Girls soccer/Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Pat Dudle (8th year, 93, 60-14).
Last year: 22-3-3 (9-0-2) regional champs, lost to Barrington (2-1) in sectional final.
Graduation losses: Kelli Zickert (F, two-time all-state, three-time all-area, 81 career goals, playing at Illinois State University), Skylar Groth (MF, two-time all-state, three-time all-area, playing at Xavier University), Collen Zickert (MF, two-time all-area, 27 career goals, playing at Wingate University, NC), Allie Ingham (F-MF, playing at Northern Illinois), Sara Brawley (D, North Park University), Kim Herzog (MF), Elizabeth Chan (D), Megan Gardner (F), Kim Herzog (MF), Amanda Kowalski (D-MF, all-MSL, club soccer).
Top returning players: Seniors Jessica Kovach (MF, two-time all-area), Sara Busse (F), Sarah O'Connor (F), Jessica Ahumada (MF), Maria Hamilton (D); juniors Dani Bleichman (D), Sabrina Guercio (D); sophomores Danielle Allaire (D), Hannah Cole (F), Georgette Topalis (MF).
New faces to watch: Senior Sarah Cain (D); juniors Cassie Berman (GK), Kaylee Gerhardt (MF); sophomores Brittany Lee (D), Courtney Lee (MF), Gina Bolis (D).
Outlook: Since the crew of the Zickert sisters and Skylar Groth first made their appearance with the big club, Bison soccer has never been better. Countless tournament championships, sparkling play and highlight film goals, and a fourth-place state finish two years ago were only some of the accomplishments this trio inspired. These three have moved on to play college soccer, as has the multi-talented Allie Ingham, in addition to five other starters from a year ago, making the 2015 campaign one filled with several question marks for coach Pat Dudle and fine staff. “Graduation was not kind to us,” said Dudle. “We lost our all-time leading scorer (Kelli Zickert), the heart-and-soul of our club (Groth), and the list goes on and on. But the cupboard isn't bare because we've got three four-year players back: Kovach, Busse and O'Connor, and nice core of returning players, who earned valuable time with us last year, and a nice group of newcomers who will be asked to step in and up this spring.” The role of Kovach will likely be moved into the attacking spotlight after sitting behind a talented MF for the past two seasons, where she has been nearly flawless. The trio of Hamilton, Bleichman and Guercio earned plenty of minutes along the back one year ago, and that experience will be key as Dudle welcomes a new keeper into his lineup.
Elk GroveCoach: Dan Klaus (14th year, 121-131-16).
Last year: 5-12-0 (4-7-0).
Graduation losses: Nikki Zaino (F, all-area, all-MSL, playing at Taylor University, Ind.), Kelly Regan (MF, Illinois State), Jocelyn Potratz (D, all-MSL, playing at UW-Whitewater), Melissa Solorio (GK, all-MSL, 25 career shutouts, playing basketball at Illinois College).
Top returning players: Seniors Abby Smola (GK-MF); juniors Cassie Slattery (MF), Allison Czyzewski (D), Bailey Murphy (MF), Kathryn Riopel (D), Liz McDaniel (MF).
New faces to watch: Senior Alexis Olague (D); freshmen Amanda Sitkowski (MF-F), Kelly Walter (MF), Zoe Blomquist (MF).
Outlook: The Grens have gone through a stretch where its lost talented players without having a steady influx of quality replacements. This may all be changing. Dan Klaus will have a trio of freshmen he'll count on, with the club pipeline ready to produce several others during the next couple of years. “When you look back and see who and what we've lost during the past few seasons, and how we've had to change our style of play because of the lack of depth and attacking players (it's) been a tribute to the girls who've been with us, but now I feel like we have some young, exciting players who can get our attack up and running, to help complement the players we have back, with an eye on the future as well,” says an optimistic Klaus. A priority is finding a way to replace Solorio, who may be the best keeper the program has ever had, as well as a first-rate defender (Potratz) along the back. That future Klaus speaks of: Sitkowski, Walter and Blomquist are athletic, soccer-smart and driven, and head a class of eight freshmen, more than the coach has ever rostered during his tenure.
