Girls soccer

Building on history: BG, Altoona, Hollidaysburg girls soccer teams hope to repeat in District 6

H.S. girls soccer preview

The 2025 high school girls soccer season was a landmark one for District 6 as Bishop Guilfoyle Academy became the first girls team to qualify for the PIAA championship game, and now the Lady Marauders have their eyes on winning one.

Bishop Guilfoyle returns first-team Altoona Mirror all-stars Emma Marasco, a prolific goal scorer, and star keeper Abrie "Cece" Rumfola from a team that made the PIAA championship game and won a District 6 title.

Altoona, which also won a District 6 championship, will return three first-teamers in Ajaycia Alexander, Ava Frye and keeper Haylee Rodriguez.

Hollidaysburg also won a District 6 championship last year and returns its leading goal scorer in Kate Steiner, who was also a Mirror first-teamer.

The following is a capsulized look at each team from the Mirror's core coverage area.

Altoona

Coach: Marc Frye, fourth year

Career record: 44-15-2

Last year's record: 14-3-2

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors -- Ava Frye, Ajaycia Alexander, Sylvie Boslet, Haylee Rodriguez, Andie Adams, Ingrid Steward. Sophomores -- Natalie Bumbarger, Maura Farabaugh

Other returning players: Seniors -- Grace Camberg, Gianna Huber, Josephine Irwin, Lauren Metrik, Grace Weston. Juniors -- Lilyahna Wisor, Jenna Zeak. Sophomores -- Katie Beck, Elsie Behe, Leah Connolly, Nara Harzbecker, Calliope Ingham, Evie Irwin, Morgan Irwin, Chloe Jones, Cora Jones, Layla McCarter, Leah Nedimyer, Mikayla Patterson

Newcomers: Freshmen -- Brynn Buchanan, Emersyn Clauss, Erika Irwin, Paisley Mollica, Mia Rutherford, Amara Williams

Strengths: "We have a solid group of seniors that have been with the program since junior high. We have quality depth as well."

Concerns: "Staying healthy."

Overall outlook: "We have a very competitive schedule that we are eager to start playing. I believe the girls will have another solid year if we stay healthy."

Assistant coaches: Josh Boslet, Mike Metrik, Dave McCarter

Junior high coaches: Julia Lane, Jill Lane, Jeff Lane

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Alexis Regula, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year's record: 11-8

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Emma Farabaugh, forward/midfield; Anna Ludwig, midfield/defense; Adelyn Myers, midfield. Sophomores -- Brynn Miller, forward/midfield; Claira Myers, defense; Hailey Sossong, forward/midfield

Other returning players: Seniors -- Hannah Strittmatter, midfield/defense; Amirah Rey, midfield/defense. Sophomore -- Sophie Cunningham, keeper

Newcomers: Senior -- Avery Myers, midfield/defense. Sophomore -- Lucy Haney, defense. Freshmen -- Abbie Peters, midfield/defense; Bella Scanlon, defense; Madeline Farabaugh, midfield

Strengths: "Our biggest strengths are our determination, positive attitudes, teamwork and work ethic. The players are eager to learn, improve and support one another. As a first-year coach, it has been rewarding to see their growth and commitment to the team."

Concerns: "One challenge we will face is having a smaller roster."

Overall outlook: "Our outlook for the season is very positive. We have a hardworking group that is eager to learn, improve and compete. If we continue to work together and stay committed, I believe we can have a successful season."

Assistant coaches: Lauren Long, Jim Regula

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Joe DeLeo, 10th year

Career record: 132-69-4

Last year's record: 21-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conferences

Returning starters: Seniors -- Gabby Earnest, defense; Abrie "Cece" Rumfola, keeper; Emma Marasco, forward; Catie Cammarata, defense; Jenna Geishauser, defense/midfielder; Lily Sapp, midfielder. Juniors -- Bella Noel, midfielder/defense; Meggie Ritchey, forward

Other returning players: Senior -- Keira Ronan, midfielder. Junior -- Lola Wilson, defense; Mikayla Bianconi, midfielder/defense; Isabella Bianconi, midfielder/defense

Newcomers: Junior -- Mary Haigh, midfielder. Sophomore--Sage Walters, defense/keeper. Freshmen -- Emily Nachtman, forward/midfielder; Makenna Miller, forward/midfielder; Olivia Sapp, midfielder/defense

Strengths: "We return a good number of talented players from last year and we are pleased with the progress of our new additions."

Concerns: "We have a challenging schedule with some great opponents and we lost some significant senior leadership and talent last year."

