Girls lacrosse / Scouting Lake County

Carmel

Coach: Steve Vinci (first season)

Returning players: Brigit Barr (Sr. Midfield), Carolyn Byrd (Sr. Midfield), Emma Chitwood (Jr. Attack), Olivia Vinci (Jr. Attack), Lainie Oechsle (Sr. Defense), Maggie Kotek (Sr. Defense), Jordan Moore (Sr. Defense), Sabrina Panlaqui (Jr. Goalie)

Newcomers: Regan Danner (So. Midfield), Mara Geier (So. Midfield), Hannah Lennon (So. Attack)

Season outlook: Former assistant Steve Vinci takes over from Jim Lasky, who started Carmel's varsity program in 2011. Vinci says he'll bring a high-intensity, no-nonsense style to the field, and he has high expectations for the Corsairs this year. Offensively, the Corsairs will be led by senior midfielders Brigit Barr and Carolyn Byrd, along with All-ESCC junior attacks Emma Chitwood and Olivia Vinci. The defense is anchored by seniors Lainie Oechsle (All-ESCC), Maggie Kotek and Jordan Moore, as well as junior goalie Sabrina Panlaqui. Steve Vinci says the Corsairs are "more athletic and better conditioned coming into the season, which should allow the team to compete at a higher level." He plans to use a "team-oriented motion offense combined with an intense defensive style to pressure opponents into mistakes."

Lake Zurich

Coach: Megan Carroll

Returning players: Rebecca Rymarcsuk (Sr. Goalie), Jacqui Glassey (Jr. Attack/Midfield), Maddie Kosir (Jr. Defense/Midfield), Sema Hasanof (So. Defense/Midfield), Emilia Mangiardi (So. Midfield), Angie Keeler (So. Defense), Anna Aipoalani (So. Attack)

Newcomers: Madison Melcher (So. Attack), Isabella Palmer (Fr. Defense/Midfield)

Season outlook: The Bears lost seven seniors last year and have only seven returning players, but they "all play very well together and will be a big help with our new players to ensure a successful season," coach Megan Carroll said. "Even though we have small group of returning players this year, we have brought back an extraordinary amount of talent," Carroll added. Senior goalie Rebecca Rymarcsuk has numerous years of experience between the pipes and "is not afraid to stop any shot thrown in her direction," Carroll said. Juniors Jacqui Glassey and Maddie Kosir have been on varsity since they were freshmen. "The two of them work really well together on the field using each other's strengths to their advantage," Carroll said. "They are also the most versatile players with the ability to play any position on the field. One goal for the team is to working together to utilize each player's strengths so we are successful for the season."

Libertyville

Coach: Andra Dalton (fifth season)

Returning players: Emma Burns (Jr. Attack), Megan Feeney (So. Attack), Madeline Spaulding (Sr. (Attack), Ashley Marshall (Sr. Midfield), Isabella Zalewski (Jr. Defense), Maddie Wasser (Jr. Defense), Tristan Keegan (So. Defense)

Newcomers: Tatum Blacker (Fr. Midfield), Morgan Spaulding (So. Midfield)

Outlook: The Wildcats have a veteran team, having graduated only two starters. "Our strength is our experience at the varsity level," coach Andra Dalton said. "Graduating only two starting seniors puts our team in a position to build on what we learned last year and continue to move forward. Our team is also very passionate and dedicated to the sport and has a desire to improve. Their work ethic will lead them to a successful season."

Mundelein

Coach: Caroline Gully (fourth season)

Returning players: Emma Aculado (Sr. Midfield), Anushka Desai (Sr. Midfield), Angelica Diaz (Sr. Defense), Faith Fiorovante (Sr. Attack), Sophie Fiorovante (Sr. Attack), Shannon Lampi (Sr. Midfield), Jenifer Lopez (Sr. Goalie), Skylar Lucich (Sr. Attack), Jessica Nensel (Sr. Attack), Eve Slomka (Sr. Attack), Janai Torres (Sr. Attack), Kimi Vargas (Sr. Attack), Ella Brandt (Jr. Midfield), Paige Ekstrom (Jr. Midfield), Zoe Palm (Jr. Midfield)

