| 
      
      2014 Season 
    Preview   
      By Aaron Brown 
      February 2014 
      
    
       <<<  
    Previous blog entry 
      
      
        
          
            | 
          . 
           | 
            . 
            
            2014 
            Girls' Season Preview 
            
          St Ignatius claimed their first state title in 2013. 
          They return the bulk of their team, so the Wolfpack head into the new 
          season fully prepared to defend their title. However, they face 
          several challenges this time around, with the likes of Fenwick, 
          Mundelein, Mother 
          McAuley, Stevenson, Loyola and many other teams all 
          chomping at the bit to claim the top spot in the state. 
            
          Let's take a closer look at some 
          of the top teams in the state of Illinois on the girls' side in 2014: |  
            | .................................................................................................................................................................................. |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            1. ST IGNATIUS
 The Wolfpack return most of their starters and then some as they 
            look set to defend their first-ever title in 2014. Tammy Stelnicki 
            will continue her role as the team leader on both ends of the pool 
            and could be an even bigger scoring threat during her senior season. 
            She will join forces with sophomore Diana Fernandez, junior Karen 
            Juarez, and fellow seniors Maggie Maloney and Rebecca Martinez as St 
            Ignatius presents one of the most dangerous offensive attacks in 
            recent years. There is plenty of depth available to head coach Mike 
            Cashman as well, as Olivia Evangelides and Nikol Lagodzinska  made significant contributions last season and should play 
            valuable minutes for the squad. The emergence of goaltender Jenny 
            Stelnicki, who won a state title as a freshman goaltender last year, 
            should continue to pay big dividends for an always tough team 
            defense.
 
 Head Coach: Mike 
            Cashman
 
            Key Players: 
            Diana Fernandez, Karen Juarez, Maggie Maloney, Rebecca Martinez, 
            Tammy Stelnicki 
            Players to Watch: 
            Olivia Evangelides, Nikol Lagodzinska 
            Goalkeeper: Jenny 
            Stelnicki 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            1st |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            2. FENWICK
 The Friars are fully loaded as they have their sights set on 
            returning to the winner's circle after last year's state 
            quarterfinal round exit. Expect senior Colleen Barron to have a 
            monster offensive season after she poured in 84 goals last season. 
            Alexa Ovalle is a terrific all-around talent on both ends of the 
            pool and should also add a bit scoring punch for the Friars' attack. 
            Head coach Jack Wagner got a big boost from the emergence of Catie 
            Wallace in her high school debut, so expect the sophomore to take 
            her game to 
            the next level in 2014. Meanwhile, there is depth aplenty with Addy 
            Curry, Maggie Sheean, Janie Angelini, Bridget Carey and Olivia Wendt 
            ready to make an impact for a team looking to reclaim both the 
            Catholic League title and the state title. Lexi Buglio also makes 
            her return in goal after her first full season as the team's 
            netminder and could be a difference-maker for the Friars' defense.
 
 Head Coach: Jack 
            Wagner
 
            Key Players: Colleen Barron,  
            Bridget Carey, Addy Curry, Alexa Ovalle, 
            Maggie Sheean, Catie Wallace 
            Players to Watch: 
            Janie Angelini,  Olivia Wendt 
            Goalkeeper: Lexi 
            Buglio 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            3rd |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            3. MUNDELEIN
 The Mustangs return the core of their fourth-place team from last 
            season and could be a dark-horse candidate to win their first-ever 
            IHSA title if things fall into place. Karrie Kozokar is back to 
            spearhead the offense, as the 100-plus goalscorer with a rifle-like 
            shot should continue to be flat out hard to stop for any defense. 
            She will be joined by fellow senior Allie Booth, who came on strong 
            in the postseason and gives Mundelein another dangerous weapon 
            should defenses focus too much on her teammate. They are supported 
            on the defensive end by goaltender Anna Ward, a two-year starter 
            with command of the game that will severely limit opposing offenses. 
            Meanwhile, head coach Drew Schneider will look to Denise Casali, 
            Emily Garcia, and Lauren Blake to increase their production after both 
            improved drastically throughout the previous campaign.
 
