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Teams are listed in predicted order of finish.
DIVISION A 1. Dallas
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 11-3, 2nd
2009 postseason: D2-2A champion; lost 2-1 to Fleetwood in state quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Chris Scharff
Home field: High school
Players to watch: Seniors – Ellen Arnaud, F; Tara Connors, MF. Juniors – Meghan Gallis, FB; Sara Kneal, FB; Emily Spring, FB/MF; Demetra Szatkowski, FB. Sophomores – Hillary Crossley, MF; Aubrey Gryskiewicz, K; Colleen McDonald, MF/F.
Outlook: Dallas looks like the favorite to win the Division A and D2-2A titles. The Mountaineers have three of the best players at key spots – Arnaud up front, Connors in the midfield and Szatkowski on defense. McDonald is also arguably the premier sophomore in the WVC. Everything should add up to a sixth consecutive district title provided injuries don’t occur.
2. Abington Heights
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 9-4-1, 3rd
2009 postseason: D2-3A champion; lost 3-0 to Hershey in first round of state playoffs.
State classification: 3A
Coach: Chris Davis
Home field: Clarks Summit Elem.
Players to watch: Seniors – Mariah Deibert, K; Kat Fox, FB/MF; Katie Hock, F/MF; Sarah Holmes, Swp; Justine Leinenger, MF; Meredith Salmon, FB. Juniors – Christine Colman, FB. Sophomores – Emma Black, F; Emily Solomon, F.
Outlook: The Comets have an interesting blend of players that can push them to the top of the division. Nine starters return, including several that will make the defense very tough. Five freshmen will boost an offense and provide more depth than the past few seasons. There are a few holes, but the Comets appear favored to repeat as D2-3A champions.
3. Berwick
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 10-1-3, 1st
2009 postseason: Lost 3-2 to Coughlin in D2-2A semifinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Paul DiPippa
Home field: Salem Elem., 10th and Johnson Sts. by high school
Players to watch: Seniors – Ashley DiPippa, MF/F; Nicole Sheptock, FB. Junior – Isabella Jaffin, F. Sophomores – Abby Takacs, MF; Jade Welsh, F; Sarah Wilczynski, K.
Outlook: Berwick has a new coach and will have several new faces at key positions, so it’s sort of the mystery team of the division. Veterans like DiPippa, Jaffin, Sheptock and Welsh will make the Dawgs strong once again. How strong could depend on the newcomers.
4. Coughlin
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 7-6-1, tied 4th
2009 postseason: D2-2A runner-up; lost 6-0 to Donegal in first round of state playoffs.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Joe Spagnuolo
Home field: Dan Flood School
Players to watch: Seniors – Katie Gabriele, MF; Kim Walsh, FB. Juniors – Kristi Gabriele, F; Korey Patrizi, FB; Jenna Silliboy, FB; Oliva Spagnola, F; Alexis Spagnola, MF. Sophomores – Marissa Lecara; Ivy Nulton.
Outlook: After a rare losing season in 2008, Coughlin bounced back to make the state playoffs. Moreover, the Crusaders showed their mettle in the postseason after losing three in a row to end the regular season. They’re capable of contending for the division and the D2-2A titles.
5. Holy Redeemer
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 6-5-3, tied 4th
2009 postseason: Lost 1-0 to Dallas in D2-2A semifinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Bob Hughes
Home field: Eddie White Field
Players to watch: Seniors – Rachel Kuprionas, F; Alyssa Mocion, FB; Christine Peterlin, F; Juniors – Allison Capaci, FB; Lindsay Carl, Stp.; Alexandra Marriggi, FB; Kiera Stachowiak, MF; Sophomores – Alexa Kalaft, K; Holly Rexer, MF.
Outlook: Hughes takes over the program after coaching at GAR last season. The Royals should be very strong on defense with all-WVC selection Mocion, allowing them to be in the divisional and D2-2A championship hunts. The offense has some holes that need filling as some of the top threats have graduated.
