Girls soccer: Scouting Lake County
East Suburban Catholic
Carmel
Coach: John Halloran (seventh year)
Last year's record: 16-4, lost to Mundelein in Class 3A semifinal.
Top players lost: Maddie Ogrinc, Kelly Schoen, Liz Perrenot (Illinois-Springfield), Alex Hauser (Wisconsin-Parkside), Justine Pomierski
Top players returning: Maddie Allen Sr. GK, Kassidy Brown (Illinois) Sr. F, Leah Einarsen Sr. D/MF, Jessica Gilstrap Sr. D, Lauren Lehman Sr. F
Top newcomers: Sarah McHugh So. MF/F, Ashley Orth So. MF/F, Jess Petermann Jr. D/MF, Kelly Trillhaase Jr. D/MF, Meegen Johnston Fr. F, Maggie Karich So. MF
Other notable players: Lauren Bowles Jr. MF/F, Shannon Kouba Jr. D, Helen Wagner Jr. D, Caitlin Jung So. D, Shannon Jung So. MF
Outlook: Carmel lost some key players to graduation, but the Corsairs have some returning players and young ones ready to fill in the spots. "I think our team will be very strong this year once we incorporate our new players," coach John Halloran said. "We expect to be a top contender for our conference championship this spring."
Fox Valley Fox
Grayslake Central
Coach: Mike McCaulou (eighth year)
Last year's record: 11-10, lost to Lakes in the Class 2A regional final
Top players lost: Stephanie Swearingen (Dubuque), Molly DiGregorio, Melissa Kuehl (College of Lake County), Sarah Burnett (College of Lake County), Megan Lebaron (SIU-Edwardsville), Brittany Gibson, Meaghan Daly (St. Mary's, Notre Dame)
Top players returning: Kat Dickson Jr. GK, Allison Mitchell Jr. D, Skyler Jessop So. MF
Top newcomers: Colleen Daly So. MF, Sarah Gauger So. MF, Alex Wilson So. F
Other notable players: Maggie Klees Sr. GK, Brittany Risinger Sr. F, Allie Black Jr. MF, Kelly Jay Jr. D/F, Kelsey Skutnick Jr. MF, Brooke Swearingen Jr. MF/F, Morganne Taylor Jr. MF, Jocelyn Gaughran So. D, Michelle Lettenmair So. D, Caitland Nance So. D, Emma Shepard So. MF.
Outlook: The Rams have a young team and will look for steady improvement. "We've got a great bunch of kids," coach Mike McCaulou said. "We need to have consistency and they have to have confidence in their own abilities. Once we find it, we could be a decent team."
Grayslake North
Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (fourth year)
Last year's record: 7-13, lost to Lakes in the Class 2A regional semifinal
Top players lost: Elese Merkovsky (Penn St.-Behrend), Alyssa Smith (Loras)
Top players returning: Alyssa Soulis Sr. F, Chloe Basa Jr. MF/F, Brooke Sauer So. GK, Katie McGrath So. D, Lyz Steinhoff So. MF. Maggie Stojak So. MF
Top newcomers: Taylor Cashman Jr. MF, Melissa Hohensee So. MF/F, Andrea Lamb So. D, Katrina Leckie So. D/F
Other notable players: Megan McHugh Sr. D, Lainey Pasternak Sr. MF/F, Kim Shurtliff Jr. MF/F, Allie Ceglarek So. MF, Katie Lahera So. D, Hannah Mitchem So. D
Outlook: The Knights continue to try to build. They boasted a 2-2 record through Tuesday after beating Glenbard West 2-1 in the opening game of their inaugural tournament. "We will be young," coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "They will make mistakes. They're trying to figure out who they are. I'll be looking for them to compete in every game and will be expecting them to be at the .500 level or, hopefully, better."