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, Jordan DeLeo

Junior high coaches: Eric Moore, Kierra Miller

Blair County Christian

Coach: Chris Davis, third year

Career record: 28-10-1

Last year's record: 7-9-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors -- Jena Kane, keeper; Ava Snyder, centerback; Kadee Spinazzola, center forward. Sophomores -- Emily Focht, centerback; Allison Hall, defensive midfield; Coletta Mullinix, stopper. Freshmen -- Alli Focht, midfield; Annabelle Kennedy, defender. Eighth grade -- Cora Tucci, forward

Other returning player: Sophomore -- Gianna Spinazzola, defense/midfield

Newcomers: Senior -- Johnna Love, defense. Juniors -- Callie Kennedy, center/midfield; Zoey Duey, keeper/defense. Freshman -- Teagan Kennedy, midfield. Seventh grade -- Kendahl Kennedy, keeper/midfield; Bella Duey, defense; Lydia Love, midfield/keeper; McKenna Holden, defense/midfield; Calianna Shaw, defense; Emma Stiffler, defense

Strengths: "With nine returning starters from last year and three additional returning starters from 2024 (Callie Kennedy, Teagan Kennedy and Johanna Love), we have a very strong, experienced team."

Concerns: "No major concerns. Much more depth, experience and potential than last year."

Overall outlook: "Have potential to win the ACAA West Division and place high in the ACAA Conference Championship."

Assistant coaches: Rob Miller, Dusty Houston

Cambria Heights

Coach: Greg Galinis, second year

Career record: 16-3-1

Last year's record: 16-3-1

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Emma Gilbey, keeper; Lilly Karlheim, defense; Sarah Weld, defense; Abby Farabaugh, midfielder; Ella Lamb, forward. Juniors--Kennedy Greene, defense; Elyce Hilyer, defense, Autumn Groer, forward. Sophomore--Mele Lavelua, forward

Other returning players: Junior -- Noel Hockenberry, defense; Emma Bender, midfielder; Kallie Wiedeman, midfielder; Claire North-Smyers, midfielders. Sophomores -- Amanda Smeltzer, midfielder; Aleah Rinker, midfielder

Newcomers: Sophomore -- Ryley Brown, midfielder; Alayna Bender, defense; Lorelei Gallaher, defense; Madison Walls, defense; Jaydn Oshall, defense; Olivia Plutko, defense; Breana Karlheim, defense; Annalynn Zendeck, midfielder; Ariel Smithmyer, forward; Lydia Snyder, forward; Bailey Buck-Verbonitz, forward; Alannah Kane, forward

Strengths: "This year's team is energetic and eager to learn. The leadership of the upperclassmen have done an excellent job of guiding the younger players as well as modeling the desired expectations at the varsity level. I think our biggest strength is how close our team has become and how much each individual player cares about each other."

Concerns: "Our program lost its most prolific scorer in program history to graduation. Our biggest challenge will be to maintain the offensive output that we have had the past few seasons with the returning experienced forwards. Also, we will be relying on talented, but very youthful players to provide team depth; that may pose challenges when facing seasoned opponents."

Overall outlook: "Our goal is to return to the district playoffs; this is always a difficult task in the highly contested D6 2A playoffs."

Assistant coach: Kate Brown

Junior high coach: Brian Hayes

Central

Coach: Randy Trexler, fifth year with girls, 14th overall

Last year's record: 11-8-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Brittany Bartley, forward; Julia Bowser, defense; Sophia Keith, midfield; Addison Long, forward; Mya Long, midfield; Ellie McIntier, defense; Rylie Oldham, defense. Junior -- Kailyn Gahagan, keeper

Other returning players: Seniors -- Cameron Bailey, Lilly Harbaugh. Juniors -- Taren Bloom, Kylie Wolf. Sophomores -- Jessica Dell, Marah Diehl, Grace Kuzar, Lena Lanzendorfer, Camryn Parilla, Kassidy Ripka, Margaret Young

Newcomers: Freshmen -- Reagan Carrier, Sophia Lynn Flamish, Kiersten Gregg, Ellie Smith

Strengths: "A number of returning starters who have been working hard off-season. I'm excited to see who steps up and earns playing time because we have a strong, athletic bench."

Concerns: "Staying healthy and playing a tough schedule."

Overall outlook: "Be competitive in every game. Starting with Gahagan at keeper, a two-year letterwinner, 2025 Lady Dragon Defensive MVP, with 136 career saves, 15 wins and 8 shutouts. The back line led by four-year letterwinner, Julia Bowser and McIntier. Expect the midfield and forward positions to be anchored by Keith, A. Long, a playmaker and Mya Long who was a statistical leader last season. A deep bench of athletic players should provide everything needed to reach the playoffs."

