Altoona, Central, BG seeking more success
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By Nate Ritchey
nritchey@altoonamirror.com
The Altoona Mirror core coverage area has plenty of both individual talent and team talent returning for the new season.
Three teams captured District 6 titles as Bishop Guilfoyle (Class 1A), Central (2A) and Altoona (4A) were crowned champions, while Hollidaysburg (3A) suffered a heartbreaking championship loss in a shootout.
The Lady Scarlet Dragons, who won the title with a shootout win over Bedford, bring back everyone except its goalkeeper.
Central has senior Kira Trexler returning from the Mirror first team as well as fellow seniors Paiton Campbell (second team) and Danielle Heltzel (honorable mention).
The Lady Marauders lost two first-teamers but welcome back junior Hailey DeGol and sophomore Emma Marasco from the Mirror top team, while sophomore "CeCe" Rumfola was named honorable mention.
Altoona has two first-teamers back in senior Allison Little and junior Sophia O'Dea, while freshmen Ava Frye (second team) and Ajaycia Alexander (honorable mention) are back in the mix.
Seniors Lauren Stevenson and Bella Vent made the first group for the Lady Tigers last year.
Central Cambria senior Ava Barra, Tyrone senior Briley Campbell and Cambria Heights junior Brooklyn Galinis round out the first-team returnees.
Four juniors make up the final number of second-team members that return as Meghan Anderson (Penn Cambria), Madison Delauter (Bishop Carroll-McCort), Morgan Ross (Cambria Heights) and Alyssa Yeatts (Northern Bedford) are back for their teams.
The following is a capsule look at the girls soccer teams in the Mirror's core coverage area:
Altoona
Coach: Marc Frye, second year
Career record: 15-6-0
Last year's record: 15-6-0
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors--Alannah Irwin, D; Allison Little, mid; Lia Sankey, F; Lundyn Treese, D. Juniors--Aubriana Berardinelli, D; Sophia O'Dea, F; Tatum Shoeman, mid. Sophomores--Ajaycia Alexander, D/F; Sylvie Boslet, mid; Ava Frye, mid/F; Hailey Rodriguez, GK.
Other returners: Seniors--Alexis Mattern, F; Maura Pellegrini, D. Junior--Isabella Miller, F. Sophomores--Grace Campberg, D; Gianna Huber, mid; Josephine Irwin, D; Lauren Metrik, F.
Newcomers: Junior--Adelyn Himmelwright, F. Sophomore--Andie Adams, mid; Bailey Baron, F; Jill Long, GK. Freshmen--Izzie Benjamin, F; Lilyahna Wisor, mid; Jenna Zeak, F.
Strengths: "We have quality depth this season.''
Concerns: "Staying healthy throughout the season.''
Overall outlook: "I believe we can make another playoff run this season. I'm looking forward to getting the year started.''
Assistant coaches: Josh Boslet, Jason Little, Mike Metrik
Junior high coaches: Andy Aveni, Tim Behe
Bishop Carroll-McCort
Coach: Suzanna Long, third year
Career record: 13-19-2
Last year's record: 6-10-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Maddie Lieb, F; Kateri McCool, D; Maya Sirsikar, mid/F. Juniors--Madison Delauter, mid; Sophia Kutsick, mid/F; Claire Long, GK/mid; Myah Miller, GK/D; Elana Smith, D. Sophomores--Emma Farabaugh, mid/F; Anna Ludwig, D; Adelyn Myers, F/D..
Other returners: Juniors--Jillian Cutlip, mid; Alivia Lieb, D. Sophomores--Amirah Rey, D; Hannah Strittmatter, D.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Adrienne Ditoski, D; Kennedie Gotshall, mid.
Strengths: "We are so excited for this year. Our soccer players are a tight team that works so well together. We look forward to a successful year.''
Concerns: "As always, our concerns center around players completing the season without injuries.''
Overall outlook: "Our overall outlook on the year is optimism and excitement. We are looking forward to a successful season.''
Assistant coach: Jim Regula
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Joe DeLeo, ninth year
Career record: 95-63-3
Last year's record: 21-2-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Paxton DeLeo, D; Mara Kirkpatrick, D. Juniors--Haley DeGol, F; Delaney Lechner, mid. Sophomores--Catie Cammarata, D; Gabby Earnest, mid; Emma Marasco, F; Abrie "CeCe" Rumfola, GK; Lily Sapp, mid; Hayden Settle, mid.
Other returners: Junior--Payton Ronan, mid. Sophomore--Keira Ronan, mid.