North Suburban Lake
Lake Zurich
Coach: Meghan Kolze (second year)
Last year's record: 9-10-4, lost to Barrington in Class 3A regional final
Top players lost: Callie Anderson, Brittani Ford (Carthage), Brittany Keating, Danielle Rowan
Top players returning: Hailey Chmela (Valporaiso) Sr. MF, Maggie Eisenhuth Sr. GK, Stacy Sanders Sr. D, Sarah Stauner Sr. F, Gina McCoy Jr. F, Maisie Cox So. D
Top newcomers: Emily Jehl Sr. MF, Kelly Loch Sr. D, Samantha Preuss Sr. MF, Amanda Green Jr. D, Tracy Kapraun Jr. MF, Alexandra Nasca Jr. D, Brooke Sill Jr. D/F, Catalina Abad So. MF, Vanesa Abad Fr. MF
Other notable players: Kate Arends Jr. D, Molly Murrin Jr. F, Jenna Therrien Jr. D, Josie Willman Jr. D
Outlook: Lake Zurich enters the season with higher expectations and expect more teamwork after a sub.-500 season in 2009. "The difference from last year to this year is that we'll play more as a team than as individuals," coach Meghan Kolze said. "We want more combinations and want to string a lot more passes together. We just want to play more technical soccer. This group works tirelessly and they're motivated."
Libertyville
Coach: Scott Schinto (12th year)
Last year's record: 8-9-1, lost to Fremd in the Class 3A regional semifinals
Top players lost: Erin Waehner (Northern Ohio), Jaimie Babetch (Winona State), Meghan Buhrman, Haley Walton, Hannah Walton, Jen DiVincenzo, Mo O'Connor, Maka Stewart, Felicia Gonzalez, Anna Pollema
Top players returning: Michele McCracken Sr. D/MF, Mackenzie Jaroch Sr.MF/F, Christine Sickert Sr. MF/F, Hayley Pike Jr. MF/F, Allie Roeber Jr. D/MF, Kaca Savatic Jr. D/MF.Katherine Swift Jr. D/MF, Jessica Faber So. MF/F
Top newcomers: Payton Carty Sr. MF, Elise Moderwell Jr. F, Valerie VanRoeyen Jr. D, Lauren Del Prato So. D/MF, Meaghan Polk So. D, Samantha Marsh Fr. MF/F, Tierney Wessel Fr. D
Other notable players: Claire Kakenmaster Sr. D/MF, Sarah Felgenhauer Jr, D/MF
Outlook: The Wildcats are committed to working hard and boast several experienced players. "I expect this year's team to be battling in every minute of every game we play," coach Scott Schinto said. "We're striving for a tireless work ethic. We have a great group of kids who are excited about playing together."
Mundelein
Coach: Dave Ekstrom (22nd year)
Last year's record: 12-9-2, lost to Fremd in the Class 3A regional finals
Top players lost: Nicki Allen, Kim Carroll, Michelle Rowley, Jenny Miranda
Top players returning: Lisa Garza Sr. MF, Stephanie Emery (Dayton) Sr. F, Ashley Begrowicz Jr. F, Aarika Cancelli, Jr. D, Abbey Ekstrom Jr. MF, Nathalie Mathis Jr. D, Alia Munley Jr. D
Top newcomers: Shayne Carroll Jr. MF, Melanie Swager Jr. GK
Other notable players: Molly Rohan Sr. F, Ashley Asher Jr. D, Sarah Bassett Jr. MF, Shannon Frainey Jr. F, Jenny Small Jr. D, Kelsey Hiegel So. F, Gaby Miranda Fr. MF, Brooke Dennis Fr. GK
Outlook: Mundelein returns seven players and expectations are strong. "With our experience back, we're very positive," coach Dave Ekstrom said. "We have good athletes and soccer players. We've just got to make it happen on the field."
Stevenson
Coach: Mark Schartner (16th year)
Last year's record: 11-4-4, lost to Warren in Class 3A regional semifinal
Top players lost: Shanna Manning (Michigan), Jenna Schiller (Judson), Courtney Levy
Top players returning: Jo Jo Kurth Sr. D, Emily Niedermayer Sr. D, Jackie Wynn Sr. MF, Taylor Connington Jr. D/MF, Austin Gregorcy Jr. MF, Missy Lorretto Jr. MF/F
Top newcomers: Lizzy Sanscrainte Jr. GK
Other notable players: Allison Bottner Sr. D, Nicole Sodomire Sr. F, Lindsay Onysio Jr. D, Liz Vlahos Jr. MF, Katie Krejsa So. F, Olivia Whalen So. F
Outlook: Stevenson returns with another solid core of experienced players and high expectations. "We're really balanced in all of our positions this year," coach Mark Schartner said. "We've got many returning defenders, midfielders and forwards. It's a very competitive group with a lot of intensity. We should be able to put a lot of pressure on teams."
