GIRLS SOCCER: Defending PIAA champs Pennridge, Dock Mennonite among local teams with high expectations in 2024

Every fall, the PIAA hands out four girls’ soccer state championships.

Last year, half of them came back to the area as Pennridge in Class 4A and Dock Mennonite Academy in A remained the last team standing in their respective classes. The Rams and Pioneers also took home district gold, while Archbishop Wood made it a three-peat in the Philadelphia Catholic League to highlight another quality year for the area in girls’ soccer.

A host of teams enter the new season with high expectations and a wealth of talented players are still spread out across the area even with a skilled Class of 2024 having moved on to their next stops.

Both Pennridge and Dock have some key cogs to replace, but neither is starting from scratch either. Dock has sophomore Ashley Brown, who netted 41 goals last year, back in the mix with a solid core of returners behind her.

The Rams may be putting some new names into their starting lineup, but a majority of those names saw plenty of playing time during last year’s 25-0-1 campaign. Navigating an SOL Colonial Division that’s packed with talented players is always a challenge and every game in the table figures to be competitive.

With the Central Bucks triangle of CB East, South and West all bringing plenty back, North Penn looking to build off a strong finish to last year and Souderton aiming to surprise, the Colonial should be a battle to the finish.

Staying in the SOL, the Liberty Division has been extremely competitive the last few seasons and it has led to a pronounced presence in the postseason. Annual contenders Abington and Hatboro-Horsham graduated some big names, but both teams usually figure a way to make their mark by the end while Wissahickon and Upper Dublin aim to improve on last season’s finish. Plymouth Whitemarsh has been a tough contender in the standings as well, the Colonials looking to replenish their air-tight defense from the past few years as they enter the fall.

William Tennent returns a strong midfield core as the Panthers look to hold their place atop the SOL Freedom standings. Upper Moreland and Lower Moreland both lost some key seniors, but they find a way to compete year after year and a young Springfield Township side hopes to make its mark as well.

Archbishop Wood may have new leadership as Maria Kosmin comes over following an enormously successful run at Springside Chestnut Hill to replace her brother Tom DeGeorge, but the expectations are still the same. The Vikings still have a solid core and they have one of the toughest nonleague slates around as the program looks for a four-peat in a PCL that’s always unpredictable.

Lansdale Catholic looks to rebound from a tough-luck 2023 with an extremely young roster under second-year coach Nykie Beuke. The Crusaders were a noticeable absence from the PCL playoffs last year, so that’s high on the list of things to correct.

Archbishop Carroll has a nice mix of veterans and newcomers looking to make a push in the league table while last year’s runner-up Nazareth Academy figures to be a tough out with a senior-laden roster.

The Inter-Ac has been absolutely loaded in recent years, something a young Germantown Academy team learned last year. GA is still relatively young but looking to take steps forward and improve on last year’s finish.

Owen J Roberts outlasted Spring-Ford in a shootout to win the PAC title last year. The two again figure to be battling it out in the Liberty Division, but an up-and-coming Perk Valley side should also make some noise following last year’s district playoff appearance.

ABINGTONCoach: Rick Tompkins.2023 Record: 15-5-1, 11-2-1 SOL Liberty.Notable Losses: Piper and Harper McGinley, Kara Slavin(Penn State Harrisburg), Maddie Egan(Dickinson), Jocelyn Pollock.Key Returners: Sara Kaeser (Sr./D), Madison Oldham (Sr./D), Peyton Farabaugh (Sr./D); Marissa Hellyer (Sr./M), Nya Riggs (Jr./M), Hannah Gilchrist (Sr./F), Alexis Whaley (Jr./F) and Addison Doyle (So./F), Addison Hayden (Jr./GK).Others to Watch:  Vivian Siravo (So.).Outlook: “Defense is a strength. The team will be as successful as the goal scorers. We are striving to win our division again and make some noise in the playoffs.”

