2022 HS girls soccer preview: Schools looking to return to the playoffs

Published: 09-01-2022 11:58 AM

HANOVER

Coach: Doug Kennedy (15)

Last year: 5-10-2

League: NHIAA Division I

Returnees: Seniors — Casey Havrda (F), Mia Madden (M), Riley McGuire (F), Emilia Torresani (F). Juniors — Maeve Lee (M), Sydney McLaughlin (F), Emma Campfield (M), Kiran Park (D), Sophie Wise (M). Sophomores — Nora Bradley (M), Reese Hamlin (D).

Newcomers: Seniors — Zoe Chamberlain (D), Frederika Tagupa (D). Juniors — Mia Bagnato (F), Jessie Lobb (G), Elena Miere (D). Sophomores — Alison Daigle (D), Dahila Fuld (D), Sadie Ross (G). Freshman — Cosima Torresani (F).

Analysis: The Bears, playing only their second full season of Division I competition, look to bounce back from the program’s worst record in recent memory and early reports are they’re primed to do so. Lee is a force at forward and it’s hoped Lobb and Ross are much-needed improvements in net. “Our experience in 2021 made it clear we need to up our game to compete in Division I,” said Kennedy, whose team lost in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

HARTFORD

Coach: Jeff Acker (17)

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Last year: 4-10-1

League: Vermont Division II

Returnees: Seniors — Bella Boeri (M), Rory Salzano (D), Nora Lyons (D), Sydney Stillman (G), Megan Lang (G). Sophomores — Macy Bettwieser (D), Izzy Sirois (F), Geneva Durgin (D).

Newcomers: Senior — Kaylee Scott (F). Juniors — Dallas Kelly (D), Samia Arnold (D), Maddie Moore (M), Dakin Kovatch (D). Sophomores — Morgan Curtis (F), Nicola Husman (M), Harper Fallon (G). Freshmen — Braelyn Park (D), Faith Brown (D).

Analysis: Hartford graduated 12 seniors and although that group didn’t have a winning record last season, there will still be an adjustment period while younger players move into starting roles. Acker, whose team exited in the first round of last year’s playoffs, suggests keeping an eye on Park, whom he says has enormous potential.

LEBANON

Coach: Breck Taber (7)

Last year: 10-6

League: NHIAA Division II

Returnees: Seniors — Mary Rainey (M), Delaney Deshane (F), Amanda Brooker (D), Claire Falcone (D), Madelyn Newton (G), Isabella Direnzo (G), Ava Ackerman (D), Elizabeth Kourbatski (M), Mika Scholtz (M). Juniors — Sophie Longacre (M), Madison Jewell (D), Sydney Deshane (M), Isabel Hamilton (M) Phoebe Ballard (F), Sarah Belk (F).

Newcomers: Juniors — Katherine Herring (M), Abigail Ripley (M), Olivia Pollard (D), Nora Falcone (D), Reyna Graber (M) Freshmen — Sara Forman (D), Mariana Utell (M), Brooke Walker (F).

Analysis: Lebanon lost in the playoffs’ first round and graduated five seniors who logged lengthy minutes. Rainey, a first team all-state honoree last fall and is headed to play at Maine’s Bowdoin College next year. She and Delaney DeShane are players to watch. Taber is 38-44-17 with the Raiders.

MASCOMA

Coach: Mark Rockwood (1)

Last year: 1-15

League: NHIAA Division lll

Returnees: Seniors — Rhiannon Stone (M/F), Kayli Stapelfeld (D), Emma Bill (G). Junior — Emily Seiler (F/M). Sophomores- Braelyn Stone (M/F), Jenny Lutz (D), Emily Brewster (F), Cora Peters (G/D).

Newcomers: Juniors — Natalee Pettersen (G/D), Kamdyn Aldrich (D). Freshmen — Sonya Roberts (M), Grace Clifford (M).

Analysis: The third-year Royals won the first game in program history last autumn, then lost three seniors to graduation. That left seven players on the roster who had been starters in the past. Rockwood, a former club coach, is sanguine about the state of the program he’s inherited. “I’m here to make lemonade,” he said, describing Seiler and Stapelfeld as players to watch.

