Girls soccer: Lake County preview

East Suburban Catholic

Carmel

Coach: John Halloran (fifth year)

Last year: 19-5-1, lost to Fremd in supersectional

Top players lost: Megan Osterhout

Top returning players: Amie Bauer Sr. D, Nikki Boland Sr. D, Caitlin Duffy Sr. MF/F, Deanna LaPenta Sr. D, Sara Petermann Sr. F, Maria Sapienza Sr. GK, Julie Schaser Sr. D, Lisa Schostok Sr. MF, Stephanie Swanson Sr. MF, Kiersten Trillhaase Sr. D, Emilly Tripicchio Sr. MF, Alex Hauser Jr. MF/F, Alexis Mientus MF/F, Kelly Schoen Jr. D, Maddie Ogrinc Jr. MF/F, Liz Perrenot Jr. D, Kassidy Brown So. F

Newcomers: Brooke Bowes Sr. GK, Justine Pomierski Jr. MF, Maria Sapienza Sr. GK

Outlook: The Corsairs return their entire starting lineup except for goalkeeper Megan Osterhout. "We've got a close group on and off the field," coach John Halloran said. "Everybody still has to get used to their roles and they should get quality minutes." Petermann and Brown return as a potent one-two punch up front, and they'll be surrounded again by quality, complementary players. "Some of the big schools have superstars," Halloran said. "We make up with quality. We just want to score goals and keep aggressive out there."

Fox Valley Fox

Grayslake Central

Coach: Mike McCaulou (sixth year)

Last year: 9-8-1, lost to Carmel regional final

Top players lost: Bailey Deube, Tory Dohm (softball), Alicia Petro, Sarah Reed, Michelle Williams

Top returning players: Brianna Anderson Sr. D, Daisy Brey Sr. F, Rachel Culp Sr. D, Erin Fitzsimmons Sr. F, Megan Metzler Sr. D, Sarah Burnett Jr. F, Meaghan Daly Jr. MF, Molly DiGregorio Jr. D, Melissa Kuehl Jr. MF, Megan LeBaron Jr. MF, Stephanie Swearingen Jr. D

Newcomers: Maggie Klees So. GK, Lindsey May So. D, Christina Haser Fr. F, Kelly Jay Fr. F, Lauren Labello Fr. MF, Allison Mitchell Fr. D

Outlook: With his Rams returning 11 players, including nine starters, coach Mike McCaulou wasn't taking his chances when asked to assess his team's prospects. "Knock on wood," he said. "If we stay healthy, we should be a lot better. It should be a fun year for us." The Rams have ample talent and experience to be a big factor in the FVC Fox Division. "The majority of girls have played with us the last two years," McCaulou said. "They've got the experience and knowledge playing at the varsity level." Megan LeBaron returns in the midfield after netting 10 goals with 10 assists last year. She'll get support from forward Sarah Burnett and midfielder Melissa Kuehl. "I believe we can get back to a regional championship game," McCaulou said. "We just need to have a quality regular season of play."

Grayslake North

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (second year)

Last year: 1-18, lost to Lake Forest in regional semifinal

Top players lost: Natalie Barczyk, Cassandra Hickey, Chelsie Hickey, Kendall Sauer, Lexie Stoner

Top returning players: Ashley Besler Jr. MF, Alyssa Burke Sr. D, Jackie Staszczak Sr. MF/F, Nina Stojak Sr. D, Sara Wimmer Sr. D/MF, Elise Merkovsky Jr. MF, Alyssa Smith Jr. MF, Haley Stojak Jr. D, Audra King So. MF/F, Megan McHugh So. MF, Danielle Wohlfeil So. D/MF

Newcomers: Becca Corbett Jr. MF, Holly Lewis Jr. MF, Liz Odyniec Jr. D, Taylor York Jr. F, Chloe Basa Fr. D/MF, Kim Shurtliff Fr. MF/GK, Ashleigh Wonsil Fr. GK

Outlook: The Knights are looking forward to Year Two. They didn't have any seniors in their inaugural season, and that lack of experience hurt them. "We had a rough start (as a varsity program)," said coach Adam DeCaluwe, whose Knights won only once. "At least we got some experience under our belt. We need to learn from our mistakes and not let other teams dictate the tempo. We need to have confidence and the girls need to believe in themselves." Eleven players are back. "Experience should help us (earn) more victories," DeCaluwe said. "Girls need to have the desire to play. We're looking for a leader who the girls can follow. Some leaders may be young but I know they can contribute." Potential leaders include Audra King and Jackie Staszczak.