Warren
Coach: Jeff Knouse (seventh year)
Last year's record: 7-13-2, lost to Hersey in Class 3A regional final
Top players lost: Lindsay Goad, Karina Hoppe, Maddie Wilson
Top players returning: Kelsey Armour Sr. MF, Kerry Eddy, Sr. D, Natalia Jovanovic, Sr. F, Megan Kilroy Sr. MF, Kelsey Taylor Sr. D/F, Jackie Luka Jr. MF
Top newcomers: Sky Anselm So. F, Karly Moe So. MF, Brianna Selimos So. MF
Other notable players: Sarah Musick Sr. MF/F/GK, Kirstin Taylor Sr. D, Rachel Boraca Jr. MF, Mariah Lewis Jr. D, Rachel Stemplewski Jr. D, Amanda Macuiba So. GK, Katelynn McDermott So. MF/F, Kenzie Verheyen So. D/MF, Rachel Walz So. D
Outlook: Warren has experience on its side. "We're senior heavy with experience," coach Jeff Knouse said. "I'm very optimistic. We should battle in every game and give each team a run for their money. We have a lot of experience up the middle of the field."
North Suburban Prairie
Antioch
Coach: Hannah Drye (second year)
Last year's record: 5-10-5, lost to Regina in Class 2A regional semifinal
Top players lost: Katrina Holm (Olivet Nazarene), Katie Budd (Concordia), Jenna Krumpos, Molly Brooks and Alisa Walizer
Top players returning: Sara Knupp Sr. MF, Julia Applegren Jr, MF, Mallory Fracek Jr. D, Melissa Spooner Jr, F, Lauren Tiffany Jr. MF.
Top newcomers: Amber Dalgaard Jr GK, Ashley Mihovilovich So. MF, Abby McIIhany
Other notable players: Mallory Gonzalez Sr. D, Sammi Modawski Sr. D, Nicole Kelly Jr. F, Rachel Mohr Jr. D, Zoe Nunez Jr. MF, Sam Tokarczyk Jr, D, Kelsey Tykowski Jr. D, Tonya Sippy So. D, Erica Slack So. MF
Outlook: The Sequoits will look for improvement as the spring progresses, as they are shy on experience with only two seniors. "We need juniors to score this year," coach Hannah Drye said. "We are still young, but if we can bring tenacity and toughness to each game, we will be competitive."
Grant
Coach: Michael Kennedy (fifth year)
Last year's record: 6-12-2, lost to Barrington in Class 3A regional semifinal
Top players lost: Kendra Kazmaier, Janine Fiordirosa, Sarah Scurto, Gina Holzman, Gina Cellucci, Rebecca Sage
Top players returning: Hope Lantz Sr. F, Trisha Plamieri Jr. D, Rebecca White Jr. MF, Kassie Stimpson So. F
Top newcomers: Vanessa Foreman Fr. F
Other notable players: Roberta Avilez Sr. GK, Michelle Gizowski Sr. GK, Samantha Pecorini Sr. F, Tianna Deligio Jr. MF, Ashley Flores Jr. MF, Jessica Ring Jr. F, Briana Miller So. D
Outlook: The Bulldogs are in the midst of a rebuilding process after losing a number of seniors to graduation. "We've got a young group and it's going to be a learning experience," coach Michael Kennedy said. "Each game we're going to learn from it. Each and every day, the girls keep learning in practice and in games. We expect to get better by the end of year."
Lakes
Coach: Kevin Kullby (fifth year)
Last year's record: 16-8-2, lost to Wheaton Academy in the Class 2A supersectional
Top players lost: Meaghan Mulloy (Clark College - Iowa)
Top players returning: Alyssa Baker Sr. D, Sarah Bartlett Sr. Ashley Chernich Sr. F, D, Michelle Kosmen Sr. F, Brittany Mooney Sr. MF, Alex Neal Sr. MF
Top newcomers: Ann Safron So. MF. Felicia Fisher Sr. MF, Hanna Jewell Fr. F
Other notable players: Jessica David Sr. MF, Kristina Umlauf Sr. D, Sarah Fitzpatrick Jr. GK, Megan Frisby Jr. D, Rebecca Hill Jr. MF, Emily Mason Jr. MF, Katie Mason Fr. D, Ashley Neubeck Jr. MF/F, Jenna Baker So. MF, Leah Baker So. F, Ann-Marie Brugioni So. D, Ashley Downing So. D
Outlook: Lakes gets Alex Neal back after the senior played club last year. Plus, the Eagles lost only one player from its Class 2A supersectional team. "It's a good group of girls that has been together for a long time in high school and club," coach Kevin Kullby said. "I hope things can fall into place and we can make a run in the Class 2A tournament." Lakes should be the front-runner in the NSC Prairie and could have a shot at the NSC championship.