6. Crestwood
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 5-8-1, 6th
2009 postseason: Lost 3-1 to Coughlin in D2-2A quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Pasquale Calabrese
Home field: Football stadium
Players to watch: Seniors – Bree Grzech, MF; Lindsey Jachim, F/MF; Jess Murphy, FB. Junior – Marianna Hererra, MF. Sophomore – Sarah Andrews, F/MF.
Outlook: Crestwood was better than their record indicated in 2008, losing three games by a goal. The Comets’ problem was scoring (shut out six times) as Jachim led the team with five goals. The defense was hit hard by graduation as well. However, there is enough talent to make for a winning season, especially if some newcomers contribute sooner than expected.
7. Wyoming Seminary
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 2-12, 7th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: John Hannigan
Home field: Forty Fort Soccer Fields
Players to watch: Not available.
Outlook: After two years of domination in Division B, the Blue Knights had rough going last year in Division A. Injuries and a lack of overall depth made for a long season. There is a new coach, but it will be difficult to improve much.
8. Nanticoke
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 1-12-1, 8th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Ryan Amos
Home field: Football stadium
Players to watch: Seniors – Rebecca Dinelli, K; Sam Littleford, MF. Juniors – Lexi Bolinski, MF; Carlee Komorski, MF; Paige Pientka, MF. Freshman – Brittany Sugalski, MF.
Outlook: Nanticoke is inexperienced throughout, with Dinelli and Littleford the only full-time starters returning. The positive is that those youngsters are showing promise and they’ll gain experience against the WVC’s best teams. The goal will be improving as the season goes on.
DIVISION B 1. Wallenpaupack
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 8-2-2, 2nd
2009 postseason: Lost 2-1 to Wyoming Valley West in D2-3A semifinals.
State classification: 3A
Coach: Alicia Sodano
Home field: Football stadium
Players to watch: Seniors – Jill Alderfer, MF; Marget Deppert, FB; Heather Michael, K. Junior – Rosie Tamam, MF. Sophomore – Chelsea Mann, MF.
Outlook: Sodano, a former standout at North Pocono, takes over a program that will be playing its final season in the WVC before jumping to the Lackawanna Conference in the fall 2010. There is a good chance the Buckhorns will go out with a bang. Alderfer is one of the WVC’s best, and the midfield and defense look very strong. The offense, though, needs a go-to player.
2. Wyoming Valley West
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 11-1, 1st
2009 postseason: Lost 2-0 to Abington Heights in D2-3A championship game.
State classification: 3A
Coach: Mike Davitt
Home field: Spartan Stadium
Players to watch: Seniors – Brianna Evans, F; Rachel May, K; Samantha Patterson, Swp.; Ellyssa Saroscek, FB. Juniors – Sherry Chen, FB; Kelsey Keefer, MF; Kaleigh Reynolds, MFG. Sophomores – Kelcie Hromisin, F; Katie McGarry, FB.
Outlook: The Spartans lost three midfielders, their top scorer and goalkeeper to graduation. Yet, they should be solid enough to make a strong defensive of their divisional championship. The key will be midfield. If the inexperienced unit can be the link between defense and scorers Hromisin (13 g) and Evans (8 g), Valley West will be in good shape. Depth could be a concern.
3. Delaware Valley
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 6-5-1, 4th
2009 postseason: Lost 3-0 to Hazleton Area in D2-3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Coach: Donnel Leiva-Vazquez
Home field: High school
Players to watch: Senior – Melissa Vazquez-Aguilar, MF.
Outlook: Expect another solid season from Delaware Valley. Based on last year’s starting lineup, the Warriors will likely have eight or nine returning starters. That will be enough to put them in contention for the division.
