Four Blair County girls soccer programs have lofty visions this season
Mirror file photo Senior Hailey Kravetz (21) returns for Altoona.
From Mirror reports
Hollidaysburg will attempt to defend its District 6 Class 3A title, and Altoona, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic and Central will try and return to District 6 title games and bring home the gold this time when the high school girls soccer season opens.
Chloe Stoehr and Lauren Stevenson, both Mirror first-team all stars, return for the Lady Tigers. First-teamer Hailey Kravetz is back for Altoona, and fellow first teamers Sarah Geishauser (BG) and Kira Trexler (Central) also are back.
In addition, Cambria Heights returns first-teamer Brooklyn Galinis.
The following is a capsulized look at each team in the Mirror’s core coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: Marc Frye, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
Conference: Mid-Penn Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Quinn Boslet, defender; Aubrey Dietzel, keeper; Hailey Kravetz, forward; Hannah Vancas, midfielder. Juniors–Mallory Dolansky, forward; Alanah Irwin, defender; Allison Little, midfielder; Lia Sankey, defender. Sophomores–Aubriana Berardinelli, defender; Sophia O’Dea, forward.
Other returning players: Senior–Mason Behe, midfielder. Juniors–Alexis Mattern, forward; Maura Pellegrine, midfielder; Lundyn Treese, defender. Sophomore–Isabella Miller, forward.
Newcomers: Senior–Merideth Dolansky, defender. Sophomore–Zaelinh Nguyen-Moore, midfielder. Freshmen–Ajaycia Alexander, forward; Sylvie Boslet, defender; Grace Camberg, defender; Ava Frye, midfielder; Gianna Huber, midfielder; Josephine Irwin, defender; Lauren Metrik, midfielder; Haylee Rodriguez, keeper; Ingrid Steward, midfielder.
Strengths: “We have quality depth this year.”
Concerns: “Staying healthy.”
Overall outlook: “I feel we can make a deep run this year.”
Assistant coaches: Josh Boslet, Mike Metrik, Jason Little
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Suzanna Long, second year
Career record: 7-9-2
Last year’s record: 7-9-2
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Alex Otero, defense; Angel Kutsick, forward. Juniors–Maddie Lieb, forward; Maya Sirsikar, midfield. Sophomore–Madison Delauter, midfield.
Other returning players: Junior–Kateri McCool, defense. Sophomores–Claire Long, goalie, midfield; Elana Smith, defense; Summer Lecky, midfield; Jillian Cutlip, midfield; Taylor Diehl, midfield; Sophia Jones, midfield; Alvia Lieb, defense; Myah Miller, goalie defense; Sophia Kutsick, midfield.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Anna Ludwig, defense; Emma Farabaugh, midfield, forward; Meghan Farabaugh, midfield; Brennan Miller, defense, midfield; Adelyn Myers, midfield; Amirah Rey, defense; Hannah Strittmatter, midfield.
Strengths: “We are a young but talented team. The team is working very well together and are excited to start the year off strong.”
Assistant coach: Morgan Cypher
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Joe DeLeo, eighth year
Career record: 74-61-3
Last year’s record: 13-7
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Sarah Geishauser, defender; Rayna Colombo, forward; Finley Steinbugl, midfielder. Juniors–Paxton DeLeo, defender; Mara Kirkpatrick, midfielder. Sophomore–Hailey DeGol, forward
Other returning players: Seniors–Nicole Hawk, midfielder. Junior–Mady Wise, forward. Sophomores–Alana Lightner, defender; Payton Ronan, midfielder; Delaney Lechner, midfielder
Newcomers: Sophomores–Jayelyn Beatty, midfielder. Freshmen–Catherine Cammarata, defender; Emma Marasco, forward; Abrie Rumfola, goalie; Alyysa Hite, goalie; Keira Ronan, midfielder; Gabriella Earnest, midfielder; Hayden Settle, midfielder
Strengths: “We are anchored by some experienced players and have added some young talent as well.”
Concerns: “We have a challenging schedule with some great opponents, and half of our team are new faces.”
Overall outlook: “Our goal is to be competitive in every game in the Laurel Highlands and get better each week.”