NEWPORT

Coach: Gary McCall (4)

Last year: 6-8

League: NHIAA Division III

Returnees: Senior — Aura Parker (D). Junior — Emma O’Conner (D/M). Sophomores — Torrence Williams (F), Cassie Sanborn (M/F), Cheyanne Hannum (D), Leila Trott (M,D), Skylar Nelson (G).

Newcomers: Juniors — Lauren Brewer (F/M), Adrianna Coleman (D,M). Freshmen — Zoey Bunker (M), Makayla Cossingham (M/F), Brooklyn Ranney (F).

Analysis: Newport lost in the Division IV playoffs’ first round last season, then graduated five starters in advance of a return to Division III. “It’s going to be a monster challenge but we’re looking forward to it,” McCall said.

OXBOW

Coach: Shannon Gould (1)

Last year: 8-6-1

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Brianna Gray (M), Laila Ellsworth (D), McKenna Smith (M/F), Makenna Simmons (G/D), Rose Bohan (M), Meredith Young (M), Mackenzie Clogston (M). Juniors — Hadlee Allen (M), Hazel Fahey (D), Lillian Degoosh (F), Sophomores — Maggi Ellsworth (D), Mallari Young (F), Caleigh Bean (D).

Newcomers: Junior — Takiya Saibou (F). Freshmen — Braylee Phelps (D), Abby Peavey (F), Libby Day (M/D), Lillian Benjamin (D), Miley Chen (F), Natalee Spear (G/F),Tessa Cook (F).

Analysis: Gould coached 11 seasons at her alma mater, Lebanon High, when she was known as Shanon Boisvert and compiled a 110-71-17 record. She resigned after the 2015 season and now works as an administrative assistant at Oxbow. She is the program’s fourth coach in nine years and replaces Dan Thomas, a onetime Hartford High player who was 21-16-2 during three seasons leading the OIympians. Thomas is now an assistant in the Lebanon boys program.

RIVENDELL

Coach: Tim Goodwin (11)

League: Vermont Division IV

Last year: 11-5-1

Returnees: Senior — Ryleigh Butler (M). Juniors — Colleen Underhill (D), Elisia Sonsalla (M), Lauren Smith (M), Lexa Smith (D). Sophomores — Shaylee Carter (M), Erin Ricker (M).

Newcomers: Freshmen — Allie Vogelian (M), Bradleigh Bushee (F), Harper Traendly (F), Koki Tomlinson (D), Lindsey O’Hearn (M), Makayla-Lee Eastman (F), Mia Currier (F), Stella Star Worcester (D), Wayah Cook (G), Jillian Bushee (M).

Analysis: The Raptors have made it to the division semifinals each of the last three years, including a finals appearance three years ago. Their lone title came in 2010. Rivendell fell to Arlington in last year’s semifinals and must rebuild with one senior, a rookie goalkeeper and 10 freshmen. Goodwin is 118-43-12 as the program’s head coach.

SHARON

Coach: Andy Ruddell (4)

Last year: 2-12

League: Vermont Division IV

Returnees: Seniors — Phoebe Quackenbos (D), Maeve Miller (M), Freya Abbey (D), Avery Swett (M), Lily Welch (G), Kailey Ekegren (D), Sophomores- Abby Chase (D), Maddy Mintz (F), Avry Loftus (F), MaCallister Gray (D), Elsa Skarsten (M).

Newcomers: Seniors — Charity Mather (M). Juniors — Imi Rose Gross (D). Freshmen — Lucy Proulx (D), Evelyn Murawski (D), Ameila Bailey-Kellogg (M), Caitlin Seville (D).

Analysis: Sharon lost in the 2021 playoffs’ first round but graduated only four seniors. Two of those four, however, were its top goal scorers, so finding replacements will be paramount.

STEVENS

Coach: Tim St. Pierre (3)

Last year: 12-6

League: NHIAA Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Tori Dalke (M), Stella Lavertue (M/F), Hailey Knight (G), Aidan Antonovich (M/D). Juniors — Maddy Minckler (F), Maddie LaVarnway, Isabella Bovell (M/D), Navaeh LeBlanc (M/D).

Newcomers: Brianna Marsh (M/D), Alyssa Paquette (M), Rhea Quick (M), Maya Rice (M/D), Kaiya Richard (M).

