Kylie Kirsch Sr. D, Emma Marx Sr. GK, Rachel Tarkaroff Sr. MF, Maddie Ding Jr. D, Amanda Konopacki Jr. MF, Traci Morgan Jr. MF, Hannah Petrich So. GK, Jilly Steinbrink So. MF/F, Rachel Ayanyi Fr. MF, Cassie Farber Fr. D, Becky Riekke Fr. D, Brianna VanZanten Fr. F

Outlook: The Patriots have some exceptional talent, as senior midfielders Kyra Kirsh and Kya Suzuki have both signed letters of intent to play at Northwestern next fall, while senior midfielder Caroline Dempsey will be headed to Washington University in St. Louis. Emma Marx will provide stability and leadership in goal. "Our expectations are that we work as hard as we can every second in every game," coach Kevin Heffernan said. "We want to be competitive in every game until the season is done. To achieve our goals we must work as hard in practice as we do in games and just stay focused and healthy throughout the season."

WARREN

Coach: Ryan McCabe (fourth year)

Last season: 12-7-2, lost to Lake Zurich in Class 3A regional final

Top players lost: Maddie Brenner, McKenna Hofflander, Kristen Huard, Emily Jahn, Alissa Ramsden, Katherine Schwede, Natalie Slater, Daria Szczepanek (Butler), Hayden Yunker

Top returning players: Liz Carrano Sr. GK, Alexis Strothers Sr. D, Abby Vrabel Sr. MF, Kaitlyn Chomko So. MF, Alliyah Parker So. F

Newcomers: Jovana Milovanovic Jr. F, Lindsay Ditmars So. D, Natalee Mcnally So. D, Becca Pineau So. MF, Teagon Albert Fr. F, Jamie Kwon Fr. D, Grace Wiltgen Fr. F

Other notable players: Corin Hill Sr. D, Hannah Sislow Sr. D, Jillian Hansen Jr. MF, Valentina Rodriguez Jr. MF

Outlook: The Blue Devils lost players not only to graduation. One player moved, one went out for another sport, and another chose to play club this spring. But talent returns in Wayne State-recruit Alexis Strothers, keeper Liz Carrano and forward Alliyah Parker, all of whom were all-conference selections last year. "We would like to win the North Suburban Conference title," coach Ryan McCabe said. "We would like to win all the elimination games in the PepsiCo Showdown, Glenbrook Cup and state series. With so many young players, we must find a way to create a positive team dynamic and be willing to challenge each other each day in training."

- Rusty Silber