ARCHBISHOP CARROLLCoach: Tom Quintois.2023 Record: 14-5-2, 6-2-1 PCL.Notable Losses: Olivia Stout, Molly Freil, Chloe BleckleyKey Returners: Sophia Verlinghieri (Sr./D), Colleen Lloyd (Jr./F), Grace Wilson (So./GK), Analei Frank (Sr./D), Ava Talago (Sr./M), Abby McFillan (So./F), Kallee Clark (So./D).Others to Watch: Greta Potten  (Jr./M), Ava Tolago (Jr./M), Ava Farrand (So./F), Sophia Weiss (So./M), Regan Zalis (Jr./M), Solei Redne (So./D), Charlie Smith (So./F), Lily Chung (So./D), Olivia Hermanovich (So./M), Katie Sincavage (So./M), Alyssa Martin (Fr./M), Kelsey Eberz (Fr./M), Kayla Eberz (Fr./M), Gwen Mullen (Fr./M), Sophia McCullough (Fr./D).Outlook: “We look forward to the challenge of playing in the PCL and a very difficult non-league schedule. Our girls are eager to build on last year’s successes. This is a talented group that is fun coach”.

ARCHBISHOP WOODCoach: Maria Kosmin.2023 Record: 12-7-1, 11-0 PCL.Notable Losses: Ava DeGeorge (Rider), Lauren Greer.Key Returners: Senior Regan Kelso (Sr./F – St Michael’s College), Paige Eckert (Jr./F), Kylie Wiest (Jr./F), Sage Boost (Sr./M – Seton Hill), Molly McConnell (D), Macie Kennedy (D).Others to Watch: Leah Oneil (Fr./D), Brinley Miller (Fr./F).Outlook: “With most of the 2023 squad returning our goal is to win another PCL and go for a state title. The team this year is deep with multiple players able to put the ball in the back of the net. With most of the back line returning the team will rely on the organization and discipline of the defensive line to hold off some of the top players in the area.”

CENTRAL BUCKS EASTCoach: Jake Nesteruk.2023 Record: 16-6-2, 13-3-1 SOL Colonial.Notable Losses: Sofia Mignon (NJIT), Grace Craig (Franklin & Marshall), Sophie Schorn, Julia Santanello, Katie Bullard, Chantal Van Dongeren.Key Returners: Jessie Bernabe (Sr./M – Buffalo), Mae Leedy (Sr./GK – Shippensburg), Aralynn Patterson (Jr./GK),  Mia Forney (So./F), Ava Mignon (So./M), Kiera Sleicher (So./M), Stella Genin (Sr./M), Madelyn Hill (Sr./F).Others to Watch: Taylor Roumy (So./F), Ella Roumy (So./D), Savannah Hayes (Sr./Defender), Sydney Ralph (Sr./Defender).Outlook: “Following its third straight PIAA Qualification last year, CB East Girls Soccer will aim to compete for the top spot in the SOL Colonial and work to extend its streak and season into Districts and States.”

CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTHCoach: Pat Lordi.2023 Record: 8-8-2, 7-7-2 SOL Colonial.Notable Losses: Brooke Hall, Kila Keinzle.Key Returners: Olivia Wade (Sr./M – Fairfield), Grace Keane (Sr./M – Stetson), Alana Peev, Brooke Rosica.Others to Watch: Tesa Hughes, Morgan Hughes, Riley Karpinski, Olivia Daniele.Outlook: “The goal for this year’s team is to compete for the division and make the playoffs. That will require us to come together as a team and improve throughout the season.”

CENTRAL BUCKS WESTCoach: Bree Benedict.2023 Record: 13-6-1, 11-4-1 SOL Colonial.Notable Losses: Kate Weyer (VCU), Alexis Castro (McDaniel), Ava Brunner.Key Returners: Eva Wierzbowski (Sr./M – Pitt), Cece Funseth (Sr./D – Siena), Mackenzie Gausch (Sr./M), Cam Nocito (Sr./GK – Ursinus).Others to Watch: Rian Detweiler (Sr./F), Janelle Blokker (Jr./D) and Emery Sterling (Jr./F).Outlook: “The team is excited to be back together. We are looking forward to competing in what’s always a strong conference. We return a good defense and some key attacking players. We hope our style of play displays our courage and enjoyment.”

