2007 Girls Season Preview

By Aaron Brown

1. FENWICK

CREDENTIALS: The Friars seek a fourth straight title with Alison Pavlik and Morgan Bonk leading the way on the offensive end. Goaltender Laurel McCarthy returns as the top goalie in the state and should make it tough for any team to beat Fenwick. Defender Erin Leary should emerge as one of the top players in the state after being overlooked in the All-State voting last season. The Friars also have younger players like Lisette Calderon and freshmen Stephanie Ovalle who could make a major difference in 2007.

2. ST IGNATIUS

CREDENTIALS: Nora Kennelly has the ability to lead her team back to the state finals in 2007, as the senior hole set has proven to be difficult to stop in front of the net on the offensive end. The Wolfpack lost only one starter from their lineup and have a ton of experience coming back with seniors Kate Brankin, Ali Durkin, and Kathleen Maloney returning. Goalie Megan Hybinette is not only a major factor on the defensive side of the pool, but can also contribute on offense as well. Junior Maisie O'Malley should be a consistent starter for head coach Mike Cashman, while speedy sophomore Lydia Ridgeway should become a solid defensive standout for the Wolfpack.

3. MOTHER MCAULEY

CREDENTIALS: Senior Maggie Wood ranks as one of the top all-around players in the state, so McAuley will once again rely on both her offensive and defensive abilities to help them contend for a state title. Junior Laura Perez is also an excellent offensive player who could have an even bigger impact this season. Both Lilly Cortez and Lily Gonzalez are excellent shooters from nearly anywhere in the pool, while the Mighty Macs have plenty of depth with senior Ashley Bachler and junior Meghan Nolan. Maggie McShane and Molly O'Connell were both impressive last year in their first high school seasons, so head coach Larry O'Connell could expect big things from both of them at the varsity level. Senior goalie Bridget Kelly showed dramatic improvement throughout the season and could play an important role in Mother McAuley's success in 2007.

4. LOYOLA

CREDENTIALS: Colleen Shaw scored 125 goals for the state-qualifying Ramblers in 2006, so she should be very tough to stop in her senior season at Loyola. Seniors Carly Levison and Jackie Sershon are also back and will contribute on both ends of the pool, while junior Liz Clarke could also have a big year for the Ramblers. Senior goalie Grace Arbuckle should take over in the net after standout netminder Courtney Muntean was lost to graduation. Head coach Rich Schici may also count on senior Liz Schewchuck and impressive sophomore Francesca Palmer in 2007.

5. STEVENSON

CREDENTIALS: The Patriots lost a handful of seniors to graduation last year, but they should continue to excel with juniors Rebecca Shopiro and Amy Michelau expected to carry the load on offense this season. Seniors Sally Heidman and Megan Pagano provide head coach Ivan Munoz with solid experience, while junior Rachel Cliburn returns as one of the top goaltenders in the state. The Patriots also have a handful of players who could make an immediate difference in the lineup, including senior Anna Kordek and juniors Melanie Koto and Kelly Lowry.

6. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL

CREDENTIALS: The Redhawks lost several starters from last year's state run, but senior Nikki Nelson and junior Kara Wilson will look to carry the bulk of the load in 2007. Elisa Menis came on strong for Central in the postseason and should be even better in her senior campaign. Heather Gardner has a ton of speed and should fill one of the starter roles, while head coach Jeff Plackett will look to younger players like Colleen Young, Emily Wooten, Erin Lamb, and Haley Nelson to play much larger roles this year. Senior Katie O'Hara and junior Sam Shamburek also return and give the Redhawks valuable experience either as starters or in coming off the bench.

7. SANDBURG

CREDENTIALS: Sam Cody and Hannah Ciurej return to give the Eagles another shot at qualifying for state this season. Cody is a versatile senior who can score from all over the pool and is a strong defender with great speed, while Ciurej is effective at running the offense and is a solid defender as well. They are backed by returning goaltender Jenn Pasciak, who showed solid improvement throughout the season and should have a great year in 2007. Kelly Kuchta, Lori Dasher, Caitlin Higgins, and Jess Pasciak also return for the Eagles.

