h.s. girls soccer predictions

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March 25, 2009

By John Erzar jerzar@timesleader.com
Sports Reporter

Teams are listed in predicted order of finish.

DIVISION A

1. Holy Redeemer

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 9-4-1, 2nd

State classification: 2A

Coach: Glenn Gray

Home field: Eddie White Field

Players to watch: Seniors – Serena Fulton, MF; Jessica Jaikes, F; Emily Jones, Stp; Hope Krolewski, F/MF; Amanda Pawlowski, MF; Laura Wingert, F; Abby Zurad, FB. Juniors – Christina Flaherty, K; Rachel Kuprionas, F; Kate McLaughlin, FB; Alyssa Mocion, FB. Sophomores – Allison Capaci, MF; Alexandra Marriggi, MF; Kiera Stachowiak, MF; Freshman – Holly Rexer, MF.

Outlook: Redeemer has a nice blend of experience and promising newcomers and could vault to the top of the division. The Royals, though, could also use a bit more offense, having scored two or less goals 11 times. The division is tough and balanced, so while first place is a possibility so is fifth place.

2. Dallas

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 13-1, 1st

State classification: 2A

Coach: Chris Scharff

Home field: High school

Players to watch:

Seniors – Stephanie Ashley, F; Nicole Clemson, MF/FB; Erica Miller, MF; Mandy Roche, MF; Shelby Scharff, F/MF; Juniors – Ellen Arnaud, F; Tara Connors, MF. Sophomores – Meghan Gallis, FB; Sara Kneal, FB; Emily Spring, FB/MF; Demetra Szatkowski, FB. Freshman – Colleen McDonald, MF/F.

Outlook: Dallas has four core players back as well as some players have been waiting for their chances to shine. However, there are key spots to fill, especially at keeper where there is no experience. Still, don’t count out a third consecutive divisional championship.

3. Berwick

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 8-4-2, 3rd

State classification: 2A

Coach: Bill McClaflin

Home field: 10th and Johnson Sts. by high school

Players to watch: Seniors – Tricia Gunderson, MF/F; Kristen Kemmerer, FB; Haley McClafin, Stp/K; Katlin Michaels, Swp; Bethanne Smith, MF; Megan Weaver, FB. Juniors – Ashley DiPippa, MF/F; Nicole Sheptock, FB. Sophomore – Isabella Jaffin, F. Freshmen – Abby Takacs, MF; Jade Welsh, F; Sarah Wilczynski, K.

Outlook: Berwick lost only one starter to graduation and could be ready to push for the divisional title. The defense is very tough except for a bit of uncertainty at keeper. Jaffin was one of the top freshmen to come along in a long time last season and will once again lead the offense. The Dawgs also have depth and some freshmen who should assimilate quickly. The drop, though, from Class 3A to 2A will make a second consecutive district title a tough task.

4. Abington Heights

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 7-6-1, 4th

State classification: 3A

Coach: Chris Davis

Home field: Clarks Summit Elem.

Players to watch: Seniors – Dakin Hewlett, MF; Julie Hubbard, MF; Megan Lenahan, MF; Justine Leininger, MF. Juniors – Kat Fox, FB/MF; Katie Hock, F; Mariah Deibert, K; Samantha Paolucci, MF. Sophomores – Christine Colman, FB. Freshmen – Emma Black, F; Emily Solomon, F.

Outlook: The return of Hubbard, who missed last season with a knee injury, will be a big boost. The Penn State recruit is a solid MVP candidate. She will lead what should be a solid midfield. However, the Comets have questions elsewhere and will be relying on some newcomers to generate offense. Expect better play as the season progresses, culminating with a good shot at the D2-3A title.

5. Crestwood

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 6-8, 5th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Pasquale Calabrese

Home field: Football stadium

Players to watch:

Seniors – Cassie DiSabatino, Swp.; Jenna DiSabatino, F; Kyley Henry, K; Maria Machalick, MF; April Yezuita, FB.