Newcomers: Senior--Ava Geishauser, mid. Sophomore--Jenna Geishauser, mid. Freshmen--Bella Noel, D; Meggie Ritchey, F; Layona Williams, F; Lola Wilson, D/GK.
Strengths: "Our younger players have a lot of experience for their age.''
Concerns: "We have a challenging schedule with some great opponents, and we lost some significant senior leadership last year.''
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to be competitive in every game in the Laurel Highlands and get better each week.''
Assistant coaches: Jordan DeLeo, Leonard Sapp, Paul Yingling
Blair County Christian
Coach: Chris Davis, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
Last year's record: 11-3-2
Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Returning starters: Senior--Gabriella Dull, F/mid. Junior--Makayla Huston, D/GK. Sophomores--Jena Kane, D; Johanna Love, D; Rylie Oldham, D; Ava Snyder, mid/D; Kadee Spinazzola, F. Freshman--Calee Kennedy, mid. Eighth grader--Allison Hall, mid.
Other returners: Eighth grader--Gianna Spinazzola, mid.
Newcomers: Seventh graders--Adalee Bickings, GK/mid; Allison Fotch, mid/D; Tegan Kennedy, mid.
Strengths: "A main strength that we have is a lot of returning starters, and the unity we have as a team.''
Concerns: "We have a very young team still, and we graduated two very good players. Also, we're small in number of total players, so we must avoid injuries.''
Overall outlook: "Positive. We have a strong, united group of players with a strong desire to honor God in our efforts to play soccer together.''
Assistant coach: Erica Kennedy
Cambria Heights
Coach: Nikki Spanik, fifth year
Career record: 32-36-0
Last year's record: 11-7-0
Conference: Heritage
Returning starters: Seniors--Hannah Hite, F; Haley Karlheim, D; Emma Spanik, D; Maria Wendekier, GK. Juniors--Brooklyn Galinis, F; Hallie Hayes, D; Brielle McMillen, mid; Morgan Ross, mid; Kinley Rogal, mid. Sophomores--Emma Gilbey, mid; Sarah Weld, D.
Other returners: Senior--Marah Hilyar, GK. Sophomores--Libby Dubler, mid; Abby Farabaugh, F; Lilly Karlheim, GK; Ella Lamb, F/mid/D.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Emma Bender, D; Kennedy Greene, D; Autumn Groer, F; Elyce Hilyar, D; Noel Hockenberry, mid; Addison Kopera, F; Rylee Lane, D/F; Claire North-sayers, GK/mid; Kallie Weideman, D/F.
Strengths: "This team has so much history together. We know how hard each player has worked to get this far. There is just a mutual goal for the team as a whole.''
Concerns: "Facing teams that have had solid foundations and excellent programs can be a challenge. Keeping your head up and mind clear with adjustments when things don't go your way is always something I try to improve on each year.''
Overall outlook: "My season goal is to keep players focused on evolving while having an absolute love for the game while I have them. High school goes quick, and if soccer can be a positive influence on creating life goals that impact their future and success, then my job here is complete.''
Assistant coach: Greg Galinis
Junior high coaches: Katie Brown, Brian Hayes
Central
Coach: Randy Trexler, fourth year as girls coach
Last year's record: 14-8-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Paiton Campbell, mid; Lakkyn Dibert, F; Danielle Heltzel, D; Rachel Theys, D; Kira Trexler, mid/F. Juniors--Madeline Benton, D; Carli Hart, F, Leya Hazenstab, mid; Bethany Kensinger, mid; Vada Thompson, D. Sophomores--Julia Bowser, D.
Other returners: Senior--Avery Kasun, F. Sophomores--Cameron Bailey, D; Brittany Bartley, mid; Lilly Harbaugh, F/GK; Sophia Keith, F; Addison Long, F; Mya Long, mid; Ellie McIntier, D.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Taren Bloom, D; Kailyn Gahagan, GK; Kylie Wolf, mid.
Strengths: "A balanced team of experienced starters who are very organized offensively and defensively, and can work together and possess the ball until quality scoring opportunities are presented. Strong technical skills and good soccer IQ.''
Concerns: "Staying healthy and playing what is always a tough schedule in the Laurel Highlands Conference East division. We need to get off to a better start than we did last season.''