DOCK MENNONITECoach: Stacey Vaitis-Dubost.2023 Record: 21-1-2, 13-0-1 BAL.Notable Losses: Ashley Lapp, Billinda Leisner, Abby Mellinger.Key Returners: Eden Loux (Sr.), Hailey Cummings (Sr.), Caitlin May (Sr.), Ava Stokes (Jr.), Shelby Lapp (Jr.), Ashley Brown (So.).Others to Watch: Lily Price (Fr).Outlook: “Coming off of winning a state title our goal is to continue our success and team unity especially after losing six seniors. We are looking forward to some new and returning players to fill those key roles on and off the field.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMYCoach: Chris Nelson.2023 Record: 7-15-2, 2-10 Inter-Ac.Notable Losses: Kayla Sweeney (Emerson College), Liz Scheid.Key Returners: Jess Kolecki (Sr./F-M), Laney Sanni (F), Anna Weber (F).Others to Watch: Myree Jean-Brian (D), Arden Silver (M), Kaylin Trent (M), Stella McDonnell (M).Outlook: “With a core of returning players GA looks to build upon the youthful experience from last year and translate to more success on the scoreboard and in the win/loss column.”

GWYNEDD MERCYCoach: Bill Dailey.2023 Record: 10-5-3, 5-2-1 AACA.Notable Losses: Riley Morris (Rutgers), Ella Koschineg (Cornell), Kat Pluck (Lehigh), Ava Kolp.Key Returners: Emme Morris (So.), Kiersten Hasson (Jr.), Katie Romano (Sr.), Lily Walker (So.), Sophie Caulfield (Jr.), Chloe Folk (Jr.), Madeline McFadden (Jr.).Others to Watch: Carey Brooks (Fr.), Brenna Tronoski (So), Sophia Justice (Jr.).Outlook: “We are always looking to grab a league title and make the District final. With a very young and talented team, we have a chance of making that a reality this season.”

HATBORO-HORSHAMCoach: Chris Artman.2023 Record: 14-6-2, 12-2-2 SOL Liberty.Notable Losses: Emma Levin (Towson University), Sarah Roesing (West Chester), Alyssa Tooley, Natalie Tocci, Sarah Boland.Key Returners: Madison Dugan (Jr./D), Jordyn Harris (Sr./D), Cara Neeld (Jr./D), Maddy Morino (Jr./M), Leah Nelson (Jr./M), Lily Harvey (Jr./F-M), Molly Donaldson (Sr./Keeper – Shenandoah)Outlook: “Outside of the defense and keeper we are a young and inexperienced team. Over 90% of the goals scored last season came from seniors who have now graduated. We will be looking for players to step up and take charge of the offense. The team graduated a lot of seniors and will also have a new head coach. A lot of changes but the girls have bought in and are excited for the spotlight to be on them. The team goal is to be one of the top competitors in our league and to make a run in the district playoffs.”

LANSDALE CATHOLICCoach: Nykie Bueke.2023 Record: 4-11-1, 4-5-0 PCL.Notable Losses: Kate Norbury, Liv Boccella, Holly Wunder.Key Returners: Molly McElroy (Sr.), Miki Tarsi (Sr.), Molly Norbury (Jr.), Nat Oliveri (Jr.), Ava McCafferty, Makenzie Marco, Mattie Williams, Margaret Brennan.Others to Watch: Shannon Duffy (Sr./GK), Emma Brennan (Jr.), Gianna Capperella (Jr.), Allison Cole (Fr.), Gabby Kaelin (Fr.), Megan Mogg (Fr.), Danielle Steinbach (Fr.).Outlook: “Last year we had a strong team and a disappointing season. We struggled with injuries and unlucky outcomes that could have gone either way, but went the wrong way for us. We spent the year playing a lot of controlled soccer with a lot of great ball movement, but we had a hard time finding the back of the net.  This year, with so many new faces and young energy in the program, we are looking to build and grow into a strong successful team.”

LOWER MORELANDCoach: Todd Hill.2023 Record: 8-8-2, 5-4-1 SOL Freedom.Notable Losses: Morgan Pennisi, Amelia Brown, Sandra Malave, Abby Wasserstrom.Key Returners: Nikki Sahl (Sr./M), Kenna Rozanski (Sr./M), Payge Lennon (Sr./D).Others to Watch: Ruby Levin (Sr./F), Shannon Mahon (So./F), Agnes Kroll (So./D).Outlook: “We have a robust group of talented midfielders and attackers.  We hope to score a lot of goals this year.  Our question marks are around defense and goalkeepers.  Between defense and goalie, we lost three 4-year starters. We are working harder this year at staying healthy, with additional stretching every day.  Last year we were never healthy, and that hurt us a lot.  We have a really good group of girls who love to play soccer.  They work really hard to succeed.”