Assistant coaches: Paul Yingling, Leonard Sapp
Blair County Christian
Coach: Kari Dull, eighth year
Career record: 80-31-9
Last year’s record: 12-5
Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Returning starters: Seniors–Melanie Goass, Lydia Hileman, Anna Yinglin. Junior–Gabriella Dull. Sophomore–Makayla Hughes. Freshmen–Jena Kane, Ryle Oldham, Ava Synder. Eighth grade–Alexa Hall, Calee Kennedy
Other returning players: Junior–Abbie Lang. Freshmen–Johanna Love, Kadee Spinazzola
Newcomers: Seventh grade–Allison Hall, Hosanna Lang, Gianna Spinazzola
Strengths: “We have a lot of returning starters and the unity we have as a team.”
Concerns: “We have a fairly young team still, so there is learning to be done.”
Overall outlook: “Positive. We have a theme Bible verse as a team this year that reminds us to be kind to each other. This would be teammates, opponents, referees, etc. If we seek to honor God with our lives, it will be a great season no matter the outcome.”
Assistant coach: Christopher Davis
Cambria Heights
Coach: Nikki Spanik, fifth season
Career record: 21-29
Last year’s record: 9-9
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Maddy Link, midfield. Juniors–Maria Wendekier, keeper; Hannah Hite, striker; Emma Spanik, sweeper; Haley Karlheim, defense. Sophomores–Morgan Ross, outside midfield; Brooklyn Galinis, outside midfield; Kinley Rogal, midfield; Brielle McMillen, striker; Hallie Hayes, stopper.
Other returning players: Junior–Marah Hilyer. Sophomores–Sophia Leiden, Katelyn Venesky, Kaylie Bradley, Gracie Bradley.
Newcomers: Sophomore–Angelina Lingenfelter. Freshmen–Bethany Watt, Sarah Weld, Ella Lamb, Libby Dubler, Abigail Farabaugh, Emma Gilbey, Lilly Karlheim, Aadriean Watson.
Strengths: “The team this year has an impressive sisterhood you can’t break. Each year, we get a little more fine-tuned as a team.”
Concerns: “Losing six seniors last year is a lot to adjust to for a team. All seniors were starter players, minus one from injury, with great attitudes.”
Overall outlook: “Coaching this team for five years now, each year we grow closer and are always changing as a team for the better. The journey so far has been earned each step.”
Central
Coach: Randy Trexler, second year
Career record: 20-2-0
Last year’s record: 20-2-0, 18-0 LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Lacey Ripka, goalie-forward. Juniors–Paiton Campbell, midfielder; Lakkyn Dibert, foward; Danielle Heltzel, defender; Kira Trexler, midfielder; Rachel Theys, defender. Sophomores–Carli Hart, forward; Leya Hazenstab, midfielder; Bethany Kensinger, midfielder
Other returning players: Junior–Avery Kasun, forward. Sophomores–Madeline Benton, middle forward; Vada Thompson, keeper, defense
Newcomers: Freshmen–Addison Long, Brittany Bartley, Cameron Bailey, Ellie McInteier, Julia Bowser, Lilly Harbaugh, Mya Long, middle forward; Sophia Keith
Strengths: “A balanced team of experienced starters who can work togegther and protect the ball until quality scoring opportunities are presented. Strong technical skills and good socccer IQ.”
Concerns: “Staying healthy and playing a tougher schedule in the new LHAC.”
Overall outlook: “The Lady Dragons finished as LHAC champions the past two seasons and made it to the District 6 finals and PIAA playoffs. Many of the returning starters were repsonsible for the team’s impressive 121 goals, 296 average passes per game and a possession rate of 65% last season. Depth off the bench is promising with some junior varsity players who are expected to see playing time.”
Assistant coach: Hannah Moore
Central Cambria
Coach: Devin Shaner, eighth year
Career record: 50-63-4
Last year’s record: 4-13-1
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Brooke Kolar, midfielder. Juniors–Ava Barra, forward; Abby McMullen, defense; Bella Duman, defense; Linsey Evans, midfielder, forward; Julia Stock, defense. Sophomore–Katie Scott, keeper.
Other returning players: Senior–Amelia Calpin, midfielder. Juniors–Katie Ford, defense; Makenzie Martin, midfielder. Sophomore–Karlee Nileski, midfielder.
