Lady Lions, Tigers ready to defend
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From Mirror reports
Altoona and Hollidaysburg will try to defend District 6 titles this season in area high school girls soccer.
The Lady Lions graduated a very talented class, but Mirror first-teamer Abby Bell returns for the Lady Tigers, who beat Tyrone in overtime last season in the District 6 Class 3A championship game.
Chloe LaRosa, also a first-teamer last year, returns for the Lady Eagles after missing part of last season due to injury.
Nothern Bedford welcomes back Abby Kline, a first-teamer as a junior last season, and Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic brings back explosive scoring threat Lainey Farabaugh and defensive specialist Sarah Geishauser, who both were Mirror first-team all stars last season.
The following is a capsulized look at teams in the Mirror's coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: Derek Winterburn, eighth year
Career record: 81-39-5
League: Independent
Last year's record: 15-5-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Quinn DeAntonio, goalkeeper; Abbie Herncane, defender; Maura Kiser, defender; Delainey Wisor, defender. Juniors -- Quinn Boslet, defender; Hailey Kravetz, forward; Hannah Vancas, midfielder. Sophomore -- Lia Sankey, defender.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Sierra Francisco, forward; Brooke Thomas, forward. Juniors -- Macyn Behe, midfielder; Aubrey Dietzel, forward. Sophomores -- Alexis Mattern, forward; Alannah Irwin, defender; Alli Little, midfielder; Maura Pelegrini, defender; Lundyn Treese, defender.
Newcomers: Sophomore -- Mallory Dolansky, forward. Freshmen -- Aubriana Berardinelli, defender; Isabella Miller, forward; Sophia O'Dea, forward.
Strengths: "With so many returning starters and players, they are familiar with the system and expectations ahead of them. The team is looking to build upon the accomplishments of last year in order to have another successful season."
Concerns: "Transitioning our newcomers into the high school program while also helping them understand the expectations and level of play during the preseason. Also, the team graduated three players who each started all four years of their high school careers. Finding players who are willing to step into those roles is extremely important."
Overall outlook: "It's very exciting to see what the team can accomplish on the field this year. This group of players is extremely motivated and very competitive during our training sessions."
Assistant coaches: Andy Aveni, Tom Lutz
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Suzanna Long, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 5-13
Returning starters: Seniors -- Lillian Sypher, Angel Kutsick, Mahala Lieb, Jadyen Stittmatter, Lauren Long. Juniors -- Alex Otero, Grace Smith.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Libby McCullough, Alessandra Menie. Junior -- Eden Rapp. Sophomore -- Maddie Lieb, Maya Sirsikar.
Newcomers: Sophomore -- Kateri McCool. Freshmen -- Mady Billow, Madison Delauter, Sophia Jones, Sophia Kutsick, Summer Lecky, Alivia Lieb, Claire Long, Jessica McGuire, Myah Miller, Elania Smith, Kristen Stiles.
Strengths: "We are working very well as a team and a strong sense of leadership."
Concerns: None listed
Overall outlook: "We are optimistic about making a run in district playoffs."
Assistant coach: Morgan Cypher
Junior high coach: Austin Wagner
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Joe DeLeo, sixth year
Career record: 61-48-3
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 12-7-1
Returning starters: Seniors -- Claire Cammarata, midfielder; Lainey Farabaugh, forward. Juniors -- Rayna Colombo, forward; Sarah Geishauser, defender; Finley Steinbugl, goalkeeper. Sophomores -- Paxton DeLeo, defender; Mara Kirkpatrick, midfielder/defender.
Other returning players: Sophomore -- Brianna Haun, defender.
Newcomers: Junior -- Nicole Hawk, forward. Sophomore -- Mady Wise, forward. Freshmen -- Taryn Carruthers, forward; Kinsey DelBaggio, midfielder; Hailey DeGol, forward; Delaney Lechner, midfielder; Alana Lightner, defender; Payton Ronan, midfielder.
Strengths: "We are anchored by some experienced players and they have worked hard in the offseason."
Concerns: "We wil have a good number of new starters and our bench is not very deep."
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to be competitive in every game in the Laurel Highlands."
Assistant coach: Paul Yingling
Blair County Christian
Coach: Kari Dull, seventh year
Career record: 68-26-9
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Western Division
Last year's record: 9-5-1
Returning starters: Juniors -- Melanie Gross, forward; Lydia Hileman, goalkeeper; Anna Yingling, midfielder/defender. Sophomore -- Gabriella Dull, midfielder.
Other returning players: Freshman -- Makayla Hughes, defender. Eighth graders -- Jena Kane, defender; Rylie Oldham, defender; Ava Snyder, defender; Kadee Spinazzola, defender.