METHACTONCoach: Bret Smith.2023 Record: 6-12-0, 5-8 PAC.Key Players: Maddy Washburn (Sr./M), Maddy Coppola (Sr./D), Nina Tommarello (Sr./M), Anna Qawasmy (So./GK), Tessa Dwyer (Fr./D), Alyssa Lineen (Sr./F).Outlook: “We only graduated five seniors from last year’s team, but one was our all-time leading goal scorer in Aubrey Beaugard (St Joe’s), which will be tough to replace. Defensively, we should be pretty sound, and having an all-league goalkeeper returning will certainly help with that. We have often gotten bit by the injury bug in year’s past, and this season has been no exception already. It’s been a really hard working group this year, and depending how long it takes us to get healthy and develop some chemistry in the attack, will go a long way in determining if we will be able to return to district playoffs.”

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPHCoach: Nick Bellizzie.2023 Record: 2-15-1.Notable Losses: Ella Vogel, Cydney Smith.Key Returners: Ava McDonald, Taylor Vogel, Sabrina Alcorn.Others to Watch: Bethany Arduino, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Erin Romano, Caitlin Cavallaro.Outlook: “This year’s team is a young up and coming group, composed of 13 underclass players. Senior captains Ava McDonald and Sabrina Alcorn along with junior captain Kaitlyn Cunningham will help lead this team to a successful season. Team is looking to improve on win totals over the last few seasons and make a playoff push in the near future.”

NORTH PENNCoach: Mike Rio.2023 Record: 9-9-2, 3-6-1 SOL Colonial.Notable Losses: Sam Ridler (Millersville), Keira Sparango, Emily Patkos, Gardenia Mikhail.Key Returners: Maddy Murphy (Sr./F – Buffalo), Izzy Kee (Sr./M), Lily McGee (Sr./F), Katie Harkins (Sr./M), Emmie Salmon (Sr./M)Others to Watch: Izzy Rudnick (Jr./D), Jadyn Sperling (So./D), Paige Gladfelter (So./M), Paula Fernandez (So./M).Outlook: “We look to build on the success we had last year getting back to the playoffs for the first time in four years. We have a young team that is hungry to find more success and continue to win games in a very competitive league and division. We look to make it back to the playoffs this season and remain competitive against strong District 1 competition. We have a great group of girls that have gelled together nicely over the past year, and I am excited to see what the girls can put together on the field this season.”

PENNRIDGECoach: Audrey Anderson.2023 Record: 25-0-1, 15-0-1 SOL Colonial.Notable Losses: Anna Croyle (Syracuse), Casey Malone (College of Charleston), Liv Grenda (Dayton), Meredith Blannett (Albany), Tori Angleo (Seton Hall), Hannah Primwhere (West Chester), Hailey Primwhere (West Chester), Lindsey Balmer (West Chester), Ava Kiwak (Drexel), Sophie Craig.Key Returners: Jessie Moylan (Richmond), Caitlyn Peace (High Point), Gabby Herrmann, Addy Mills, Riley Williams, Seretha DeMoss.Others to Watch: Gabriella Howley, Grace Natitus, Avery Runk.Outlook: The Rams will have a new look this fall after graduating a senior class that won two state titles over their four years. Last year’s team had plenty of depth, so a good amount of the returning players have their share of varsity playing time. It’ll be a matter of building continuity in new roles, but the Rams are still expecting to contend for the division and make a run in the postseason.