HerseyCoach: Darren Llewellyn (2nd year, 16-6-1).
Last year: 16-6-1 (10-1-1, MSL East champs, lost to Barrington in MSL Soccer Bowl).
Graduation losses: Lauren Gierman (MF, two-time all-state, three-time all-area, MSL East POY, playing soccer at NIU), Morgan Harris (GK, all-state, all-area, two-time all-MSL, playing basketball at Carthage College, WI), Megan Brant (D, all-MSL), Claire Schwaba (F).
Top returning players: Seniors Kayla Knauss (D, all-MSL), Annie Korff (D, all-MSL), Sara Magnuson (F-D, all-MSL), Jessica Schmidt (F), Emma Slosar (DMF), Abby Wendell (DMF); sophomores Kelly Weyhrich (MF), Gina Miklasz (F), Claire Callahan (F).
New faces to watch: Junior Susan Lindstrom (D), sophomores Claire Gritt (GK), Carly Cooper (D), Grace Kozurek (MF),
Outlook: The Huskies have been a force at the top of the table for what seems like forever, but last year's run into the MSL Soccer Bowl was truly remarkable. Darren Llewellyn, who'd previously conjured up a few magical runs with the boys program, somehow did it again last spring as his club outdueled state power Buffalo Grove, using the magnificent talent of all-state MF Lauren Gierman and an air-tight defense to raise the division trophy once again. “No other team in the history of this league ever went through the MSL season without conceding a goal. It was a memorable season last year, but Gierman, Morgan Harris and several other key players are gone, so we'll have to go at things a little differently this season,” Llewellyn said. Veteran backline stars Korff and Knauss will now carry the load in front of a new keeper, while newcomers will flank the two seniors on the outside. The duo of Wendell and Weyhrich will each shoulder the responsibility of running the attack in the middle, while a host of first-timers all will have their chance to take on supporting roles in a system which is known to be stingy, while opportunistic on the other end. “It will likely take us awhile this year to sort things out, but we could be right there when the second half of the season rolls around,” said Llewellyn.
ProspectCoach: Tom Froats (13th year, 135-94-32).
Last year: 12-10-1 (6-5-0)
Graduation losses: Emily Novak (MF, two-time all-area, Pittsburgh), Elena Cukurs (D, two-time all-MSL, playing at Lewis University), Sarah LaCost (F, playing at Concordia University), Kim Welk (F-MF, all-MSL, Iowa), Jenny Novak (D, playing at UIC), Trish Benson (D, Wisconsin), Danielle Hamzeloo (D, Ohio State), Elaine Tomko (GK, Western Michigan), Kristen Frasco (D, Harper Junior College), Kelly Bucher (D, Wisconsin).
Top returning players: Seniors Rosie Pettenuzo (MF-D, two-time all-area, committed to play at Central Michigan), Jeanne Leane (D), Maggie Sullivan (D), Sammy Minasian (F), Jenny Leet (D), Lauren Rendino (MF), Marika Maggos (MF), Kristen Crawford (F), Izzy Fast (D), Natalie Tuczak (GK); juniors Martina Kowalczuk (F, 15g), Andi Marfilius (F); sophomore Aly Kobler (F, 4g).
New faces to watch: Juniors Kathryn Szukalla (F), Sarah Boss (MF), Taylor Sliwa (F), Michelle Haaning (MF), Mallory Brask (MF); sophomores Grace Taldone (D), Grace Johannesen (D), Paige Thiel (GK), Amy Novak (MF); freshmen Natalie Marfilius (D).