8. NEUQUA VALLEY

CREDENTIALS: Goalie Kayley Provow returns in the net for the Wildcats and will make it extremely difficult for opponents to put points on the board in her senior season. Meanwhile, junior Kathleen Patterson has a ton of speed and is a solid scorer for the Neuqua Valley offense. Chelsea Reczek also returns to the starting lineup and should be a major contributor, while Kevin Sutherland and Brittany Jadwin also return for the Wildcats and are expected to contribute for head coach Mike Kuziel's squad.

9. EVANSTON

CREDENTIALS: The Wildkits are led by two excellent senior players, Alex Wich and Grace Hatcher, so they could be thinking of a potential state berth for the first time since 2004. Junior McKenna Kulman could be a force on the offensive end at hole set, while juniors Lily Nassiri and Anne Frigo could also play important roles for head coach Brett Hatcher's team.

10. NEW TRIER

CREDENTIALS: Senior Blake Bartter leads the way for New Trier in 2007 as a solid scorer and excellent all-around player. She is backed by a team loaded with depth, including juniors Katherine Bartels, Mandy Ferguson, and Anna Golembeski. Seniors Charlotte Harris, Emily Zaideman, and Michaela Dunlop provide the Trevians with senior leadership and experience and could fill out the rest of the lineup.

11. LATIN

CREDENTIALS: Senior Perla Almarez is a potent scorer and has the ability to take over a game at any time, which makes the Romans a dangerous team to play, especially in the postseason. Meanwhile, senior Claire Henderson provides leadership and will help make sure that the Latin defense remains as strong as it has been in the past. Juniors Kasia Ahern and Caitlin Kaulus should step up after the Romans lost four starters from 2006. Sophomore goalie Katalina Kozomora takes over in the net for Latin.

12. OAK PARK

CREDENTIALS: Most of the starters return to a team that vastly improved throughout the year in 2006. Seniors Val Poulos and Lauren Gumbel lead the way for the Huskies, while goalie Melissa Maslowski should also have a solid season in the net. Megan Rigali, Audrey Reardon, and Caitlin Garvey add depth to a team that could break into the Top 10 by the end of the year.

13. MUNDELEIN

CREDENTIALS: Left-handed senior Siobhan Larsen has steadily improved over the past three years and should be a dangerous offensive weapon that gives the Mustangs a chance to be a Top 10 team in 2007. Alice Denny is a terrific defensive player and should also provide more scoring for Mundelein in her sophomore season. Goalie Paige Neubel showed major improvement in 2006 and should have her best season in the net. Head coach Drew Schneider will look to players like Maura Coughlin, Nikki Andre, and Jessica Bilski to play more valuable minutes and keep the Mustangs a solid defensive team.

14. LINCOLN-WAY EAST

CREDENTIALS: East returns several starters from last year's state run, including top returning scorer and senior Erin Reilly. Rachel Japp and Ryann Murphy should also have big years on the offensive end of the pool, while senior goaltender Christine Menzenberger in back in the net after strong performances at both sectionals and state in 2006. Senior Sharon Pomranky should also be productive for the Griffins, who could look to younger players like Laura Cempel, Melissa Peyton, and Kara Nowakowski to contribute at the varsity level this year.

15. LYONS

CREDENTIALS: Senior Megan Kono once again will lead the Lions on the offensive end and should help LT climb the rankings in 2007. Carrie DeBoer returns in goal for Lyons, while junior Katherine Delacey should play an important role for head coach Susie Straube's squad. Seniors Kathleen Brosnan and Kathleen Ellison add experience to the lineup, while junior Joanna Curran and sophomore Emily Bornhoff could make a big impact for the Lions this season.

16. BARRINGTON

CREDENTIALS: The Fillies return several starters from last year's state team, including senior and leading scorer Christine Byron. Seniors Lizzie Stetson and Jacie Dick were also two of Barrington's top scorers last season, and they should make head coach Mark Markwell's squad dangerous on the offensive end. The Fillies have a great deal of experience, as seniors Christa Pappas, Emily Laning, Sara Tischhauser, and Kristine Alfonso all return and could play important roles in their final season. Goalie Brooke Wojtowicz could takeover in goal for the Fillies in her senior season.

17. PROSPECT

CREDENTIALS: Led by Amy Warner and Sarah Sohn, the Knights should be right in the thick of things in the Mid-Suburban League and should challenge Barrington once again. Molly Nordyke should provide an offensive spark in her sophomore season, while seniors Emily Schiavone and Julie Rendino are both tough defenders that make Prospect a tough team to score on.