North Suburban Lake

Lake Zurich

Coach: Pete Ternes (ninth year)

Last year: 15-6-5, lost to Stevenson in sectional final

Top players lost: Abby Bergstrom, Brittany Bott, Rachel Brown (club), Cody Callender (Carroll College), Lindsey Green, Sam Janus, Alison Kremer (Washington University, St. Louis), Rachel Matter, Kelly Powers, Yvette Rattray (Hope College), Brie Schreiber, Lauren Witt

Top returning players: Mackenzie Ryan Sr. F, Megan Sue Sr. D, Kate Tarquino Sr. D, Lauren Witte Sr. F, Brittani Ford Jr. MF, Brittany Keating Jr. MF

Newcomers: Maggie Eisenhuth So. GK, Stacy Sanders So. MF, Sarah Stauner So. MF

Outlook: The Bears have lost only three conference games this decade. Two of them were to Jacobs when Lake Zurich played in the Fox Valley, and the other was last year in the North Suburban Lake. The Bears look to continue their NSC dominance with a team that lost 10 players. A half dozen girls return with varsity experience. "We could start off well, or start off bad," coach Pete Ternes said. "We've got a new team with a lot of talent. The skill level is the same. We basically have to fill in the spots." Lake Zurich has its usual competitive, nonconference schedule. The Bears will play in the St. Viator and Barrington tournaments and take a trip to the St. Louis area for a couple of games. "We can be successful if the girls play their roles," Ternes said. "We're always competing for the top spot. We don't want to be second-best. You want to be right up there."

Libertyville

Coach: Scott Schinto (10th year)

Last year: 9-10-1, lost to Mundelein in regional final

Top players lost: Kim Bruett (Northern Illinois University), Kayla Jaroch, Hanna Kruckman, Ally Yarc (College of Lake County)

Top returning players: Leigha Brystol Sr. MF/F, Christine McCracken Sr. D/MF, Caitlin Wagener (Upper Iowa) Sr. F, Jamie Babetch Jr. D, Meghan Buhrman Jr. D/MF, Felicia Gonzalez D/MF/F, Samantha Mack Jr. MF, Mo O'Connor Jr. D, Anna Pollema Jr. GK, Maka Stewart Jr. D, Erin Waehner Jr. GK, Haley Walton Jr. MF, Hannah Walton Jr. MF, Michelle McCracken So. MF/F

Newcomers: Clare Kakenmaster So. D/MF, Christine Sickert So. D/MF, Haley Pike Fr. MF/F, Allie Roeber Fr. D/MF, Katherine Swift Fr. D/MF

Outlook: The Wildcats enter this spring with more depth than a year ago, as 14 players return. "We're a strong program with numbers for the future," coach Scott Schinto said. "Kids are very focused, are great mentally and have a great work ethic." Libertyville turned the corner last year and welcomes back seven starters. "Last year, we grew with a lot of experience," Schinto said. "I believe we look more like a team. The Wildcats open their season with a pair of games in South Carolina over spring break this week.

Mundelein

Coach: Dave Ekstrom (20th year)

Last year: 14-9-2, lost to Carmel in sectional semifinals

Top players lost: Rachel Meserve, Jessica Peterson

Top returning players: Lindsey Benedeck Sr. D/MF, Courtney Bestler Sr. MF, Nicole Greenwood Sr, MF/F, Lacey Michelau Sr. D, Nikki Allen Jr. GK, Kim Carroll Jr. MF/F, Jennifer Miranda Jr. MF, Michelle Rowley Jr. D, Mandi Affolter So. MF/F, Ana Gianaras So. MF/F

Newcomers: Ashley Bergrowicz Fr. D/F, Shayne Carroll Fr. D/MF, Abby Ekstrom Fr. D/MF, Nathalie Mathis Fr. D, Kayla Siebert Sr. F

Outlook: Longtime Mustangs coach Dave Ekstrom returns to direct the girls program after Chris Sell moved to New Jersey. Ekstrom has some good returning players, with 10 girls back, including eight who started last year. "We have a number of players with three to four years of varsity experience," Ekstrom said. "It all comes down to playing well as a team. Experience is only valuable if you play well. There's a lot of confidence with these girls." Seniors Courtney Bestler and Lindsey Benedeck will be starting for the fourth year a row. Nikki Allen, Kim Carroll, and Michelle Rowley are three-year starters. The Mustangs are coming off back-to-back regional championships.