 Head Coach: Drew 
            Schneider
 
            Key Players: 
            Allie Boothe,
            Lauren Blake, Denise Casali, Emily Garcia, Karrie Kozokar 
            Player to Watch: 
            Rachel David 
            Goalkeeper: Anna 
            Ward 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            5th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            4. 
            MOTHER MCAULEY
 There is good and bad news for the Mighty Macs entering the 2014 
            season. They lost five starters from their Catholic League-winning, 
            third place trophy-earning team. However, they return one of the 
            state's most prolific scorers in senior Clare Bryar and boast one of 
            the toughest players on both ends of the pool in fellow senior Fran 
            Williamson. If several younger talents can quickly fit into the 
            starting lineup, Mother McAuley could pick up where they left off 
            and could once again challenge for the conference and state titles 
            this year. Head coach Vanessa Carroll has high hopes for seniors 
            Hannah Murphy and Mary June O'Connell, as both should significantly 
            increase their production in bigger roles for the team. Meanwhile, a 
            trio of sophomores that includes Tess Bowens, Maggie Hennigan and 
            Julie Olivares could burst on the scene and make an immediate 
            impact.
 
 Head Coach: 
            Vanessa Carroll
 
            Key Players: Clare 
    Bryar,
    
    Mary June O'Connell, Julie 
    Olivares, Fran Williamson 
            Players to Watch: Tess 
            Bowens, Maggie Hennigan 
            Goalkeeper: Hannah Murphy 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            2nd |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            5. 
            STEVENSON
 The Patriots are hoping to quickly bounce back from last year's 
            one-goal loss to rival Mundelein in the sectional final round. With 
            a mix of returning starters and talented fresh faces, things could 
            be looking up for head coach Jeff Wimer's bunch, who did win 24 
            games during the last campaign. Offensively, the team will look to 
            the trio of Melissa Gartenberg, Ashley Oliver and Allison Travetto 
            to continue to work their goal-scoring magic. Meanwhile, players 
            like Erin Kempers, Alexa Kotlyar, Sara Ploch and Annika Hotchkiss 
            head a long list of young and talented players that give the team 
            plenty of options and depth. After one full season in the net, 
            goaltender Becky Callen returns with the experience to help keep the 
            Patriots in most games. Expect at least two crucial games with 
            Mundelein this season that could decide both the North Suburban 
            Conference title and a state tournament berth when all is said and 
            done.
 
 Head Coach: Jeff 
            Wimer
 
            Key Players: 
            Melissa Gartenberg, Alexa Kotlyar, Ashley Oliver, Sara Ploch,
    Allison Travetto 
            Players to Watch: 
            Annika Hotchkiss,
            Erin Kempers 
            Goalkeeper: Becky 
            Callen 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            6th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            6. LOYOLA 
            The Ramblers came up just one goal shy of a state tournament trophy 
            last season after a 23-win effort and have the tools to take aim at 
            another deep postseason run in 2014. Marta Considine returns after 
            scoring 120 goals during the previous campaign and will likely be 
            asked to carry the bulk of the scoring load. She will be joined by 
            returning starters Emily Barr and Liz Kyle, two solid overall 
            talents who may provide additional scoring punch to make up for the 
            loss of Evan Swenson. Emi Croghan will likely be asked to provide a 
            boost on the offensive end, while fellow senior Ellen Garrity is 
            likely to step up on the defensive end for head coach Rich Schici's 
            bunch. If juniors Julia Sajnaj and Megan Murtaugh can play valuable 
            minutes and goaltender Colleen Ahern can make the transition into 
            goal to replace Meredith O'Brien, the Ramblers should be in 
            excellent shape moving forward.
 