4. Honesdale
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 4-8, 5th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Eric Eisele
Home field: Lakeside Elem., Honesdale
Players to watch: Seniors – Leanna Bennett, K; Kelsey Kohrs, F. Juniors – Natalie Hoff, F/MF; Randi Jo Kowalczyk, MF; Alicia Manzione, FB; Benita Pursch, MF/FB.
Outlook: After some strong seasons in Division C, the Hornets struggled last year with basically a new lineup. However, they have nine starters back, including leading scorers Kohrs (7 g) and Kowalczyk (5 g), and could be a team that makes a huge jump in the standings. If five sophomores contribute quicker than expected, Honesdale could contend for the division.
5. Lake-Lehman
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 6-3-3, 4th
2009 postseason: Lost 6-0 to Holy Redeemer in D2-2A quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Home field: Football stadium
Coach: Kelly Spencer
Players to watch: Seniors – Amy Heindel, MF; Kylie Kustrin, MF; Becca Stull, K; Annie Van Scoy, MF. Juniors – Selena Adamshick, F/MF; Sarah Bray, F; Cassi Cragle, F; Sarah Hagenbach, F; Kristy Komrowski, FB; Jenn O’Brien, MF. Sophomore – Nikki Sutliff, MF.
Outlook: Dropping down a division did wonders for Lehman, which was once one of the WVC’s top programs. The Black Knights should be able to build on the momentum. Stull has been one the best keepers in recent seasons and should make Lehman tough to score upon. Adamshick is back after missing 2009 with an ACL injury and she’ll help out an offense that had trouble scoring last season.
6. Pittston Area
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 2-9-1, 6th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Nicole Tieso
Home field: Primary Center, Rock St., Hughestown
Players to watch: Seniors – Marissa Ferenchick; Kelly Krevey; Sarah Ozark; Maria Rogo; Katie Rooney; Lauren Smicherko; Donielle Tubioli. Juniors – Sara Kielbasa; Kaylene Sutkowski. Sophomore – Danielle Fereck. Freshman – Elizabeth Mikitish.
Outlook: Pittston Area has a good group of seniors who will be looking to improve on last season. The main concern will be scoring. The Patriots scored two or less goals in nine games last year. With their top scorer gone, that stat might not improve. Therefore, playing defense and making most of limited opportunities will be paramount.
7. Hanover Area
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 1-10-1, 7th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Brian Bannon
Home field: High school
Players to watch: Seniors – Krista Colarusso, FB; Alex Halesey, FB. Juniors – Krista Colorusso, MF; Mary Kate Keating, F; Gaby Murphy, F/MF.
Outlook: No team felt the pangs of graduation last year like Hanover Area, which went from 11 wins in 2008 to just one. The Hawkeyes had trouble scoring and stopping opponents. The good news is there is talent with which to work. The bad news is those girls lack experience. They are probably a year away from being a contender, but could pull off a few upsets along the way.
DIVISION C 1. Hazleton Area
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 10-1-1, 1st
2009 postseason: Lost 1-0 to Abington Heights in D2-3A semifinals.
State classification: 3A
Coach: Dan Matriccino
Home field: Football stadium
Players to watch: Seniors – Chiara Matriccino, F; Danielle Semenza, MF. Juniors – Brandi Benko, FB; Alyssa Bogert, Stp; Nicole Kracum, MF; Maria Notaro, Utl; Ashley Schoener, MF: Nicole Semenza, Swp/MF. Sophomores – Megan Baranko, K; Krista Leitner, MF. Freshman – Stephanie Fuchs, FB.
Outlook: Hazleton Area had a breakout season in 2009, but repeating it could be difficult. There are holes to fill, especially on defense. The replacements have the athletic ability to do well, but lack overall soccer experience. The offense should remain very strong with Matriccino and Danielle Semenza. Those two could make the Cougars a favorite to repeat.