Stevenson

Coach: Mark Schartner (16th year)

Last year: 17-2, NSC champs, lost to Fremd in sectional final

Top players lost: Kristin Baader (Boston College, volleyball), Marrissa Cohen, Alyssa Low, Rebekah Niedermayer (Trinity International University), Cory Steigerwald (University of Illinois), Lauren Thut (Marquette University)

Top returning players: Stephanie DiZonno Sr. D, Kelly Moran Sr. MF, Laura Schroeder Sr. D/F, Ali Hall Jr. MF, Katie White Sr. MF, Tegan Michl Sr. D, Courtney Levy Jr. GK, Shana Manning Jr. MF, Jenna Schiller Jr. D, Jessie Gilstrap So. D, Ellen Gow So. MF

Newcomers: Colleen Grady Sr. F, Allison Bottner So. D, Missy Halinski So. MF, Nicole Sodomire So. F, Taylor Cunningham Fr. F, Ali Kluvers Fr. F, Melissa Loretto Fr. F, Alex Low So. MF, Michelle O'Brien Fr. D/GK

Outlook: Kids ... gotta love 'em. Coach Mark Schartner became a grandfather six weeks ago when his daughter-in-law gave birth to Elena Joy. Schartner's soccer players are also young. The Patriots will feature one of their youngest teams in years. Stevenson graduated a solid core of players that helped win the North Suburban Conference championship. "It will be difficult to replace those players we had last year," Schartner said. "We have so many new players to throw in and experiment with." The Patriots will still have a solid defense with veterans Jessie Gilstrap, Stephanie DiZonno, Shana Manning and Laura Schroeder. They'll be a big help to goalkeeper Courtney Levy, who will be starting for the first time. Ali Hall returns to provide leadership in the midfield. "Our defense will have to carry us along early on," Schartner said. "We have some offensive players who should step up, but it will take some time to get some consistency. I expect these girls to play hard. They'll never give up."

Warren

Coach: Jeff Knouse (fifth year)

Last year: 15-6-2, lost to Lake Forest in sectional semifinal

Top players lost: Tony Bobo (Keystone State University), Ellen Jepsen, Erin Mruz (Grand Valley State University), Brittney Parker (Monmouth College), Alli Reed

Top returning players: Laura Martin Sr. MF, Chelsea Youngberg Sr. D, Rebecca Chavers Jr. F, Lindsey Goad Jr. MF, Karina Hoppe Jr. D, Maddie Wilson Jr. MF, Kelsey Armour So. MF, Kerry Eddy So. D, Natalia Jovanovic So. F, Sarah Musick So. GK, Kelsey Taylor So. D

Newcomers: Sarah Bruketta Sr. F, Ryanne Boraca Jr. MF, Kim O'Leary Jr. D, Meghan Kilroy So. MF

Outlook: There are some familiar names, including Armour and Chavers. Ritchie and Mike Armour played soccer for the Blue Devils, as did Ernie Chavers. Their younger sisters are playing for the Blue Devils now and will be counted on. Kelsey Armour and Rebecca Chavers enter their second varsity year on an up-and-coming team. "This group has played together for a couple of years," coach Jeff Knouse said. "They work well together and work hard for each other." Lindsey Goad, Natalia Jovanovic and Maddie Wilson also return to a team that won a regional championship last spring. "The skill level is pretty high and should help us down the road," Knouse said. "If they continue to work hard and grow together, anything can happen. All they have to do is put the ball into the back of the net."

North Suburban Prairie

Antioch

Coach: Charlie Trout

Record last year: 8-8-5, lost to Lakes in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Alex Palma, Lexi Florian (Illinois Wesleyan), Brenna Padgett.