Outlook: Crestwood accomplished much last season – tripling its win total from 2007, advancing to the D2-2A semifinals and just missing a spot in the state tournament. The Comets are looking to take their season farther this time around. They have progressed nicely and with nine starters back, including All-WVC player Cassie DiSabatino, there’s a good chance they will. Don’t be surprised if several freshmen make their presence known as the season goes on.

6. Coughlin

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 4-10, 7th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Joe Spagnuolo

Home field: Dan Flood School

Players to watch: Seniors – Maria Chiverella, MF; Lindsay Dunsmuir, MF/FB; Santina Kosmach, MF; Jen Parry, MF; Sara Walton, FB. Juniors – Katie Gabriele, MF; Kim Walsh, FB. Sophomores – Kristi Gabriele, F; Korey Parrizi, FB; Jenna Silliboy, FB; Oliva Spagnola, F; Alexis Spagnola, MF.

Outlook: The Crusaders enter the season determined to erase last year’s record, which was an aberration for a program with a record six District 2 titles. They were in all but one game last year and lost four by a goal. The problem was scoring and they will need to find some finishers. The defense should be tough, although the keeper position is untested after Coughlin has enjoyed having a veteran in the net for many years.

7. Wyoming Seminary

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 12-0, 1st Div. B

State classification: 2A

Coach: Anna Shapell

Home field: Forty Fort Soccer Fields

Players to watch: Seniors – Devin Gagliardi, MF; Kelsey Kolojejchick, F. Juniors –Kelsey Hannigan, FB; Sierra Segear, FB. Sophomore – Jessica Swoboda, Ult.

Outlook: After dominating Division B for two years, Seminary moves up a division where the competition will be much tougher. The Blue Knights have speed and skills up front – headed by All-WVC selections Gagliardi and Kolojejchick – to match up with top defenses. However, the defense will be tested on a regular basis and will be the key to success.

8. Nanticoke

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 4-9-1, 6th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Ryan Amos

Home field: Football stadium

Players to watch:

Seniors – Megan Bogdan, F; Liz Eckrote, FB; Kate Lane, FB; Gabby Malishchak, MF; Amanda Madajewski, FB; Jessica Weron, MF; Kelsey Yohey, FB. Juniors – Rebecca Dinelli, K; Katie Kuzminski, MF; Sam Littleford, MF; Kati Nearhouse, F.

Outlook: The key to Nanticoke’s success will be scoring goals. The Trojans lost three 1-0 games last season, including a pair to Holy Redeemer, and were 1-1-1 in overtime contests. They were really only overmatched twice last year. The defense will continue to be the strong point, but this division is so tough that the last-place team is better than most teams in the other two divisions.

DIVISION B

1. Wyoming Valley West

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 8-4, tied 2nd

State classification: 3A

Coach: Mike Davitt

Home field: Spartan Stadium

Key players lost: Seniors – Katelyn Lawton, MF; Erin Pleskach, MF; Katie Stambaugh, Swp.

Players to watch: Seniors – Shelby Butz, K; Amanda Harris, F; Maria Kayrish, MF; Rebecca Lipski, F; Paige Wasilewski, MF; Juniors – Brianna Evans, F; Samantha Patterson, FB; Ellyssa Saroscek, FB. Sophomore – Sherry Chen, FB. Freshmen – Kelcie Hromisin, F; Katie McGarry, FB.

Outlook: The Spartans could be the team to beat in the division. They return their top two scorers as well as a host of experienced players throughout the lineup. The defense should also be strong. There is also decent depth. Plus, their biggest headache last year – Seminary – is no longer in the division.

2 . Wallenpaupack

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 6-4-2, 4th

State classification: 3A

Coach: Mike Soskil

Home field: Football stadium

Players to watch: Seniors – Gina Boccia, F; Lauren Cassel, F; Jill Jansco, FB; Juniors – Jill Alderfer, MF; Heather Michael, K. Sophomore – Rosie Tamam, MF.