Outlook: The Knights lost 10 players from last year, many of them three-year veterans, including gifted MF Emily Novak. And it now appears likely they've also lost their best player (Pettenuzo) to a season-ending injury. “We will be young in high school years, but not in soccer years in several positions created by the departure of a deep and talented graduating class from a year ago,” says coach Tom Froats, the dean of MSL East coaches along with Elk Grove's Dan Klaus. “We have very strong offensive personalities up top in Kowalczuk and Marfilius, who should create ample scoring chances for us, and several others on our roster who'll look to capitalize on their opportunities to make their mark this season.”
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Michael Drenth (4th year, 20-34-5).
Last year: 5-11-1 (4-7-0).
Graduation losses: Mary Collins (MF-F, all-MSL, Virginis), Allie Kemph (D, St. Louis University), Sarah Ott (D, Illinois State).
Top returning players: Seniors Jamie Berry (D); sophomores Kate Perille (MF), Claire Preissing (D), Madeline Rebsamen (MF).
New faces to watch: Sophomore Kyra Spiwak (MF); freshmen Natalie Anderson (MF), Allie Ontaneda (MF).
Outlook: The Mustangs had seven freshmen in its first 11 last spring and have more on the way this spring as coach Michael Drenth continues to practice patience and perseverance as the rebuilding proces continues. “We'll have just five seniors on our roster, no juniors, and three more freshmen up with us, two of whom will start, so we'll continue to be very young which likely means we're a year away from being a team to seriously watch.” Sophomores Perille and Preissing will provide quality in key spots for Drenth, with Perille running the attack out of the middle and Preissing eventually moving alongside her teammate after opening the season along the back. Sophomores Rebsamen and Gunn have the talent to help inspire the Mustangs' attack, while Drenth is eager to see what the promising duo of Anderson and Ontaneda can provide during their rookie seasons.
Wheeling:Coach: Dwyane Cruz (2nd year, 4-13-1).
Last year: 4-13-1 (0-11-0).
Graduation losses: Alex Fister (F, all-MSL), Iris Torres (MF), Janine Valera (MF-F, club soccer).
Top returning players: Seniors Emily Peterson (DMF, D), Yessenia Acosta (DMF); sophomore Kelly Peitrowski (CMF).
New faces to watch: Kourtney Schuetz, Alyssa Peterson.
Outlook: Coach Dwayne Cruz is back for his second year, and the hope for the long-time head coach at Harper College is to win the matches his club should to gain some confidence before its rugged MSL schedule begins. “It's a struggle to compete in such a strong soccer conference when your program numbers are not very strong, and your players are unable to match the physical play in our league,” said Cruz. “We've got a great bunch of girls on our roster who want to put the work in and have made the commitment to getting better, so we'll see where that takes us this spring. Our youth and club program here in Wheeling is finally coming around, so there's hope for bigger and better things in the future.”
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Ryan Stengren (8th year, 130-35-12).
Last year: 18-4-2 (9-2-0), MSL champs, lost to New Trier (1-0) in supersectionals.
Graduation losses: Eli Ackerman (F, all-area, all-MSL), Mia Calamari (MF-D, two-time all-area, all-MSL, playing at the University of Chicago), Nicole Niro (MF, all-area, all-MSL, 10g, playing at Auburn), Carrie Madden (F, all-area, all-MSL, 15a, playing at Marquette), Emily Decreane (D), Cari Caplin (D, Eastern Illinois), Katie Hoots (MF), Alex Avers (MF).
Top returning players: Seniors Jenna Szczesny (F, Daily Herald POY, two-time all-state, all-area, 30g, commited to play soccer at Loyola), Hannah Luedtke (GK, 2014 all-state, two-time all-area, all-MSL, commited to play soccer at Butler), Megan Fox (MF), Kelsey Muniz (MF), Annalise Avers (MF); sophomores Jackie Batliner (D), Anna Brodejian (MF), Kayla Keck (D), Maesyn Poidomani (F), Kayla Schutter (DF), Sophie Spinell (MF), Haley Tausend (D).