Top returning players: Yasmine Bassett Sr. D/MF, Tamra Davila Sr. D/F, Kalli Krumpos Sr. MF, Suzie O'Connor (DePaul) Sr. F, Christine Kwilosz Sr. MF, Toni Tognarelli Sr. D, Jen Zak Sr. D, Katie Budd Jr. GK, Katrina Holm Jr. MF, Molly Brooke Jr. D, Jenna Krumpos Jr. D/MF, Kelly Pish Jr. MF, Newcomers: Kia Miller Sr. D/F, Natalie Gonzalez So. D, Sara Knupp So. MF, Alisa Waliser So. MF

Outlook: The Sequoits have reason for optimism. First, Suzie O'Connor returns to the team after playing club soccer the last two years. O'Connor has signed a national letter of intent to play D-I ball for DePaul. Second, counting O'Connor, there are 13 returning players, including seven seniors. That experience factor figures to give the Sequoits a realistic shot at winning the NSC Prairie. Coach Charlie Trout's other veterans include Katrina Holm, Kalli Krumpos and goalie Katie Budd, who returns for her third varsity season between the pipes.

Grant

Coach: Mike Kennedy (third year)

Last year: 4-15, lost to Warren in regional final

Top players lost: Sharon Kallner (College of Lake County), Jessie Stimpson (Air Force Academy, cross country), Chapin Wehde (Aurora University)

Top returning players: Autumn Gaylor Sr. D, Shannon Korecky Sr. F, Martyna Kulawiuk Sr. F, Meghan O'Laughlin Sr. D, Mary Roath Sr. F, Krista Singleton Sr. D, Vanessa Hernandez Jr, D, Becca Sage Jr. D, Hope Lantz So, F

Newcomers: Sarah Scurto Jr. MF, Roberta Avilez So. GK (tranfer Round Lake), Michelle Gizowskie So. GK, Sami Pecorini So. MF, Trisha Palmieri Fr. MF, Rebecca White Fr. MF

Outlook: The Bulldogs are seeking improvement in a lot of different areas. "I expect our work rate in practice and games will be much better," coach Mike Kennedy said. "We'll need to learn as the season goes on. We need to challenge and improve on our record." Climbing to a new level will take work from five returning seniors, including basketball-star Autumn Gaylor, Shannon Korecky, Martyna Kulawiuk, Mary Roath and Krista Singleton. "We've got a wide variety of players," Kennedy said. "Our seniors are a tight-knit group and I expect them to carry the load and teach the younger players the ropes." Korecky returns after racking up 10 goals and 10 assists last year, while Meghan O'Laughlin is back on defense after missing her junior year with an injury. O'Laughlin had 8 goals and 6 assists as a sophomore.

Lakes

Coach: Kevin Kullby (third year)

Last year: 10-7-6, lost to Lake Forest in regional final

Top players lost: Dana Blocker, Kelli Ford, Tara Gray, Ingrid Johnson (College of Lake County), Maria Korosis (Carthage College), Alexa Smith

Top returning players: Samantha Heinrich Sr. MF, Sophia Khawaja Sr. D, Jenny Mason Sr. MF, Jessica Schroeder Sr. GK, Hannah Dewitt Jr. MF, Jen Huebner Jr. MF, Megan Mulloy Jr. D, Soni Peter Jr. D, Alyssa Baker So. D, Sarah Bartlett So. D, Ashley Chemich So. F. Brittany Mooney So. MF/F, Alex Neal So. MF, ?Kristina Umlauf So. F

Newcomers: Jessica Davis So. MF, Sarah Steffen So. D, Megan Frisby Fr. MF. Becky Hill Fr. MF, Emily Mason Fr. MF, Ashley Neubeck Fr. MF/F

Outlook: In just their second year, Lakes earned a share of the NSC Prairie title with Vernon Hills. The Eagles hope to soar again this spring. "We can be competitive," coach Kevin Kullby said. "We've got a lot of club experience." Lakes will feature mostly sophomores, but will rely on seniors such as Samantha Heinrich, Sophia Khawaja, Jenny Mason and Jessica Schroeder. "It will take us a while before we can click," Kullby said. "It's a work in progress. I expect us to get better as the season goes on."