Newcomers: Senior -- Rebekah Lang, defender. Sophomore -- Abigail Lang, midfielder. Freshman -- Rachel Paul, forward. Eighth graders -- Melissa Burris, midfielder; Alexa Hall, forward; Calee Kennedy, midfielder; Johanna Love, midfielder/forward.
Strengths: "Our greatest strength this year will be our unity as a team. We strive to remember that TEAM can mean 'together everyone accomplishes more'."
Concerns: "Our greatest concern going into the season is that we are a young team comprised of some experienced players and quite a few new, young players who are working hard to learn the game."
Overall outlook: "Overall, we have a positive outlook going into our season because we remember that playing the game of soccer is a way that we can glorify God, whether we win a game game or lose a game. God expects our best, so if we give 100%, then we have been successful."
Assistant coach: Chris Davis
Cambria Heights
Coach: Nikki Spanik, third year
Career record: 13-20-0
League: Heritage Conference
Last year's record: 7-11-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Emily Behe, midfielder; Erin Behe, striker; Elizabeth Kinney, midfielder; Carly Lamb, midfielder; Bella Pritchard, goalkeeper; Kiersten Stafford, stopper. Junior -- Maddy Link, midfielder. Sophomores -- Hannah Hite, striker; Haley Karlheim, defender; Emma Spanik, sweeper; Maria Wendekier, goalkeeper.
Other returning players: Junior -- Kenadi Weakland, midfielder. Sophomores -- Marah Hilyar, goalkeeper/defender; Lily Snyder, defender.
Newcomers: Freshmen -- Gracie Bradley, defender; Kaylie Bradley, defender; Brooklyn Galinis, midfielder; Sophia Leiden, stopper; Brielle McMillen, striker; Kinley Rogal, midfielder; Morgan Ross, defender.
Strengths: "Each year I feel as a whole we get stronger. We, in my eyes, started out as underdogs but that term is slowly going away. I think our attitude is definitely our strength. We know what it's like to lose and get back up, but also where we are on the winning end. We do both as a team with respect for each other and for the opposite team in this beautiful game of soccer."
Concerns: "I think there is room for improvement with offseason activities. We try to squeeze a lot in a short amount of time in August, but the games are here before you know it."
Overall outlook: "Overall outlook for the team is positive. Each year we build and grow as a team and also as individuals. It will be interesting to see how far we can evolve as a team."
Assistant coach: Greg Galinis
Central
Coach: Randy Trexler, second year as girls coach
Career record: 16-1-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 16-1-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Ella Garner, defender; Darcy Heltzel, midfielder; Katie Ritchey, defender; Jenna Smith, forward. Junior -- Lacey Ripka, goalkeeper/forward. Sophomores -- Paiton Campbell, midfielder; Danielle Heltzel, defender; Kira Trexler, midfielder.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Alexia Finochio, forward; Brynn Miller, forward; Skyler Miller, defender. Sophomores -- Lakkyn Dibert, forward; Hope Dively, defender; Avery Kasun, forward; Rachel Theys, defender.
Newcomers: Freshmen -- Madeline Benton, midfielder; Carli Hart, forward; Leya Hazenstab, defender; Bethany Kensinger, midfielder; Raylee Stock, forward; Vada Thompson, goalkeeper.
Strengths: "A balanced team of experienced players and a strong midfield and defensive line coming off a very succesful season."
Concerns: "Staying heathy."
Overall outlook: "The Lady Dragons entered the Laurel Highlands Conference last year and finished as LHAC co-champions, set school records of 122 goals for, 14 against, averaged 279 passes per game with a possession rate of 67%. Senior Ella Garner, a college prospect who recently played in the US Club Soccer's National Cup finals in Denver, Colorado, will be the most influential player to lead the team to another successful season. She is a strong, physical presence in the back line. Ripka, Campbell, Heltzel and Trexler, along with newcomers Hart, Hazenstab and Kensinger bring year-round commitment and strong levels of youth soccer experience."
Assistant coaches: Hannah Moore
Junior high coaches: Shawn Kensinger, Rhonda Johnston
Central Cambria
Coach: Devin Shaner, seventh year
Career record: 46-52-3
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 4-14-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Laila Ashurst, goalkeeper; Lydia Knarr, defender; Ava Monborne, forward; Abby Sheredy, defender. Brooke Kolar, midfielder. Freshman -- Ava Barra, forward.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Miah Cade, forward; Madison Dryzal, defender; Melanie Jones, midfielder; Sara Meyers, midfielder. Sophomores -- Bella Duman, defender; Linsey Evans, forward; Makenzie Martin, midfielder/forward; Abby McMullen, defender; Julia Stock, defender.