New faces to watch: Senior Ann Marie Niro (MF, commited to play at Notre Dame), Ana Lageschulte (F); junior Lauren Bulanda (F), Lauren Pircher (D); sophomore Ellie Stodola (D); freshmen Samantha Schmitz (GK), Michayla Herr (MF).
Outlook: Looking at the Fillies roster, there's some serious star power despite the loss of several big names. Two of the best back, Jenna Szczesny and Hannah Luedtke, also happen to be two of the best at their position in the state. And with Notre Dame-bound Ann Marie Niro back from club soccer for her final year, the expectations are higher than ever for Barrington's faithful. “We have a dynamic group of players back, including several freshmen who cut their teeth with us last year right into our supersectional final with New Trier,” said coach Ryan Stengren. “But the stakes are high, and there's a big target on our back this season. Although we're likely the front-runners there's a big target on our backs that everyone will be shooting for.” The Fillies coach said there's still plenty of inexperience on his roster, including along the back, where the brilliant GK Luedtke will have a totally rebuilt unit in front of her, led by one of the top young players in the area in Jackie Batliner. “We lost four stars from our starting lineup, so even with our returning players, there's a big void to fill without those four, plus the others who gave us so much while they were here,” Stengren said. The Fillies won't shy away from high-profile opponents, and there's plenty of them on the schedule this spring, which Stengren believes will make his club tournament ready when the time comes.
ConantCoach: Jason Franco (10th year, 125-54-19).
Last year: 15-5-2 (7-2-2), regional champs, lost to STE (1-0) in sectional final.
Graduation losses: Drew Wentzel (D, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, playing soccer at Denison University, OH), Bianca Madonia (MF, all-area, all-MSL, playing at South Dakota State), Stephanie Buga (D, playing at Augustana), Nicole Lorenz (MF, playing at UW-Whitewater), Emmie Galan (MF, playing at North Park), Bianca Madonia (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Nicole Lorenz, Stephanie Buga (D), Lauren Lejman (MF)
Top returning players: Seniors Leah Celarek (F-MF, three-time all-area, all-MSL, 15g, 12a, commited to play at Marquette), Haley Anderson (GK, all-MSL, 31 career shutouts), Sidney O'Keeffe (F, 10g), Katie Lomas (D, all-MSL), Dhara Patel (D) Katie Tokarz (D); juniors Zoe Shoro (MF), Rachel Raymer (MF), Marissa Dizonno (MF), Gianna Angiulo (MF); sophomore Emily Mazurek (F-MF, all-MSL, 12g, 12a).
New faces to watch: Sophomore Katie Celarek (D); freshmen Kaylin Feeley (F), Elizabeth Dolce (MF), Miranda Glennon (MF).
Outlook: Once again it will likely be Conant and Barrington vying for not only the division crown, but also postseason advancement. The Cougars have a whole host of players who can change a game in an instant — Leah Celarek, Sidney O'Keeffe and Emily Mazurek, to name a few — but also an exciting, solid group of freshmen who should make their mark this season while keeping the club in the mix in the years ahead. “The strength of this year's team will be its attacking ability,” said Franco. “Celarek, O'Keeffe and Mazurek give us one of the best attacking trios in the area, with each double-digit goal scorers and the ability to distribute and create as well. This group should score goals and test even the best of defensive units, but we'll need to find a way to defend consistently, now that one of the best around (Drew Wentzel) is gone and playing in college.” The loss of Wentzel's play, leadership and will to win is a big one; likewise for Bianca Madonia. But Franco and his fine staff have four-year starter Katie Lomas to lean on along the back, in addition to Haley Anderson between the sticks, easily the best at this position during Franco's 10 years at the helm. A demanding nonconference schedule will ready this side for whatever comes its way.
FremdCoach: Steve Keller (15th year, 208-93-29).