2. North Pocono
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 8-3-1, 2nd
2009 postseason: Lost 7-3 to Dallas in D2-2A quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Hosiah “Dave” Davis
Home field: Moscow Elem., Rte. 690
Players to watch: Seniors – Ciara Cawley, FB/MF; Kathryn Lavelle, FB. Juniors – Jessica Korshnak, F; Chelsea Kincel, MF; Fjollza Shabani, MF; Michelle Stefanelli, MF; Sarah Wicker, MF. Sophomores – Melissa Hamill, FB; Desirae Santarsiero, F.
Outlook: The Trojans could be a tough team to figure out. They have experience back, but most of those players are underclassmen. If those players mature quickly, North Pocono could be back in the postseason and make a run at the division. If not, it will probably finish in the lower half of the division. Staying healthy is a key since only 20 players came out.
3. Meyers
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 4-8, tied 4th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Jason Nolan
Home field: Gordon Avenue
Players to watch: Seniors – Kendra Hoban, MF; Kelly Horst, MF; Kendra Stroebel, FB; Kayla Verdekal, F. Juniors – Christine Knooren, FB; Maureen Lisman, F; Kaylee Macko, MF. Sophmores – Leanne McManus, F; Alivia Weidler, K.
Outlook: While Meyers is young overall, the offense should be decent with top scorers Verdekal and Lisman back. The defense is untested, but there is promising talent to prevent a significant drop-off. Overall, the Mohawks could venture a few games either side of .500 when everything is said and done.
4. GAR
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 9-3, 3rd
2009 postseason: Lost 5-1 to Berwick in D2-2A quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Coach: Rick Lugiano
Home field: old Wilkes-Barre Twp. H.S.
Players to watch: Seniors – Louise Aka-Ezou, F; Deborah Tandoh, F; Kellie Yekel, Swp. Juniors – Emilee Bubblo, MF; Alicia Riggsbee, MF/F. Freshman – Jillianna Leco, K.
Outlook: Brittany Lugiano, the WVC’s premier scorer last season, is gone, but GAR should be solid up front nonetheless. Aka-Ezou, Riggsbee and Tandoh are part of a very fast attacking line that helped the Grenadiers go from winless in 2008 to the playoffs last season. They’ll have to fill some holes to return to the postseason.
5. Wyoming Area
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 4-8, tied 4th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Roberto Sosa
Home field: 10th St., Wyoming
Players to watch: Seniors – Marissa Gallagher; Julie Matosky; Lauren Mazzitelli; Adrianna Vullo; Meghan Williams. Juniors – Katie Scalzo, Kourtny Schwerdtman.
Outlook: The Warriors could have reversed their record in 2009, but four one-goal losses – including two in overtime – resulted in a losing record. They return their top scorers – Matosky, Scalzo and Schwerdtman – so the opportunity could be there for a winning record. But nearly half the roster consists of sophomores and freshmen, so there will be some growing pains along the way.
6. Tunkhannock
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 3-9, 6th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Scott Benedict
Home field: Roslund Elem., Rte. 29
Players to watch: Seniors – Chelsey Potuck, F; Lindsey Macedonio, MF. Juniors – Alissa Franko, FB; Maria Romero, F; Ameila Ayers, FB; Janel Kalmanowicz, MF; Brielle Sherman, F. Sophomores – Spencer Corby, K.
Outlook: The three victories were the most by Tunkhannock in the last four years. Nine starters return, so there is a fair chance the Tigers can build on the total. They likely won’t contend this season, but if progress is made then a 2011 push for the division could be possible.
7. MMI Prep
2009 WVC Record/Finish: 2-10, 7th
2009 postseason: none
State classification: 2A
Coach: Kim McNulty
Home field: Raiders Field, 23rd St., Hazleton
Players to watch: Seniors – Diana Anthony, Megan Veglia, and Brone Lobichusky.
Outlook: The Preppers picked up their first two victories in school history in 2009. They enter this season with a little more experience and a new coach, but probably aren’t ready to make a serious move upwards in the division. Doubling the victory total would be a realistic goal.