PERKIOMEN VALLEYCoach: Kaitlyn Dougherty.2023 Record: 11-8-1, 7-5-1 PAC.Key Players: Madison Lindsay (Sr./D), Anna Mecouch (Sr./GK), Giavanna Marciano (Jr./F), Brianna Young (So./M), Taylor Martin (Fr./D).Outlook: We are returning 11 varsity players this season. Our young players from last season have grown and are excited to build on their previous season. Our attacking front was extremely young last year; they now have a year under their belt with varsity experience and playing with each other.  Our leadership is strong and willing to focus our team to continued success. While we lost three of our four starting defenders due to graduation we are building upon our returning defender Madi Lindsay.  Madi has grown into a strong leader that will be supported by her keepers, Anna Mecouch and Becky Taylor, who are strong leaders as well. The three will be able to lead a young defense to success. Our expectation is to continue to improve every game we play and to build upon our two previous seasons. The team has a goal to make PACs again for the third year in a row and to make a name for ourselves in district play.”

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSHCoach: TJ DeLucia.2023 Record: 10-6-2, 9-5-2 SOL Liberty.Notable Losses: Caitlyn Dinh (RIT), Brianna Reynolds, Meghan Wendler .Key Returners: Marleigh Burton (Jr./M), Katie Lukens (Sr./D), Maddie McGuckien (Jr../M), Keira Whelan (Jr/F).Others to Watch: Mia Baron (Jr./M), Liv Reilly (Sr./M), Liv Budin (Jr./M).Outlook: “Last season, we had a clear team goal on Day 1 and achieved that goal. This should be a different PW Girls Soccer team than in years past – hopefully not less successful than last year but different. So, while we’re not ready to set a team goal on Day 1, what we will do is play to our strengths and continue to shore up the areas that need improvement.”

POPE JOHN PAUL IICoach: Trevor Adams.2023 Record: 7-9-2, 6-5-2 PAC.Key Returners: Alegra Serrano (Sr./MF), Emine Ulcay (Sr./GK), Julia Chain (Jr./M-D).Others to Watch: Gabriella Goudie (Jr./F), Molly Cirone (Jr./F), Taylor Schneider (Jr./F).Outlook: “We had a solid 2023 but could never really get all the pieces to fall together at the right times. I’m confident in the girls that will be taken over in those areas but we will be lacking experience initially. We are fortunate to return Emine Ulcay in goal – an inspiring athlete that produces consistently in goal when we need her. We struggled to score goals in ’23 but I expect that narrative to shift with another year of experience on eight returning attacking players that will provide tons of depth and allow us to play aggressively throughout the season. Our goal as a team this year is another district playoff berth and entrance into PAC finals.”

POTTSGROVECoach: Bill Bonewitz.2023 Record: 8-8-2, 5-6-2 PAC.Key Returners: Emma Gonzalez (Sr. – Kutztown), Mykala Shepard (Sr.), CeCe Hires (Sr.), Abby Baker (Sr.), Ava Lehman (Sr.), Marlee Farrell (Jr.), Liz Vishio (Jr.).Outlook: “After a positive first year and returning seven starters the Falcons look to be in the race for division honors. Led by 3-time All- PAC and Kutztown commit Emma Gonzalez, along with an experienced defense with Shepard, Baker and Vishio. Added to that is the defense of Frontier selection Hires and the balanced attack of Farrell and Lehman the Falcons look to improve on last seasons.500 record.”

SPRING-FORDCoach: Jeff Kushner.2023 Record: 16-4-1.Notable Losses: Meg Kurian, Lena Ackerman (West Chester), Hannah Dennison (Wilkes) Aly Garvey, Sarah Hang, Brielle Kevitch, Mackenzie Hanley (York), Bella Vallone (Arcadia), Leah Watson, Siena Miller, Abby Reigh.Players to Watch: Erin Brogan, Maddie Buckley, Ava Hissong, Molly Kennedy, Sadie McClain, Olivia Neild, Taylor Ricevuto.Outlook: “Looking forward to the 2024 season, the Rams are poised to build on last year’s performance and playoff run.  The Rams will rely on senior varsity veterans, Molly Kennedy (PAC 1st team all-league), Olivia Neild (PAC 1st team all-league) and Ava Hissong (PAC 2nd team all-league) for early success.  Kushner is looking to returning varsity players Erin Brogan, Erin Buckley, Maddie Budka, Sadie McClain, Izzy Pandorf, Riley Reavy, Carly Sczerba, and Brynn Vickery for the end of the season push into the playoffs. Their focus on maintaining strong defensive strategies, enhancing their midfield control, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be key to repeating their success. With a solid blend of skill, teamwork, and a proven winning mentality, expectations are high for another successful campaign.”