Overall outlook: "Returning as defending District 6 champions and having lost our senior goalkeeper from last year, expect us to continue to be extremely competitive in every game. The back line, led by last year's tackle leaders, Heltzel and Bowser, shores up the defense that includes Theys, Thompson and Benton. The front line contains last year's striker and scoring leader, Dibert, with plenty of additional speed with Hart and lefty Kensinger. A dynamic, versatile midfield with excellent control and soccer IQ led by Campbell, Trexler and Hazenstab. As long as we get off to a better start than last year, we should qualify for the playoffs with the level of talent we have.''
Assistant coach: Alyssa Bartley
Junior high coaches: Shawn Kensinger, Rhonda Johnston
Central Cambria
Coach: Devin Shaner, ninth year
Career record: 58-73-4
Last year's record: 8-10-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Ava Barra, F/mid; Bella Duman, D; Linsey Evans, F/mid; Katie Ford, D; Abby McMullen, D; Julia Stock, D. Junior--Katie Scott, GK. Sophomore--Hallie Amenti, mid.
Other returners: Senior--Makenzie Martin, F/mid. Juniors--Karlee Nileski, mid; Addison Rosko, D; Sara Sheredy, D. Sophomores--Julia Murphy, D; Marjwok Ojha, mid; Maggie Springer, mid.
Newcomers: Senior--Morgan Brandis, mid/D. Freshmen--Coreigh Anderson, mid; Avery Biter, mid; Makenzie Hite, mid/F; Gabby Mowry, mid; Izzey O'Brien, D; Lydia Sheehan, D; Sophie Stock, D; Lydia Wise, D.
Strengths: "We have three senior captains returning to the squad this year, so I believe that the leadership quality is something to look forward to, especially considering that over one-third of the team will be new this year. Another strength would be our back-end. All four starting defenders are returning along with our goalkeeper, which is vital to our success.''
Concerns: "One challenge that I foresee is a changing of the guard at center midfield. We are looking to replace two senior roles in the center, and it will be no easy task. That being said, I have full confidence in my girls to adjust and step up to the challenge.''
Overall outlook: "I believe that we will have a well-rounded squad this year. Between the growth in numbers and the improvement in skill, we should have the tools to improve on the previous season, which included a playoff berth. I have high expectations for the returning starters to lead the newly-filled positions to get us through the best season possible.''
Assistant coaches: Carlos Barra, Gary Simmons
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Jeff Muir, second year
Career record: 1-16-1
Last year's record: 1-16-1
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Madison Beutman, GK; Mattie Burket, D; Mackenzie Ebersole, D; Becky Feather, D; Mary Muir, D; Hanna Smith, D. Sophomores--Delayna Hess, off.; Lilly Muir, off.; Marley Whisel, D.
Other returners: Sophomores--Lariah Quao, D/GK; Kaytlynne Welch, off.
Newcomers: Senior--Lillian Schy, off. Sophomore--Cara Ebersole, off.
Strengths: "Players have experience and play well as a group.''
Concerns: "Number of players is low with not many substitutes. So, we must stay healthy.''
Overall outlook: "Improvement over last year.''
Assistant coach: Brad Hess
Junior high coaches: Ellen Krouse, Caleb Smith
Great Commission
Coach: Dave Long, third year as girls coach, 15th year overall
Career record: 121-27-4
Last year's record: 11-6-3
Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Returning starters: Seniors--Madeline Buck, D; Olivia Fleck, D; Lily Hildebrand, D. Juniors--Kayelynn Summers, mid; Kiera Wertman, D. Sophomores--Sophia Fleck, GK; Aly Miller, mid; Marlow Schorner, striker.
Other returners: Junior--Michelle McConnell, mid. Sophomore--Grace DiBiase, striker. Freshmen--Trinity McConnell, mid. Seventh grade--Sophia Hicks, striker.
Newcomers: Junior--Solamae Ellenberger, mid. Sophomore--Michaela Edson, mid. Freshman--Alexa Hall, mid. Eighth grade--Lydia Morris, striker. Seventh grade--Emma Lawruk, mid.
Strengths: "Strong midfield line. Our starting mids are strong passers and shooters. A few newcomers are aggressive on putting pressure on the ball.''
Concerns: "A little slow on defense. We have newcomers that have grown in their knowledge of the game, however, lack real game experience.''
Overall outlook: "As always, our main objective is to grow as players -- spiritually and physically on and off the field. This team continues to improve their game. We had our first winning season in many years last season. We are looking to build on that success. We want to make it to the ACAA tournament again, like we did last year.''
Assistant coaches: Israel Rosillo, Laura Wray
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Tristan delGiudice, third year
Career record: 29-11-0
Last year's record: 15-5-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Natalie Foster, GK; Emma Frazier, mid; Lauren Stevenson, F/mid; Bella Vent, F. Junior--Jillian Sidney, D/mid.