Last year: 7-12-1 (5-6-0)
Graduation losses: Mary-Kate Schiffer (F, UW-Stevens Point), Karolina Cholewa (MF, all-MSL, Loyola), Julia Leonard (D, all-MSL, club soccer), Katie Kiolbassa (MF-D, club soccer).
Top returning players: Seniors Katie Zara (F-MF), Caroline Freeman (D-MF, all-MSL), Jessica Kopec (MF-F), Liz Flavin (D-MF), Annika Morin (D), Sarah Aftelak (F-MF); sophomore Kelsey Stone (GK).
New faces to watch: Senior Emily Rogers (MF), Sara Marturano (D), Reilly Siepka (D); sophomores Emilijia Peleckas (MF-F), Julie Szylke (MF-D), Tara Bergles (F), Missy Adrian (F),
Outlook: Despite a solid core of returning starters and players, the issue of inexperience and lack of overall team speed is futher magnified by the loss of two future D-I players to club soccer. “When we looked at what our lineup would be with both Julie (Leonard) and Katie Kiolbassa in our lineup, plus another, the dynamics suddenly changed the overall picture for this season should everyone be back with us this year,” says Steve Keller. “But we had quality discussions with both kids, who each, by the way are both great girls, before they made their decisions, and now we go from there.” The play up top from Zara, who is rugged, fearless and full of pace, is key, but the two-year starter will need help up top in order for the Vikings to find the back of the net with regularity. Veterans Freeman, Flavin and Kopec give the club quality wherever Keller eventually stations them, while the Vikings' coach is high on the potential of his sophomore keeper Stone, who will be a key figure along the back this spring.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Ralph Tooren (5th year, 9-59-2).
Last year: 2-15-0 (1-9-1).
Graduation losses: Kelly Rottman (D), Hannah Brostoff (D).
Top returning players: Seniors Jessica Miller (D), Ale Alonso (MF, all-MSL); juniors Jennie Nailor (D), Erin Hanson (MF); sophomore Natalie Nagrant (F).
New faces to watch: Freshman Vanessa Bonilla (MF).
Outlook: Like his coaching counterpart at Wheeling, it's a numbers game for Ralph Tooren and his staff. “What we have is a great group of hard-working girls who have the talent, but not the size nor physical strength to compete during the week in our matches in the MSL, and when you factor in our lack of depth, it eventually catches up to you during those back-to-back nights as the season goes on,” said Tooren. Health is an issue here at the onset, as will be the Hawks' work in the final third, which concerns the head coach. “We've got skillful players who can get us behind our opponents, but the question will be can we finish?” he said. Three-year veteran Nailor is, and has been, the glue in the back, while clever MF Alonso will run the Hawks attack with pace and style.
PalatineCoach: Willie Filian (23rd year, 258-151-44).
Last year: 12-8-2 (5-4-0), lost regional final (1-0) to Buffalo Grove.
Graduation losses: Morgan Radtke (MF-D, all-area, two-time all-MSL, Illinois State), Ern Mayer (MF, all-MSL), Gina Falato (MF-F), Rachel Rhodes (GK, Michigan State), Tori Jackson (MF), Carolyn Soukop (F, club soccer).
Top returning players: Seniors Kellie Reynolds (F, all-MSL, 10g), Michelle Raymond (MF-F), Carly Iacullo (D), Katie Conklin (MF), junior Cora Jacobsen (MF), Allison Rzepka (D); sophomore Mackenzie Filian (MF).
New faces to watch: Sophomores Camille Jenson (MF-D), Sam Malak (MF-D), Kendall Kane (MF-F), Kaitlyn Strauss (D), Francesca Falato (GK); freshmen Sarah Clancy (MF-F), Kacie Filian (MF-D), Anja Jacobsen (MF), Alexis Saa (F).