Newcomers: Junior -- Amelia Calpin, defender. Sophomore -- Katie Ford, defender. Freshmen -- Karlee Nileski, defender; Katie Scott, goalkeeper.
Strengths: "One strength I would say for this years team would be the returning starters. Both forwards and center midfielders are returning to get another crack at running the offensive push while two defenders and our goalkeeper are back to hold down the defense."
Concerns: "One main challenge I see for this year is filling a few positions left by last year's seniors. Nearly, half our team are sophomore or younger, so I expect to see some growing pains throughout the season. I know that my girls can handle it and adapt, it just depends on how long it takes them to do so. Really grinding it out at practices and keeping up with our game film will be a key factor to their growth and success."
Overall outlook: "My initial goal for every year is to have a .500 record. I use that as a benchmark and hope to exceed that this year. I am also looking forward to the offensive pairings with another year under their belt to add some more goals to our season total as compared to last year. I believe that with the returning group we have we can beat last year's record and average two goals per game."
Assistant coach: Carlos Barra
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Daelene Crouse, second year
Career record: 1-13
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 1-13
Returning starters: Seniors -- Malia Crouse, offense. Junior -- Graysen Callihan, offense. Sophomores -- Madison Beutman, keeper-defender; Becky Feather, defender; Mary Kohler, offense; Mary Muir, defender; Hannah Smith, defender.
Newcomers: Senior -- Kyla Fulton, offense. Junior -- Olivia Kaminsky, offense. Sophomores -- Mattie Burket, defender; Makenzie Ebersole, defender; Kaylee Holderbaum, offense. Freshmen -- Sophia Ickes, offense; Amandraya Morgan, keeper-defender.
Strengths: "We have seven returning starters, a strong ninth-grade goalie, two tough center midfielders and our center front has a strong kick."
Concerns: "Low number of players."
Overall outlook: "Not looking for a winning season, just improvements every game from our girls. Just learning and loving the game of soccer."
Assistant coach: Dawnette Corle
Junior high coaches: Jeff Muir, Vicki Corle
Great Commission
Coach: Dave Long, first year with girls, 15th overall
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Last year's record: 2-9-1
Returning starters: Seniors -- Kelsey Moyer, forward; Grace Baldwin, defense. Junior -- Mila Palazzi, forward; Kira Suhoney, forward; Gabriella Lawson, defense. Sophomores -- Lily Hildebrand, defense; Madeline Buck, defense; Jaden Grove, defense. Freshmen -- Kiera Wertman, forward; Kayelynn Summers, forward.
Newcomers: Junior -- Bridgette Miller, forward; Alanna Rice, forward. Freshmen -- Rachel Turiano, defense; Michelle McConnell, middle; Samarra Wertz, defense; Julianne VanProoyen, defense. Eighth grade -- Sophia Fleck, keeper.
Strengths: "Strong shooting from strikers and improved defense. New goalie with maturity and skill as upperclassmen."
Concerns: "Need to improve team passing."
Overall outlook: "Looking to be more competitive and the goal is to make the ACAA tournament."
Assistant coaches: Megan Stuart
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Tristan delGiudice, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 13-6-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Abby Bell, forward; Seddy Clapper, midfielder; Kennedy McHugh, midfielder; Ava Miller, midfielder; Madeline Shanafelt, defender; Abby Steiner, defender; Kiersten Williams, defender. Juniors -- Sophia Blescia, goalkeeper; Chloe Stoehr, midfielder. Sophomores -- Natalie Foster, goalkeeper; Lauren Stevenson, midfielder.
Other returning players: Juniors -- Lauren Bunk, defender; Clara Cox, midfielder; Anna Dick, defender; Rebekah Dick, defender; Samantha Dodson, defender; Jackie Hajnosz, midfielder; Lily Jodon, midfielder; Madison Stringer, defender; Aubree Waksmonski, forward; Olivia Yogus, defender. Sophomores -- Halley Hammel, midfielder; Emma Hayer, midfielder; Madison McLaurin, defender; Bella Vent, forward.
Newcomers: Junior -- Erin McGinnis, goalkeeper. Sophomore -- Emma Frazier, midfielder. Freshmen -- Lucy Charles, defender; Lily Chestney, forward; Clare Padamonsky, defender; Tatum Shoeman, midfielder; Jillian Sidney, midfielder; Bailey Stoehr, midfielder; Makayla Wolford, defender.
Strengths: "We're returning 11 players with significant starting experience on a team that had a successful 2021 campaign. We have strong senior leadership and the girls worked extremely hard in the offseason and preseason preparing for the upcoming season."