Assistant coach: Shawn Kensinger

Junior high coach: Adam Lanzendorfer

Central Cambria

Coach: Gary Simmons, second year

Career record: 6-12-1

Last year's record: 6-12-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Probable starters: Seniors -- Hallie Amenti, midfield; Julia Murphy, defense; Marjwok Ohja, midfield. Juniors -- Coreigh Anderson, midfield/defense; Gabby Mowry, defense/midfield; Izzy O'Brien, defense; Lydia Wise, defense. Sophomores -- Mandi Cavazza, midfield; Abby Claar, midfield; Corina Kubat, defense; Kylee Magulick, midfield; Kaydence Sinclair, forward; Adrianna Wanyo, defense. Freshmen -- Hannah Miller, defense/midfield; Leah Rainey, defense/midfield; Oaklee Stossel, forward; Jillian Wise, midfield

Other players: Senior -- Maggie Springer. Juniors -- Sadie Smeal, Sophie Stock. Sophomores -- Addy Bobby, Alayna Ford, Kaija Graham, keeper. Freshmen -- Evie Fodor, Maddie Fodor, Aria Graham, keeper; Ainslie Illig; Alaina Monbourne, Claire Oravec; Emerson Rakar

Strengths: "We have a good mix of different skill sets across all four grades. Looking forward to finding the best combinations to maximize team goals."

Concerns: "Our main concern is the loss of a four-year starter in goal to graduation. Finding her replacement will be a challenge."

Overall outlook: "We believe the potential for a successful season is high if we can find the solutions to our biggest questions."

Assistant coaches: Abby O'Brien, Sam Amenti, Ben Illig

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Jeffrey Muir, fourth year

Career record: 5-35

Last year's record: 3-15

Conference: Laurel Highlands

Returning starters: Senior -- Marley Whisel, defense; Lilly Muir, offense; Delayna Hess, offense; Cara Ebersole, offense; Kylie Lewis, offense; Bella Kidd, defense; Daisey Moyer, offense. Juniors -- Tagan Hammer, defense; Emily Kiser, defense

Newcomers: Senior--Jenna Damjanovich, defense. Junior -- Lillian MacIntyre. Freshmen -- Ava Harris, defense; Brucke Reeder, defense; Hayden Leed, defense

Strengths: "Experience with returning players."

Concerns: "Young defense."

Overall outlook: "I think our program is going to continue to get better and have a very good year."

Assistant coach: Brad Hess

Junior high coach: Zach Kachman

Great Commission

Coach: Steve DiBiase, second year

Career record: 10-4-1

Last year's record: 10-4-1, 7-2-1 in ACAA

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors -- Aly Miller, midfielder; Marlow Schorner, right wing; Grace DiBiase, defense; Mercy DiBiase, left centerback; Michaela Edson, right centerback; Sophia Fleck, keeper. Junior -- Alexa Hall, left wing. Freshmen -- Sophia Hicks, striker; Adalee Bickings, defense

Other returning players: Junior -- Trinity McConnell, right centerback. Sophomores -- Lydia Morris, left back; Sara Stachmus

Newcomers: Freshman -- Adi Manno. Seventh grade--Gwen Larson

Strengths: "The team mostly has played together, so we know each other. We also have six returning starting seniors, so we have lots of experience. We play for each other and our team first making sure we honor Christ while playing hard."

Concerns: "Unlike previous years, we do not have a deep bench but have some great up and coming players who will definitely contribute."

Overall outlook: "We are a strong team physically, mentally and spiritually. We are anticipating an amazing year."

Assistant coaches: Laura Wray, Israel Rosillo, Julie Rosillo

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Tristan delGiudice, fifth year

Career record: 58-23-2

Last year's record: 14-6-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Taylor Buss, defense; Sage Capone, forward; Bella Creamer, defense; Kate Steiner, midfielder. Juniors -- Jillian Buffone, defense; Lydia Desort, defense; Allie Hayer, midfielder/forward. Sophomore -- Ellie Jadlocki, keeper

Other returning players: Seniors -- Kaitlin Davis, midfielder; Samantha Garman, forward; Sophia McClelland, defense. Juniors -- Ashlyn Callahan, forward; Kendra Dodson, defense; Lexi Eardley, midfielder/defense; Leah Pugh, defense; Mara Ulery, defense. Sophomores -- Sydney Bard, midfielder/forward; Zoey Fuchs, defense; Ella McKnight, defense; Kelsa Snyder, forward; Farrah Tepsic, forward; Sydney Ulery, forward

Newcomers: Freshmen -- Ella Diaz, midfielder/forward; Alayah King, midfielder/forward; Kailey Long, forward; MaLeah Lynn, midfielder/defense; Madeline Parrish, midfielder; Brooklyn Smith, midfielder/forward

Strengths: "Strong core of returning players and a solid incoming class."