Outlook: For the first time in ages, the Pirates will feature several rookies in its first 11, each appearing to be well-suited for the season-long fight which lies ahead in the MSL along with a demanding nonconference schedule. “None of the four freshmen we have wouldn't be with us if we didn't feel they belong, they can play. But each of them will have to find out on the job what it's like to compete at this level,” says coach Willie Filian, who welcomes back plenty of experience in addition to this splash of youth, including the quartet of Conklin, Iacullo, Raymond and Reynolds. Iacullo and Conklin will guide a new backline and GK, while Raymond and Reynolds provide the club with some much needed speed, pace and guile up front to augment a young, but skillful bunch in the middle. Filian had 8 sophomores and freshmen on the pitch in the second half against 2A power Boylan in its opener to signal the youth movement is on here.
Schaumburg:Coach: Greg Charvat (23rd year, 217-152-39).
Last year: 6-12-1 (3-8-0).
Graduation losses: Melissa Ardagh (GK), Lexi Awdziejczyk (MF), Caycee Benesch (D), Emily Waterloo (MF, all-MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Brittany Reinhart (CMF, all-MSL), Kennedy Irmen (D, all-sectional honorable mention), Analicia Morales (D); juniors Brianna Nordlander (MF), Alexis Orozco (D), Julia Morales (D), Briana Orozco (F), Christina Kim (GK-F); sophomore Sam Tyler (GK-F), Abigail Paolichi (D), Gina Orazio (MF), Melanie Diebold (MF).
New faces to watch: Sophomores Danielle Krug (D), Katie Farb (MF), Jackie Argueta (D), Cassidy Watson (MF); freshmen Emma Aguilar (F), Dana Kiszkowski (F), Sam Minneci (MF).
Outlook: Youth remains the word for this side, which has seen its program depth take a hit with its share of graduation losses and losses to club soccer in the past few seasons. “We continue to be very young and inexperienced, so we'll need some time to grow as a team and to improve tactically and in our fundamentals,” said coach Greg Charvat. “It's a great group in that they are eager to learn and work, which makes this bunch extremely coachable, so our goal then will be to show improvement with each training session, then game.” To Charvat's point: the Saxons list seven sophomores, and three freshmen on their 18-player roster, including seven with no prior varsity experience. The Saxons must find a way to score more goals while their best defender (Immen) sorts out her new backline. Meanwhile, talented CMF Reichart is the one constant in the middle of the park for Charvat.
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCEChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Aaron DeRidder (2nd year, 6-7-0).
Last year: 6-7-0 (2-3-0).
Graduation losses: Danielle Chaires (MF, Harper College)
Top returning players: Juniors Maddie Bennett (CMF), Sam Amadin (MF), Cassie Swiderek (GK).
New faces to watch: Becky Davis (D-GK).
Outlook: Another year of youth, but this spring with a bit more background, awaits second-year coach Aaron DeRidder, who nonetheless greets the 2015 campaign with the same optimism he brought with him during his first year in charge. “We've got a short roster (13) this spring, but nearly everyone is back from last season which should make for an exciting time for us this year,” says DeRidder, who with the trio of Bennett, Amadin and his keeper, Swiderek, figures to give this club the type of quality needed to get up above the .500 mark when all is said and done. Bennett is one of the best in the Chargers' conference, thanks in part to her high work rate, energy and box-to-box play to help inspire her teammates. Bennett and Amadin had a hand in all three goals during the Chargers 3-0 victory over Woodlands Academy in its opener last week.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Rob Fowler ((8th year, 62-66-8).
Last year: 9-11-2 (3-3-0).
Graduation losses: Renee Dioniso (Clarke College, Iowa).
Top returning players: Seniors Mareli Diaz D), Bianca Medina (MF), Brenda Valdez (MF); junior Michelle Andrade (MF).
New faces to watch: Sophomores Nohely Suarez (D), Sasha Cordero (MF), Becky Davis (GK).