Round Lake
Coach: Andres Orbe (first year)
Last year's record: 3-13, lost to Grant in Class 3A regional quarterfinal
Top players lost: Claudia Martinez
Top players returning: Angie Carie Sr. GK, Hayley Vaughn Sr. MF, Jasmine Huerta So. MF, Claudia Nunez So. D
Top newcomers: Evelyn Hernandez Fr. F, Naomi Kalume Fr. D, Bianca Mahoney Fr. MF, Elizabeth Salgado Fr. F
Other notable players: April Barroso Sr. F, Nicole Mata Sr. MF, Kassy Ortiz Sr. MF, Natalie Ponce Sr. D, Veronica Salgado Sr. D, Kassey Tellez Sr. F, Anna Albor Jr. F, Bianca Duna So. MF, Claudia Hernandez Jr. MF, Sydney Rose So. MF, Jackie Salgado Sr. D, Katie Trujillo So. D
Outlook: Andres Orbe takes over for Mike Hruska, who stepped down for family reasons. Orbe was an assistant the last couple of years. Panthers have a number of returning players. "These girls are very determined and not scared of anybody," Orbe said. "We're just going out being focused on our strengths and we want to keep building them up. We just want to come out and fight and be in every game."
Vernon Hills
Coach: Vince DeLuca (eighth year)
Last year's record: 12-7-2, NSC Prairie champs, lost to Lakes in Class 2A sectional final
Top players lost: Mallory Feece (Louisiana State), Lauren Clatch (Washington University, St. Louis), Lexi Hernandez, Brooke Mahrenholz, Carly Manso (club)
Top players returning: Jessica Feece Sr. MF, Brigid Walsh Sr. D, Kathyn Redig Jr. D, Iris Ostrovsky So. GK, Julie Pecht So. MF
Top newcomers: Brie Bahlmann Fr. D, Allison Clatch Fr. F, Courtney Corrado Fr. D, Heidi VanderBloomer Fr. MF
Other notable players: Lisa Cisneros Sr. MF, Jenny Manhard Sr. F, Maria Olex Sr. F, Stephanie Pecht Sr. D, Raquel Roos Sr. F, Brita Smith Sr. MF, Brittany Bernal Jr. MF, Alex Goldstein So. MF, Allie Menotti So. D, Kara Sage So. F
Outlook: The Cougars will be competitive again in the division as they look to successfully defend their title. "We have a good group," coach Vince DeLuca said. "We just don't have the leadership just yet. We need to find a good combination on top. We do have heart and determination."
Wauconda
Coach: Terry Stevig (16th year)
Last year's record: 10-10-1, lost to Freeport in the Class 2A sectional semifinal
Top players lost: Aimee Prudhomme (Ripon), Hailey Dorsey and Becky Breakfield
Top players returning: Emily Baird Jr. D, Tammy Ellis Jr. MF, Shannon Gilbert Jr. D, Melanie Prudhomme Jr. MF, Hannah Voyta Jr. F
Top newcomers: Karina Flores Sr. MF, Hailey Mulliner Jr. MF, Maggie Sarich Jr. F, Kelly Schaal Jr. MF, Natasha Braun So. MF, Cara Leoni So. GK, Megan Rohde So. F, Laura Roncal So. D
Other notable players: Christina Durante Sr. MF, Laura Bustos Sr. D, Lauren Guzman Jr. D, Ahissa Bustos So. MF/F, Alicia Knight So. D/MF
Outlook: Wauconda lost midfielders Ahissa Bustos and Christina Durante to season-ending ACL injuries that occurred during the off-season. The Bulldogs will have to rely on others to step up. "We had two major injuries," coach Terry Stevig said. "We expect to be OK and be competitive. We're young this year, but we've got a group of girls that have played together the last few years."