Newcomers: Seniors–Delaney Perrone, midfielder; Madison Miller, midfielder, defense. Juniors–Kennedy Moore, midfielder; Kayleigh Lear, keeper. Sophomores–Sara Sheredy, defense; Addison Rosko, defense. Freshmen–Marjwok Ojha, midfielder; Maggie Springer, midfielder; Hallie Amenti, midfielder.
Strengths: “One of the strengths I will be looking forward to from the team would be the center of the field. We have a good core with our two centerbacks and two center-mids, so looking to control the game and tempo.”
Concerns: “We have some young talent on the outsides of our formation, and I am looking forward to seeing them gain experience in a trail by fire situation.”
Overall outlook: “I believe that we should have a competitive team this year. We are co-oping with United, and they sent over some good players that will mesh into our team nicely. Looking to build from last year and compete for not only a winning record but a playoff spot as well.”
Assistant coaches: Carlos Barra, Gary Simmons
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Jeffrey Muir, first year
Career record: 0-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Graysen Callian, Makayla Ewald. Juniors–Madison Beutman, Mary Muir, McKenzie Ebersole, Mattie Burket, Mary Beth Kohler, Becky Feather, Hannah Smith, Kaylee Holderbaum. Sophomores–Sophie Ickes, Hanna Mock.
Newcomers: Senior–Kennedy Lewis. Freshmen–Lilly Muir, Marley Whisel, Delayne Hess, Lindsay Holderbaum, Katlynne Welch, Brynn Reese, Kylie Lews, Lorah Quao.
Strengths: “Strong defense, more players signed up this year.”
Concerns: “Young, not a lot of experience.”
Overall outlook: “Rebuilding year. I see more improvement as the season goes on.”
Great Commission
Coach: Dave Long, second year with girls team
Career record: 110-21-1
Last year’s record: 3-10
Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Returning starters: Seniors–Mila Palazzi, midfield; Alanna Rice, striker; Kira Suhoney, midfield; Gabriella Lawson, defense. Juniors–Lily Hildebrand, striker; Madeline Buck, defense. Sophomore–Kiera Wertman, defense; Kayelynn Summers, defense, midfield. Freshman–Sophia Fleck, keeper.
Other returning players: Senior–Bridgette Miller, striker, midfield. Junior–Jaden Grove, defense. Sophomore–Michelle McConnell, midfield. Freshman–Marlow Schorner, midfield. Eighth grade–Trinity McConnell.
Newcomers: Junior–Olivia Fleck, midfield; Freshmen–Alyson Miller, midfielder, defense; Grace DiBiase, defense. Sixth grade–Sophia Hicks, defense.
Strengths: “We have several offensive players that have been working hard in the offseason, which has helped us improve our offense. We have improved our team passing and our defense should be very solid this year.”
Concerns: “We are strong at our middle midfield positions, however weak at the wings. This is a concern for good passes to our shooters and spreading the field.”
Overall outlook: “Our main objective is to grow as players, spiritually and physically on and off the field. Our secondary goal is to make it to the ACAA Tournament, which we haven’t done in more than six years. We do have a team this year with the capability to have a winning record.”
Assistant coaches: Israel Rosillo, Laura Wray
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Tristan delGiudice, second year
Career record: 14-6-0
Last year’s record: 14-6-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Lauren Bunk, defender; Chloe Stoehr, forward-midfielder. Juniors–Natalie Foster, goalie; Lauren Stevenson, forward-midfielder
Other returning players: Seniors–Sophia Blescia, goalie; Clara Fox, forward; Anna Dick, defender; Rebekah Dick, defender; Samantha Dodson, defender; Jackie Hajnosz, forward-midfielder; Erin McGinnis, goalie; Madison Stringer, defender; Aurbree Waksmonski, forward; Olivia Yogus, defender. Juniors–Emma Frazier, midfielder; Halley Hammel, forward; Emma Hayer, forward; Madison McLauren, defender-midfielder; Bella Vent, forward. Sophomores–Lucy Carles, defender; Lily Chestney, foward; Clare Padamonsky, defender; Tatum Shoeman, foward; Jillian Sidney, midfieler; Bailey Stoehr, midfielder
Newcomers: Senior–Makenzie Link, defender. Junior–Haleigh Morgan, midfielder. Sophomore–Emma Manahan, forward-midfielder. Freshmen–Sydney Allen, defender; Anna Bender, goalie; Taylor Buss, defender; Sage Capone, forward; Bella Creamer; forward; Kaitlyn Davis, forward-midfielder; Samantha Garman, forward; Brielle King, defender; Sophia McClelland, forward; Juliana Montrella, midfielder; Kate Steiner, midfielder
Strengths: “Losing seven starting seniors should have been a concern, but this year’s senior class has really made for a smooth transition. They worked really hard in the offseason, off the field developing strong team chemistry and on the field providing strong leadership and guidance.”