Concerns: "Staying healthy throughout the season."

Overall outlook: "The schedule is tough, but the girls worked hard during the offseason and they are excited to get the season started."

Assistant coaches: Jordan Bard, Crystal Stephens, Maddy Faith, Chris King, Matt Stoehr, Kyle Bartlett

Junior high coach: Clare Crossley

Northern Bedford

Coach: Marcus Yeatts, fifth year

Career record: 50-29-1

Last year's record: 8-10

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Lydia Bartin, midfield; Mylee Mitchell, forward; Kitt Reininger, wing; Mayleigh Ritchey, defense. Juniors -- Blaire Gable, keeper; Yasmin Miller, wing; Hailee Troy, midfield; Hannah Yeatts, striker. Sophomores -- Willa Poteat, defense; Myrinah Ritchey, defense

Other returning players: Seniors -- Abigail Detwiler, midfield; Rhianna Wilson, defense. Juniors -- Kyanna Hall, defense; Aubrey Holsinger, midfield; Tiffany Scott, wing; Avery Smith, midfield. Sophomores -- Bella McCoy, midfield; Ryann Welsh, defense

Newcomers: Freshmen -- Kaylee Barton, forward; Adaya Brockus, midfield; Adela Kauf, defense; Aubrey Suter, midfield; Joelle Widmann, wing

Strengths: "We have a lot of players returning from last season. Last year, we had a fairly young team and most of that group is back. Hannah Yeatts scored 26 goals last year and is our leading returning scorer. Yasmin Miller added eight goals from the wing and led the team with five assists. Hailee Troy has started at center mid since her freshman year and will be solid there. Mayleigh Ritchey and Willa Poteat are back at the center back spots, and Blaire Gable has started every game in goal for the past two years. We have lots of good players."

Concerns: "Last year was one of those years when lots of things went against us. Our best senior tore her ACL halfway through the season, and we lost every close game after that. We need to make sure there isn't any carry-over from the ending of last year."

Overall outlook: "Our goal is to compete for the ICC and District 5 championships. The girls are ready to go, and we have had a good start to our preseason."

Assistant coaches: Logan Corle, Sacia Smith, Jason Barton, Abby Kline

Junior high coaches: Brandon Horton, Ava Helsel

Penn Cambria

Coach: Joe Landi, fifth year

Career record: 25-47-1

Last year's record: 7-11

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Megyn Stipanovich, Aubree Rickens. Juniors -- Autumn Farabaugh, Kyla Adams, Catrina Rainey, Ava Riggleman, Rachel Fisher. Sophomores -- Kendal Wessel, Kiara Diehl

Other returning players: Senior -- Addasyn Berkhimer. Juniors -- Emma Eckenrode, Addi Delgrande, Ava Poborsky, Lily Kay, Kennedie Gottshall. Sophomores -- Alyssa Piatiak, Laila Harsh, Kali Lidwell

Newcomers: Sophomore -- Haleigh Buck. Freshman -- Kiera Plouse

Strengths: "The team has a good core of returning players and some newcomers that should make an impact."

Concerns: "The biggest concern would be the overall level of inexperience with the team."

Overall outlook: "Looking to build on last season's experience and improve upon last year's record."

Assistant coach: Kaeli Smith

Junior high coaches: Mike Smith, Noah Smith

Tyrone

Coach: Rita Kendziora, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year's record: 5-11-3

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Alice Knarr, centerback; Allie Blaska, center forward; Emily Houghton, midfield; Pyper Sparkin, keeper; Olivia McCloskey, forward. Juniors -- Kadence Berry, midfield; Maya Plummer, forward

Other returning players: Seniors -- Abby Lucas, defense; Aubrey Biter, midfield; Olivia Newlin, midfield. Junior -- Jayden Himes, forward. Sophomores--Emery Cole, defense; Kiera Pennington, defense; McKinley Albright, defense

Newcomers: Junior--Dakota Pluebell, defense. Freshmen--Samantha Fagan, defense; Mia Eger, forward

Strengths: "The Tyrone-Bellwood Lady Eagles have many experienced players this year. The team has many seniors which have the leadership and skill for this team to be successful this upcoming season. Additionally, the underclassmen are working hard to make an impact this season. The players determination to have a great season will be the backbone to the success they will have."

Concerns: "I have no concerns at the moment."

Overall outlook: "Overall, the team is looking awesome. They have been showing up this summer to put in the time before mandatory practices begin. Their work ethic and commitment to trusting the new process under new coaches is fantastic. I am very enthusiastic for the season to start and eager to see the team grow as the season begins."

Assistant coaches: Lewis Painter, Christian Kendziora (volunteer)

Junior high coach: Justin Cox