Concerns: "For a team that lost only three senior from last year, the team is experiencing significant transition with a new coaching staff, changes in style of play, new formations and different expectations. We'll need to lean on our seniors as we work through the transition to ensure that we are ready to go when the season opens."
Overall outlook: "We're excited to get the season underway and with the loss of only three seniors from last year, expectations are high. That being said, we have some challenging games on our schedule that will really test the squad. How the girls compete in those difficult games will go a long way in determining how successful this team will be."
Assistant coaches: Sarah Deibert, Crystal Stephens, Jackson delGiudice, Will Fitzgerald
Northern Bedford
Coach: Marcus Yeatts, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
League: Inter-County Conference
Last year's record: 16-3-1
Returning starters: Seniors -- Miranda Clark, defender/goalkeeper; Emily Heck, midfielder; Abby Kline, forward; Lydia Ritchey, defender. Juniors -- Reaghan Grimes, forward; Mariah Hall, forward; Lydia Koontz, defender/goalkeeper.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Destiny Lafferty, midfielder; Emily Sherlock, defender. Juniors -- Rachel Bowman, midfielder; Leah Swanseen, defender; Ava Whisker, forward. Sophomore -- Ava Helsel, midfielder.
Newcomers: Sophomore -- Jaylynn Resh, defender. Freshmen -- Olivia Helsel, midfielder; Rachel Miller, defender; Kayla Sollenberger, defender; Alyssa Yeatts, midfielder.
Strengths: "The team returns a lot of attacking talent from last year's team. Abby Kline led the team with 30 goals and 10 assists last season, and she will again team up with Mariah Hall (21 goals) and Reaghan Grimes (17 goals). Emily Heck is a good center mid, who scored 16 goals last season, and Lydia Ritchey is a really good defender. There are a lot of strong players all over the field."
Concerns: "Most of the losses from last season's team were on defense. The team must replace one of the best goalies in the area (Evie Long) and two very solid defenders. Also, the schedule is front-heavy, so the team will be tested early."
Overall outlook: "After losing in the district final last season, the goal this year is to win the District 5 championship as well as the ICC championship."
Assistant coaches: Logan Corle, Dan Oberman
Penn Cambria
Coach: Joe Landi, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 5-13-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Lauren Farabaugh, defense; Madison Farabaugh, forward; Jenna Helsel, forward; Kandice Pratchard, midfield; Kamryn Wheeler, forward; Adanya Zunich, defense. Juniors -- Isabell Andersen, defense; Logan Cuomo, midfield. Sophomores -- Lilli Berardinelli, midfield; Kayla Galovich, defense; Chloe Karabinos, defense.
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: Senior -- Addison Gates, midfield. Juniors -- Khenedy Redman, midfield; Leah Shoemaker, midfield. Sophomores -- Sydney Lee, midfield; Alexis Shoemaker, goalie
Freshmen -- Michaela Dillon, defense; Danielle Farabaugh, midfield; Emalie Johns, forward; Presley Koehler, forward
Strengths: "Some of the new players this year will help add some skill and athleticism to the team."
Concerns: "Inexperience. Half the roster is new to the team."
Overall outlook: "We are inexperiencd as a group but have a great attitude."
Assistant coach: Kaeli Smith
Tyrone
Coach: Mike Sparacino, sixth year
Career record: 24-59-3
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 8-10-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Chloe LaRosa, forward/midfielder; Avalyn Moore, forward; Eliza Vance, forward; Rayann Walls, goalkeeper. Juniors -- Rebecca Lewis, defender; Lainey Quick, midfielder; Makenzie Soellner, defender; Maddy Whitby, defender.
Other returning players: Senior -- Alyson Partner, forward/midfielder. Junior -- Annie Bardell, forward. Sophomores -- Riley Andrews, midfielder/defender; Lexi Hess, forward/midfielder.
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Briley Campbell, forward/midfielder; Hayden White, forward/midfielder. Freshmen -- Jaysa Carns, defender; Hailey Loupe, midfielder/goalkeeper; Gracie Pluebell, forward; Amyra Snyder, defender; Kaliana Witherite, forward; Chase Yaniello, forward/midfielder.
Strengths: "We still have the core of the team that made the first District 6 championship game in school history. We also have players healthy that missed good portions of last season with injuries."
Concerns: "Replacing key losses from last season due to graduation."
Overall outlook: "We have a good core group combined with players returning from injury and some exciting young players. We feel pretty confident that we can continue the success from last season and look to take the next step."
Assistant coaches: Alan Walls, Adria Jeffrey