Newcomers: Jaquelin Guzman-Diaz (Sr. Defense), Claire Kim (Sr. Attack), Cayla Manaligod (Sr. Defense), Laura Matias Gomez (Sr. Attack), Grace Anzalone (So. Defense), Zoe Haith (So. Defense), Hanna Vicari (So. Midfield), Cece Zanoni (So. Defense), Grace Stanley (Fr. Defense)

Season outlook: The Mustangs are a senior-heavy squad with plenty of leadership and playing experience. "We are excited to compete this season," coach Caroline Gully said. "Team goals include a winning record, earning stellar grades and representing our program with enthusiasm. As always, the Mustangs are eager to spread the sport of lacrosse in the Mundelein area. This year we are working with the Stallions Youth Lacrosse Program to help girls in our area get excited about high school lacrosse."

Stevenson

Coach: Sarah Gutierrez (seventh season)

Returning players: Anastasia Loskutov (Sr. Defense), Payton Jagiello (Sr. Defense), Helen Yu (Sr. Defense), Emily Varshavsky (Sr. Defense), Shaina Zilber (Jr. Defense), Sophie Sorenson (Sr. Midfield), Erica Speiler (Sr. Midfield), Georgia Maskalunas (Sr. Midfield), Skylar Zelinske (Sr. Attack), Aedyn Gorenberg (Sr. Attack), Gabby Siegel (Jr. Attack), Michelle Shen (Jr. Attack), Kilian Weber (Jr. Attack)

Newcomers: Helena Ebeling (So.), Tessie Primack (So.), Nicole Park (Jr.), Jamie Fisher (Jr.), Viscaria Liu (Jr.), Maggie Kirby (Jr.), Anastasia Crews (Jr.), Jenna Chapman (Sr.)

Season outlook: The Patriots return plenty of experience, led by Connecticut-bound Sophie Sorenson, who was a first team all-state selection last season after totaling 66 goals and 32 assists. Sorenson, who was the captain of the Daily Herald All-Area girls volleyball team last fall, scored 61 goals as a sophomore. "We're strong in our experience this year and trust as a team," coach Sarah Gutierrez said. "Many of these seniors and juniors who are returning to varsity have been playing together for three years, and their chemistry is impressive. We feel good about the fitness level of our team and the enthusiasm they have going into the season. Our goal is the same as it is each year - win the conference, win the sectional and have a blast while we do it."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Steve Werntz (first season)

Returning players: Taylor Phan (Sr. Attack/Midfield), Carolyn Uhm (Jr. Midfield), Lisa Boehmer (So. Midfield)

Newcomers: Noemi Ramirez (Fr. Attack)

Season outlook: Veterans Taylor Phan and Carolyn Uhm serve as captains for the Cougars, who don't have a lot of varsity experience. "We're a young varsity squad, mostly sophomores, who are learning to play together as a team," coach Steve Werntz said. "Our strengths are intelligence and hustle."

Warren

Coach: Candace Grennie (first season)

Returning players: Molly Berthiaume (Sr.), Grace Conroy (Sr.), Tanya Czosek (Sr.), Alyssa Hadding (Sr.), Tiffany Maravilla (Sr.), Abbey Triebe (Sr.), Riley Bishop (Jr.), Celine Cardenas (Jr.), Kiara Robinson-Holland (Jr.), Jillian Ryczek (So.)

Newcomers: Mattison Blanck (Sr.), Aiyana Crump (Sr.), Olivia Gregorio (Sr.), Zoe Paterson (Sr.), Makenna Pesic (Sr.), Kathleen Presberg (Sr.), Kerry Shea (Sr.), Jamie Bednarz (Jr.), Allison Berens (Jr.), Theresa Carpentier (Jr.), Elizabeth Frier (Jr.), Sydney Papierniak (Jr.), Gabriella Tomei (Jr.)

Season outlook: The Blue Devils are just building their program, and there is plenty of optimism. "We are really looking forward to this season," first-year coach Candace Grennie said. "It's a fresh start for the coaches, players and program as a second-year varsity sport. We've got a group of dedicated and talented girls who are ready to put in the work to be the best we can be. I'm excited to see what we are going to achieve this season."