18. ST VIATOR

CREDENTIALS: Replacing four-year starter Sarah Ostling may not be easy, but seniors Samantha Belbin and Emily Wood have continued to improve throughout their careers and could be hard to stop in 2007. Junior Sarah LaMantia is expected to take over in the goal this season, and head coach Adam Clementi has a roster of talented players to fill his lineup, including experienced seniors Lauren Battaglia and Allison Humbert, plus juniors Lisa Torii and Danielle Volpi. Emily Lagagutta could also play a big role in the Lions' success this season.

19. HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR

CREDENTIALS: Goaltender Story Pumphrey and junior Andrea Peterson give the Vikings a solid chance to make some major waves in 2007. Pumphrey is a good field player when needed, but she makes her biggest impact in goal for the Vikings. Meanwhile, Peterson has continued to improve on both ends of the pool and also has great speed, so she could have a huge offensive season. Seniors Julie Carlisle, Kelly O'Connell, and Chelsea Rademaker provide H-F with solid experience, while juniors Kiley Maanum and Caitlin Dunn should also make an impact at the varsity level.

20. WAUBONSIE VALLEY

CREDENTIALS: Bailey Gucinski has been the defensive leader for the Warriors in her first two years, and she should get even better on the offensive end to lead the team in her junior year. Heather Merz returns in goal after an impressive showing last season, while Tyler Crittenden, Katie Arnold, and Abby Mertes also return to the lineup. Sam Jacobi could also step up to the varsity level after a strong season at the JV level in 2007.

BEST OF THE REST

21. Libertyville-Senior Rachel Sparks is a terrific all-around player that leads the Wildcats, a team that could be very dangerous this season. Libertyville also returns seniors Kristy Treven and Margaret O'Leary, plus junior Sarah Cull to the starting lineup.

22. Rolling Meadows-Colleen Briggs and Kendall Hylton return to give the Mustangs a chance at their best season in team history.

23. Richards-Angie Drwal, Ashley Rampick, and goalie Megan Reppen help make the Bulldogs a balanced team that could have their best season to date.

24. Hinsdale South-Ksenia Chernova, Mary O'Shea, and Maggie Lange are back to once again make the Hornets a tough team to beat.

25. Lincoln-Way Central-Allie Travnik, Anna Whyte, and Kaylee Meyers lead a balanced Knights team in 2007.

26. Fremd-Colleen Grady, Jenelle Huddleston, Anna Finis, Meghan Childs, Jennifer McConnell, and Anastasia Kotsakis all return for an always fast and tough Vikings squad.

27. Wheeling-Junior goalie Lindsay Mills leads the way for Wheeling, while seniors Stephanie Khacterian, Katie Bechtel, and Anjelica Staniszewska should provide the offense this season.

28. York-Karen Achtien is the leader for the Dukes on both ends of the pool, while York also returns seniors Jess Heuel, Hannah Vatch, and Becca Pilolla.

29. Stagg-Sofia Pappanastos is a tough and physical player who leads the Chargers.

30. Naperville North-The Huskies could rise in the rankings with Lisa Gualano, Megan Putbrese, Mary Kate Pfister, and goalie Kelly Gibson returning in 2007.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Stacey Fischer (Andrew), Rosie Fischl (Glenbrook South), Carrie Galligan (Glenbrook South), Niki Irzyk (Buffalo Grove), Emma Curth (Glenbrook North), Julie Stetson (Glenbrook North), Joy Corona (Lake Forest), Laura McClenahan (Lake Forest), Lauren Grkinich (Marian Catholic), Bree O'Daugherty (Hinsdale Central), Erin O' Connor (Conant), Kelly Boudart (Hersey), Amanda Croix (Bradley), Leighann Leitgeb (Palatine), Liz Morlock (Palatine), Maya Grafstein (Highland Park), Kelly Steininger (Vernon Hills),  Melanie Lecaroz (Vernon Hills), Emma Higgins (Deerfield), Natalie Klontz (Northside), Natalie Pike (R-B), Samantha Duran (Morton), Brittany Vibbert (Hoffman Estates), Allison O'Halloran (Hoffman Estates), Alex Green (Lockport), Nikki Aritzmendi (Schaumburg), Nicole Mundie (Schaumburg), Kristin Jerome (Von Steuben)