Concerns: “Tough schedule against some very talented teams.”
Overall outlook: “Excited to compete in the LHAC this season. The schedule is tough and will really challenge the team, but they’ve worked hard in the offseason preparing for that big challenge.”
Assistant coacches: Matt Stoehr, Crystal Stephens, Maddy Faith, Jackson deGiudice, Will Fitzgerald
Northern Bedford
Coach: Marcus Yeatts, second year
Career record: 18-4
Last year’s record: 18-4
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Leah Swanseen, Reaghan Grimes, Mariah Hall, Lydia Koontz, Rachel Bowman. Junior–Jaylyn Resh. Sophomore–Alyssa Yeatts
Other returning players: Senior–Ava Whisker. Junior–Ava Helsel. Sophomores–Kayla Sollenberger, Livi Helsel
Newcomers: Seniors–Makayla Widmann, Emily Dennis. Freshmen–Abigail Detwiler, Lydia Barton, Mylee Mitchell, Mayleigh Ritchey, Kitt Reininger, Rhianna Wilson
Strengths: “We have a good group of seniors who have had a lot of success over their careers.”
Concerns: “We lose a strong group of seniors who will need to be replaced.”
Overall outlook: “Our seniors and underclassmen are ready to step up and continue the success that the Lady Panthers have had over the past decade. We look to improve over the course of the season and be playing our best soccer in October and November.”
Assistant coaches: Logan Corle, Sacia Smith
Penn Cambria
Coach: Joe Landi, second year
Career record: 3-14-1
Last year’s record: 3-14-1
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Leah Shoemaker, Logan Cuomo, Madison Farabaugh. Juniors–Chloe Karabinos, Kayla Galovich. Sophomores–Danielle Farabaugh, Meghan Andersen, Michaela Dillon
Newcomers: Junior–Jenna Davis. Sophomore–Mikayla Conrad. Freshmen–Meghan Stipanovich, Aubree Rickens
Strengths: “Team has a good attitude and is willing to work hard.”
Concerns: “Inexperience.”
Overall outlook: “Optimistic for a winning season.”
Assistant coach: Kaeli Smith
Tyrone
Coach: Mike Sparacino, seventh year
Career record: 27-66-3
Last year’s record: 13-7
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Rebecca Lewis, defender; Lainey Quick, midfieder; Mackenzie Soellner, defender; Maddy Whitby, defender. Juniors–Briley Campbell, midfielder. Sophomore–Marrissa Cacciotta, defender
Other returning players: Senior–Annie Bardell, midfielder. Juniors–Lexi Hess, forward; Adriene Maloney, forward. Sophomores–Jaysa Carns, defender; Amyra Snyder, defender; Chase Yaniello, forward
Newcomers: Freshmen–Allie Blaska, forward; Aubrey Biter, defender; Sarah Chichester, defender; Emily Houghton, midfielder; Alice Knarr, forward; Abby Lucas midfielder; Olivia McCloskey, forward; Piper Myers, fowrard; Olivia Newlin, forward; Pyper Sparklin, goalie
Strengths: “We are returning all four starting defenders from last season and two talented and experienced midfielders. We also have an influx of young and speedy players.”
Concerns: “We need to replaced our forwards and goalkeeper we lost to graduation. We are also entering our first season in the LHAC, with teams we have not played very much if ever.”
Overall outlook: “We have a good mix of experienced players and new, young talent. While we will have new challenged to face, we’re working toward another playoff appearance.”
Assistant coaches: Adira Jeffery, Alan Walls