Outlook: Rob Fowler continues to lead an intriguing entrant in an always competitive soccer conference despite constant turnover and a young varsity roster. “It's always a challenge to put a competitive group together because of several factors, but things might be a little different this spring as we finally return the majority of players from last year,” said Fowler, who returns a total of 12 players from last year, eight of the starters in the field. “Both of our keepers have varsity experience, but we've got some good players in front of them which should help with their development.” Mareli Diaz will be the mentor of that group along the back, while the duo of Medina and Valdez will run the attack going forward while helping maintain defensive stability in the middle of the park. The Eagles will be tested early, with six matches in a span of 11 days.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Jeff Bishop (3rd year, 13-25-2).
Last year: 7-13-0 (1-4-0).
Graduation losses: Kelsey Webb (D, all-CSL)
Top returning players: Senior Joanne Stanfa (F-MF, two-time all-CSL), Katie Ehlers (GK), Yessica Reyes (MF), Ales Faraone (MF-F); juniors Allie Webb (MF), Rachel Kolling (CMF), Julie Garcia (MF),
New faces to watch: Sophomore Julia Deac.
Outlook: The story of the 2014 season was the Warriors' inability to score. Defense was a far lesser concern, as with first-class defender Kelsey Webb leading the way, coach Jeff Bishop's club recorded 4 shutouts and conceded 2 or less goals in 11 matches. On the flipside, West was unable to find the back of the net eight times, leading to several heartbreaking defeats. That may all be about to change. “This is the best squad I've had in my three years here, and there's no doubt we're going to score more goals this spring,” said Bishop, who will look to four-year standout Stanfa to carry the load up front, while a host of attack-minded midfielders are ready to step into a supporting role just behind the senior. “We finally have experience in the juniors and seniors who are back with us, which gives all of us much higher expectations, but we'll have to tighten things up in the back to make it all work,” said Bishop, who will be hard-pressed to replace the marvelous work provided by his former all-CSL backline star Webb.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Taylor (6th year, 73-43-8).
Last year: 13-8-2, (7-0-2, T1, ESCC), lost to Lake Forest (3-0) in 2A sectional final.
Graduation losses: Katherine Petrillo (D-MF, all-ESCC, playing at DePaul), Emily Zahrebelski (D, all-ESCC), Megan McCollum (F), Katherine Sexton (MF).
Top returning players: Seniors Kayne Stanley (D, all-ESCC), Molly Murphy (D), Emma Henry (D), Michelle Trovato F), Sarah Petrovich (F); juniors Lauren Kohn (MF, two-time all-ESCC), Maggie Leazer (MF, all-area, all-ESCC), Maureen McGrath (D, all-ESCC).
New faces to watch: Seniors Susie Moynihan (MF-F), Caroline Cooney (MF-D); sophomores Delia Douglas (F), Felicia Moncada (MF); freshmen Anna Johnston (GK), Brinley McVeigh (MF-D), Megan Vicens (F).
Outlook: Since its move to 2A three years ago, the Lions have had modest success during the postseason, bringing home a state trophy in 2012, then watching the past two seasons end in disappointment as they missed out on a trip to the state tourney both times, last year in the supersectionals to eventual state champion Lake Forest. This spring, the first priority for Mike Taylor will be the ESCC crown, but a close second will be state success. “We can get there,” Taylor said of making the state final four. “ It's a long season, and we'll have some tough times along the way because of our schedule, but we have that nice mix of youth and experience and finally some players who can attack and score. So we'll go from there and we'll see what happens.” Veterans such as Stanley, Murphy, Kohn and Leazer will play a big role this season, along with a talented young GK in Johnston who will instantly make the Lions' backline that much better. The move of Stanley to the back and Leazer into the middle should galvanize both positions and allow the creative flair of Kohn to flourish in the attack. Taylor is quite pleased with a group of freshmen and sophomores who have shown good pace and energy in the early going, helping the club to score 18 goals in its first three matches.