Outlook: The Buckhorns have as good a chance as any team to win the division. They return eight starters that had only one lopsided loss during the 2008 regular season. Once again, defense will be the team’s fotre and the unit might be the best in the division. Scoring, though, has been a problem and the Buckhorns need to find a remedy.

3. Delaware Valley

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 7-3-2, tied 2nd

State classification: 3A

Coach: Donnel Leiva-Vazquez

Home field: High school

Players to watch: Senior -- Tori Martin, MF. Junior –

Melissa Vazquez-Aguilar, MF.

Outlook: Delaware Valley has been one of the most consistent programs in the WVC over the year. What the Warriors haven’t been able to do is get over the proverbial hump to solid contender. To do so, they will need to find players to step up on offense.

4. Honesdale

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 10-2, 2nd Div. C

State classification: 2A

Coach: Eric Eisele

Home field: Lakeside Elem.

Players to watch:

Juniors – Leanna Bennett, K; Ruby Brinkerhoff, FB; Kelsey Kohrs, F. Sophomores – Natalie Hoff, F/MF; Randi Jo Kowalczyk, MF; Alicia Manzione, FB.

Outlook: Graduation hit Honesdale hard as only four starters return from a team that was 20-4 in Division C the past two seasons. The Hornets, though, expect to be competitive and possible make a run for the divisional title. They should be solid at midfield and defense, but likely won’t be as proficient at scoring early on. They could finish anywhere in the division.

5. Lake-Lehman

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 2-11-1, 8th Div. A

State classification: 2A

Home field: Football stadium

Coach: Kelly Spencer

Players to watch: Senior – Melissa Attanasio, FB. Juniors – Amy Heindel, MF; Kylie Kustrin, MF; Becca Stull, K; Catherine Sullivan, FB; Annie Van Scoy, MF. Sophomores – Cassi Cragle, F; Sarah Hagenbach, F. Freshman – Nikki Sutliff, MF.

Outlook: Dropping down a division should help out Lehman immensely. The Black Knights had trouble scoring last year and were shut out nine times. Scoring should be a little easier, but this team certainly isn’t crafted to put up three or four goals regularly. The defense, though, is stout and that should lead to a better record.

6. Hanover Area

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 11-1, 1st Div. C

State classification: 2A

Coach: Brian Bannon

Home field: High school

Players to watch:

Seniors – Brenna Halesey, F; Kristen Pstrak, MF.

Juniors – Krista Colarusso, FB; Alex Halesey, FB; Kady Gayewski, FB.MF.

Outlook: Graduation picked apart Hanover Area, the biggest surprise of last year, but that’s not to say the Hawkeyes won’t have a crack at the division. The fullback line is back and there is some experience at midfield. Some of the younger players need to mature to get the offense going, especially since the level of play will better in Division B.

7. Pittston Area

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 5-7, 5th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Nicole Tieso

Home field: Primary Center, Rock St., Hughestown

Players to watch: Seniors – Megan Lokuta, F; Alison Merkel, MF: Jessica Norris, FB; Brianna Purdy, FB; Desiree Spindler, MF. Juniors – Marissa Ferenchick, F; Kelly Krevey, MF; Lauren Smicherko, K. Sophomores – Sara Kielbasa, FB; Kaylene Sutkowski, MF.

Outlook: Tieso, a former player and assistant at Pittston Area, takes over a team with plenty of promise. She is pleased how the Patriots have looked so far after a season that was a mixed bag of strong performances and lopsided losses. If the Patriots stay healthy, they could make a run a division that appears wide open. Depth is a concern.