Outlook: The Cardinals lost eight seniors to graduation off a successful Division II team. The sting is eased by dropping back to Division III. St. Pierre previously led the boys teams at Fall Mountain and Stevens and the girls teams at Fall Mountain and Keene during his 22-year coaching career. The construction company owner was out of coaching from 2018-20 while suffering from Lyme Disease.

THETFORD

Coach: Dave Williams (6)

Last year: 5-10-1

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Madi Mousely (D/M), Hannah Williams (M), Liv Hastings (D) Taylor West (F). Juniors — Mason Fahey (D), Kelsey Bogie (F/M), Zureal Starr (F). Sophomore — Heidi Hewes (G).

Newcomers: Juniors — Shannon ODonnell (D/M), Ellie Knauss (F). Sophomores — Ruth Wilmott (D), McKayla Stanley (F), Ashlyn Osgood (G/D), Rebecca Osgood (M/F), Elizabeth Waterman (M), Ella Manning (M), Grace Elmer (D). Freshmen — Natalie Perry (F), Sophia Harvey (M), Claire Marshall (D).

Analysis: The Panthers reached the state title game four consecutive times from 2016-19, and were victorious during their last three trips. “Plenty of room for newcomers to step up and contribute this year,” Williams said. “We have a good group of seniors to set the tone for competitiveness and sportsmanship, all with varsity starting experience.”

WHITE RIVER VALLEY

Coach: Kim Prestridge (4)

Last year: 8-6-1

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Jillian Barry (F), Shannon Hadlock (D), Ella Perreault (M), Ellie Prestridge (G/F). Juniors — Amara Calhum-Flowers (M), Tanner Drury (D), Sadie Kinsley (D), Anita Miller (M), Anna Stratton (M). Sophomore — Norah Harwood (F).

Newcomers: Freshmen — Cassie Armstrong (M), Addison Isham (F), Ella LaFromboise (G/F), Mackenzie Vesper (D), Imari Taylor (G/F), Logan Scott (D), Sarah Rule (F), Vanessa Crawford (F), Izzy Barnaby (F), Julia Bowen (M), Olivia Tuller (F).

Analysis: The Wildcats lost to Thetford in the opening round of last season’s playoffs, scoring for the first time in four postseason games since their school was created. WRV lost only three players to graduation and returns a strong back line and top scorers Barry and Calm-Flowers. Many of the returners were key contributors to the Wildcats’ 2022 state track title. A large class of freshmen are coming up from an undefeated middle school season.

WINDSOR

Coach: Jeff Bachey (6).

Last year: 5-10-1

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Skylar Thibodeau (M/F), Estella Attwood (D), Ash LaVanway (D). Juniors — Miah McAllister (D), Olivia MacLeay (M/F), Sophomores — Audrey Rupp (M/F), Sophia Rockwood (G), Brainna Barton (D/M), Sophia Dufour (M/D), Brooklynn Currie (D).

Newcomers: Senior — Audri Pettirossi (M/D). Junior — Rhaiven Essence Kellogg (D). Sophomore — Mykayla Rondeau (D/M). Freshmen — Lily Keefe (F/G), Cassandra Clark (D), Gabbi Crane (M/F), Kenzie Wescott (M/F), Kemari Wildgoose (M/F/D), Cloey Precor (D/M).

Analysis: Windsor reached the 2022 playoffs’ second round and graduated four seniors, one of them being Elliot Rupp, second on the program’s career scoring list. Seven experienced starters return and will mesh with a six-person freshman class.

WOODSTOCK

Coach: Greg LaBella (22)

Last Season: 14-3-1

League: Vermont Division II

Returners: Seniors — Dillon Moss (D), River Miles (F/M), Isabel Konijnenberg (M/F). Juniors — Chloe Masillo (F), Sophia Nisimblat (D), Leah Kuhnert (M), Hannah Watson (D/M).

Newcomers: Junior — Sky Cully (M). Sophomores — Jame Stout (G), Kassidy Haley (M), Olivia Grasso (F), Lilly Macri (D), Aubrey Seman (D), Lucy Drebitko (D).

Analysis: “Woodstock is building around its solid foundation of returning players after graduating 12 seniors and playing in the 2022 Division II championship game,” LaBella said. “There are skilled, dynamic players in all positions… The 12-member freshman class has some nice prospects who will be able to help this season’s varsity team.”

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