Other returners: Seniors--Emma Hayer, D/F; Madison McLaurin, D; Haleigh Morgan, mid. Juniors--Lily Chestney, F; Bailey Stoehr, mid. Sophomores--Anna Bender, GK; Taylor Buss, D; Sage Capone, F; Bella Creamer, D/F; Kaitlin Davis, mid; Samantha Garman, D/F; Brielle King, D; Sophia McClelland, F; Kate Steiner, mid.
Newcomers: Junior--Brantley Ackinclose, D/mid. Freshmen--Jillian Buffone, D; Ashlyn Callahan, F; Lydia Desort, D/mid; Kendra Dodson, D; Lexi Eardley, D; Allie Hayer, F/mid; Grace Long, D; Leah Pugh, F; Mara Ulery, D.
Strengths: "Strong core of returning players.''
Concerns: "Tough schedule against some very talented teams.''
Overall outlook: "The schedule is tough and will really challenge the team, but the girls have worked hard in the offseason and look to be ready to meet the challenge.''
Assistant coaches: Maddy Faith, Crystal Stephens, Matt Stoehr
Junior high coach: Will Fitzgerald
Northern Bedford
Coach: Marcus Yeatts, third year as girls coach
Career record: 31-11-0
Last year's record: 13-7-0
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Ava Helsel, striker; Jaylyn Resh, D. Juniors--Rachel Miller, D; Alyssa Yeatts, mid. Sophomore--May Ritchey, D.
Other returners: Juniors--Livi Helsel, F; Kayla Sollenberger, mid. Sophomores--Lydia Barton, D; Emily Dennis, GK; Abby Detwiler, mid; Kitt Reininger, F; Rhianna Wilson, mid.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Blaire Gable, GK; Aubrey Holsinger, mid; Yasmin Miller, F; Tiffany Scott, mid; Avery Smith, mid; Hailey Troy, D; Hannah Yeatts, striker.
Strengths: "We have a good group of talented players. We return five starters and some key reserves from last season. We also have a good group of freshmen moving up to varsity.''
Concerns: "We lost six seniors from last season's team, and we lost one of our top returning players to an injury. We need some players to step up and fill roles.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to continue to play good soccer and contend for the ICC and District 5 championships.''
Assistant coaches: Logan Corle, Sacia Smith
Junior high coaches: Jason Barton, Brandon Horton
Penn Cambria
Coach: Joe Landi, third year
Career record: 11-25-1
Last year's record: 8-10-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors--Jenna Davis, Kayla Galovich, Chloe Karabinos, Sydney Lee. Juniors--Meghan Anderson, Michaela Dillon, Danielle Farabaugh. Sophomores--Aubree Rickens, Megyn Stipanovich.
Other returners: Junior--Presley Koegler.
Newcomers: Senior--Emma Nyland. Junior--Avery Holland. Sophomore--Bethany Watt. Freshmen--Kyla Adams, Isabella Askins, Isabella Bianconi, Makayla Bianconi, Hailey Biter, Addisyn DelGrande, Emma Eckenrode, Autumn Farabaugh, Rachel Fisher, Avery Holland, Lily Kay, Anna Schilling, Ava Poborsky, Catrina Rainey, Peyton Rabatin, Ava Riggleman, Carla Watt.
Strengths: "A good mix of experienced players and newcomers with a hard-working attitude.''
Concerns: "Inexperienced.''
Overall outlook: "We are looking to build on last year's playoff appearance.''
Assistant coach: Kaeli Smith
Junior high coach: Tom Creehan
Tyrone
Coach: Ben Rivera, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
Last year's record: 6-12-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Senior--Briley Campbell. Juniors--Marissa Cacciotti, Amyra Snyder. Sophomores--Allie Blaska, Sarah Chichester, Olivia Newlin, Pyper Sparklin.
Other returners: Senior--Hayden White. Juniors--Jaysa Carns, Hailey Loupe, Piper Myers, Chase Yaniello. Sophomores--Aubrey Biter, Emily Houghton, Alice Knarr, Olivia McCloskey.
Newcomers: Juniors--Cadence Ball, Rachel Ewing. Freshmen--Kadence Berry, Jayden Himes, Alivia Houghton, Dakota Plubell, Maya Plummer.
Strengths: "Intelligent.''
Concerns: "Young team.''
Overall outlook: "Great.''
Assistant coach: Adria Jeffries
Junior high coach: Logan Black