DIVISION C

1. North Pocono

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 7-5, 3rd

State classification: 2A

Coach: Hosiah “Dave” Davis

Home field: Moscow Elem., Rte. 690

Players to watch: Seniors – Alyssa DePietro, FB; Nancy Dunn, K; Lexy Hynak, MF; Katrina Kincel, F/FB; Kristin Ocenas, FB/MF. Juniors -- Ciara Cawley, FB/MF; Kathryn Lavelle, FB. Sophomores -- Maria Cardosa, MF/F; Corinne Glassman, FB; Fjollza Shabani, MF; Sarah Wicker, MF. Freshman -- Desirae Santarsiero.

Outlook: North Pocono lost its top two scorers from a team that lost some close games last year. The Trojans haven’t been able to get field time, so scoring could be a problem early on. The defense, though, should be able to play well enough until the offense catches up.

2. Meyers

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 6-6, 4th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Chris Goetter

Home field: Gordon Avenue

Players to watch: Seniors – Allison Duda, MF; Hali Endress, K; Stephanie Gill, FB; Kelly Metzger, FB. Juniors – Kayla Verdekal, MF. Sophomores – Christine Knooren, FB; Maureen Lisman, F; Kaylie Macko, MF.

Outlook: The defense will definitely be ahead of the offense for Meyers in the early part of the season. And that trend could continue throughout the schedule as the Mohawks graduated their top two scoring threats. They will also need to do better in close games as they lost five times by a goal. If they stay healthy, they could make a run at the divisional championship.

3. Hazleton Area

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 5-6-1, 5th

State classification: 3A

Coach: Dan Matriccino

Home field: Football stadium

Players to watch:

Seniors – Christy Doyle, Swp; Samantha Lamoreux, F; Kayla Roebuck, MF; Lauren Williams, FB. Juniors – Chiara Matriccino, F; Danielle Semenza, MF. Freshman – Nicole Semenza, Stp.

Outlook: Hazleton Area appears to be a lock to finish in the upper part of the division and has a good chance of finishing in first. There is a solid nucleus returning from a team that had some uneven performances last season. Plus, the return of two players from injury should help. With some consistency, the Cougars could take first place.

4. Tunkhannock 2008

WVC Record/Finish: 2-9-1, 6th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Scott Benedict

Home field: Roslund Elem., Rte. 29

Players to watch: not available Outlook: Tunkhannock was more competitive last season than its record indicated. The problem was scoring as the defense was able to keep games within reach, but the offense was unable to convert. Unless the offense comes around, the Tigers will be in the second half of the division once again.

5. Wyoming Area

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 2-10, 6th Div. B

State classification: 2A

Coach: Roberto Sosa

Home field: 10th St., Wyoming

Players to watch: Seniors – Brittney Bard, Allison Scalzo, Samantha Miller. Juniors – Marissa Gallagher; Adrianna Vullo; Meghan Williams. Sophomore – Katie Scalzo.

Outlook: The Warriors drop down a division after winning just six games over the last two years. They should fare better, but will need more consistency, especially on offense. A majority of the roster is from the sophomore class, so expect improvement as the season goes on.

6. GAR

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 0-12. 7th Div. B

State classification: 2A

Coach: Bob Hughes

Home field: old Wilkes-Barre Twp. H.S.

Players to watch: Seniors – Brittany Lugiano, MF; Macie Macko, MF; Andrea Williamson, MF. Junior – Kellie Yekel, F.

Outlook: GAR has 19 players on the roster and is already nursing some injuries. So the product on the field at the beginning of the season probably won’t resemble the team later in the year. The Grenadiers, though, will need to cut down the amount of goal allowed. If they can do that, they could be more competitive after dropping down from Division B.

7. MMI Prep

2008 WVC Record/Finish: 0-12, 7th

State classification: 2A

Coach: Dave Lecher

Home field: Raiders Field, 23rd St., Hazleton

Players to watch: Senior – Kristyn Lizbinski, MF. Junior – Diana Anthony, MF.

Outlook: The Preppers were overwhelmed in their first year of soccer, getting shut out in seven of their first eight games. However, the offense improved late in the season. The goal should be improving and being more competitive in the process.