Round Lake

Coach: Mike Hruska (fourth year)

Last year: 2-12, lost to Grayslake North in the regional quarterfinal

Top players lost: Berta Avilez (transferred to Grant), Elba Aceves, Brenda DeLeon, Tiffany Vilchis (College of Lake County)

Top returning players: Vanessa Almadovar Sr. MF, Wendy Campos Sr. MF, Karla Romero Sr. MF, Angelica Salgado Sr. MF/F, Diane Vega Jr. D, Angie Carey So. D, Ashley Carey So. D, Kristen Lambert So. MF, Liz Rodriguez So. MF, Veronica Slagado So. D, Hayley Vaughn So. MF/F

Newcomers: Sandra Artega Sr. D, Joanne Mariscal Sr MF, Neomi Blomberg Jr. MF, Joanna Jaredes Jr. MF, April Barroso Fr, MF/F, Cassandra Tellez Fr. MF

Outlook: The Panthers are shaping up. They're certainly trying at least. "We should be a better conditioned than in years past," coach Mike Hruska said. "We're going to be more athletic and have more experience. We should be able to compete longer in a lot of games." The Panthers are on the young side, but will rely on leadership from seniors Vanessa Almadovar, Wendy Campos, Karla Romero and Angelica Salgado. "We've got a good group of girls that work hard," Hruska said. "They've got a lot of enthusiasm, better skills and show a lot of communication on the field."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Vince DeLuca (sixth year)

Last year: 9-9-3, lost to Lake Zurich in regional final

Top players lost: Cori Beard (Winona State University), Kriston Contos, Erin Corrado, Liana Foreman (Carroll College), Lauren Redig, Alison Theron

Top returning players: Amy Burton Sr. GK, Haley Bosco Sr. D, Kelly Nagle Sr. F, Sam Mead Sr., Liz Shapiro Sr. D, Lauren Clatch Jr. F, Mallory Feece Jr. MF, Lexi Hernandez Jr. MF, Brooke Mahrenholz Jr. F, Stephanie Camello So. D, Jenny Manhard So. F, Stephanie Pecht So. MF, Rachel Roos So. MF, Brigid Walsh So. MF

Newcomers: Jordan Romeo Jr. F, Taylor LaLuzerne Jr. MF, Jessica Feece So. MF, Lauren Miller Fr. D, Kathryn Redig Fr. D

Outlook: For the Cougars, it's almost like starting over. They lost six outstanding players, some of whom played varsity for four years. "We're trying to find new leaders," coach Vince DeLuca said. The potential leaders include Haley Bosco, Lauren Clatch, Sam Mead and Kelly Nagle. "We have talent but it may take time to develop it," DeLuca said. "I expect us to be competitive." The Cougars were in a similar situation four years ago with a lot of young players, and then made history by becoming the first Prairie to win the NSC title. No squad has duplicated that feat since then. "It could happen again," DeLuca said. "I'm not sure if it can really happen, but it would be fun to see."

Wauconda

Coach: Terry Stevig (16th year)

Last year: 10-7-2, lost to Mundelein in regional final

Top players lost: Erin Gilbert, Petra Kasula, Kaylee Siemon

Top returning players: Alyssa Boisvert Sr. D, Margaret Cook Sr. MF, Alexa Gebelhoff Sr. D, Amanda Gertz Sr. D, Jess Hellweg Sr. F, Kaitlyn Llewellyn Sr. MF, Jaclyn Schumann Sr. MF, Becky Breakfield Jr. GK, Haley Dorsey Jr. MF, Aimee Prudhomme Jr. F, Christina Durante So. MF

Newcomers: Kristin Brown Jr. D, Allison Durkin Jr. D, Laura Bustos So. D, Emily Baird Fr. MF, Tammy Ellis Fr. F, Melanie Prudhomme Fr. F, Hannah Voyta Fr. F

Outlook: The Bulldogs are perennially one of the tougher teams in the division and that could be the case again this spring. "The team has some pretty good talent," coach Terry Stevig said. "It's nice to see that for the program. We have some experience (but) some holes at the same time." The Bulldogs will rely on a number of seniors, including Alyssa Boisvert, Margaret Cook, Alexa Gebelhoff, Amanda Gertz, Jess Hellweg, Kaitlyn Llewellyn and Jaclyn Schumann. Hellweg should provide offense again. "I expect us to work hard on defense," Stevig said. "We need to find ways to score. The seniors should provide leadership for the younger players."