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIPCoach: Chris Tomaselli.2023 Record: 9-7-3.Key Returners: Shannon Silvius (Sr.), Leni Rumor (Sr.),  Murphy McGranaghan (Jr.), Anna Hendrzak (Jr.), Caitlin Lewis (Jr.), Lucy Williamson (Jr.), Chloe Kaczor (Jr.), Maddie Decker (So.) Julia Guicheteau (So.).Others to Watch: Aubrey Hendrzek (Jr.), Zoe Ferrante (Jr.), Olivia Gatewood (So.), Annika Spratt (So.), Ava Brnich (Fr.), Liz Hanushchak (Fr.), June Kirk (Fr.), Karly Hartman (Fr.).Outlook: “The Spartans are looking forward to competing in the Freedom Division. The goal is to make District playoffs. The group has put the work in, and are ready to play for each other. All we got, all we need.”

UPPER MORELANDCoach: Lisa Benvenuto.2023 Record: 10-7-1, 8-7-1 SOL Freedom.Key Returners: Gracie Costello (GK), Annalise Messina (D), Maggie Brophy (M), Lizzie Walker (M).Others to Watch: Keiley Hawk, Leah King, Madeline Cox.Outlook: “We are so excited to get back on the field and compete.  Our team is being led by a solid group of seniors, with different levels of experience. We will continue to strive to be competitive within our league and continue to place emphasis on our team unity, developing and pushing ourselves to be the best we can for each other.”

UPPER PERKIOMENCoach: Casey Lewis.2023 Record: 14-4.Key Returners: Elyse Kreiner (Sr./D), Sarah Straup (Sr./F), Ava Long (Sr./GK), Morgan Sweed (Sr./D), Brooke Sullivan (So./M), Katie Proctor (Jr./D-M), Maelyn Bolinsky (So./D),  Addy Fluckey (Sr./F-M).Others to Watch: Lexi Brunner (Fr/F-M), Jenna Langenback (Jr/D).Outlook: “While we graduated some irreplaceable players last season and are moving to a different division this season, our expectation is to continue the success we have seen the last few years and prove that a relatively small school like UP, which has relatively light numbers, can compete with anyone. It will be a challenging season in a variety of ways, and we will often be playing schools quite a bit larger than us in regards to roster size, but I have confidence that our players have the ability to compete with any team.  Our passion, standards, and expectations should/must be even stronger than prior years as we tackle these challenges together. As stated, we have a strong group with a lot of experience and are always looking to continue developing players to step into a varsity role. As the season progresses, we are hopeful to create better cohesion and refine our style/system of play. We are fortunate enough to have sound and intelligent defenders/keeper(s), a hard-working midfield who will continue to gel, and dangerous strikers.”

WILLIAM TENNENTCoach: Elise Jara.2023 Record: 14-5, 12-4 SOL Freedom.Notable Losses: Teresa Ditri, Maddie Hughes, Kaitlyn Frank, Emily Ehresmann (Campbell).Key Returners: Paige Marek , Bailey Kasner, Lia Jablonowski, Sami Rob.Others to Watch: Sofia Jakimoski (Jr.), Mia Rahn (So.)Outlook: “Our main strength is that we were able to keep our core midfield mostly intact.  We have a more cohesive starting 11 and have improved our play on and off the ball.  We are still a young team and plan to build off of that.”

WISSAHICKONCoach: Chris McDaniels.2023 Record: 7-10-2, 7-7-2 SOL Liberty.Notable Losses: Meredith Blight, Julia D’Aquanno, Lucy Greenstein (Shenandoah University), Emily Kim, Ryan Matt, Lannah Werynski (Shippensburg University).Key Returners: Olivia Lore (Sr./GK), Ellie Stein (Sr./D), Emma Greenberg (Sr./F), Sophia Yeh (M/D)Others to Watch: Lila Marciniak (F), Lainey Werynski (M-D).Outlook: “After a slow start in 2024, we are hoping to learn from that start and begin the season with a sense of urgency.  We plan on taking it one game at a time and hopefully that lands us competing for a playoff spot come October.”