 Head Coach: Rich 
            Schici
 
            Key Players: Emily 
    Barr, Marta 
    Considine, Emi 
    Croghan, Ellen 
    Garrity, Liz Kyle, Megan Murtaugh 
            Players to Watch: 
            Julia Sajnaj, Maureen Scopelliti 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Colleen Ahern 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            7th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            7. NAPERVILLE NORTH
 The young and hungry Huskies soar into the Top 10 as nearly everyone 
            returns from last year's 24-6 squad that could be the team to beat 
            in the Naperville-area this season. The emergence of Katie Horn, 
            Caitlin Holzer and Taylor Stoner, a trio of sophomores, has given 
            Naperville North the drive to push for a Top 5 spot in the rankings 
            and overtake Naperville Central as sectional favorites heading into 
            the season. They pair well with seniors
            Katie Anderson, 
            Dani DiMatteo and Helen Wei, who give the group experience and solid 
            production on both ends of the pool. Jillian Eiken should play an 
            important role for head coach Andy McWhirter's squad, while 
            up-and-coming players like Amber McClure, Annamarie Policht and 
            Lizzy Wylly supply the Huskies with an abundance of depth.
 
 Head Coach: Andy 
            McWhirter
 
            Key Players: 
            Katie Anderson,  Dani 
    DiMatteo, Jillian Eiken,
    Caitlin Holzer, Katie 
    Horn,
    Taylor Stoner,   
            Players to Watch: 
            Amber McClure, Annamarie Policht, Helen Wei 
            Goalkeeper: Kate 
            MacDuff 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            12th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            8. NEW TRIER
 New Trier is stocked with talent and experience and should return to 
            form and challenge for both the CSL title and a state tournament 
            berth in 2014. As always, depth is the key for the Trevians, as they 
            boast several versatile players who fill a variety of roles and can 
            be a tough offense to shut down. Look for Brittany Bishop, Shannon 
            Kent and Jacqueline Glattard to play a significant role in the 
            scoring column for a balanced offense, while Natalie Goldman, 
            Samantha Pearlm, Kaleigh Dolan and Keelin Frank are among a large 
            contingent of Trevian players ready to make their mark. Meanwhile, 
            Zoe Gottleib will be asked to deputize in goal after the graduation 
            of former netminder Hannah Caywood. If head coach Matt Wendt can 
            find the right mix of players, New Trier could put themselves in 
            position to repeat as conference champions and overtake Loyola for a 
            sectional title after losing to their rivals by one goal in last 
            year's playoffs.
 
 Head Coach: Matt 
            Wendt
 
            Key Players:
    Brittany Bishop,
    
    Jacqueline Glattard,
    Natalie Goldman,
    Shannon Kent, Samantha Pearl 
            Players to Watch: Kaleigh 
            Dolan, Keelin Frank 
            Goalkeeper: Zoe 
            Gottlieb 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            8th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            9. LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL 
            The Knights lost a few key players but return a mix of experience 
            and young talent that could get them right back to where they left 
            off last season (with a second-place state tournament trophy). Liz 
            Klock and Kristi Howe form a potent offensive duo that should see 
            their goal tallies significantly increase as they hope to carry the 
            offensive load for a team that won 30 games last year. Fellow 
            seniors Michelle Dundek and Beth Senese give head coach Karen 
            Desruisseaux an abundance of options for a team that might have a 
            more balanced approach this time around. Another senior, Sabrina 
            Miglorini, looks to replace goaltender Caroline Foglton in the net 
            after getting a good amount of experience last season. Delaney 
            Shepard could prove to be another valuable option for the Knights, 
            who may need to call upon a stable of younger talent, as sophomores 
            Kenzie Applequist, Kim Bernhard and Cailey Davern could play a 
            valuable role in repeating 
            the success of last season's epic team.
 
 Head Coach: Karen 
            Desruisseaux
 
            Key Players:
            Kim Bernhard, Michelle Dundek,
    Kristi Howe, Liz Klock, Beth 
    Senese,
    Delaney Shepard 
            Players to Watch: 
            Kenzie Applequist, Cailey Davern 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Sabrina Miglorini 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            4th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            10.
            NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
 It may be too soon to write off Naperville Central; after all, they 
            lost several key players after 2012 and ended up qualifying for 
            state once again last year. They could repeat that feat this time 
            around as the tandem of Kristina Altuve and Michelle Spaits are back 
            for their senior seasons after combining to score well over 100 
            goals in 2013. They are joined by sophomore standout Kaela Codo, who 
            should see her goal tally significantly improve after a full year of 
            varsity-level experience is under her belt. Head coach Jeff Plackett 
            will look to senior Jessica Fox and juniors Beth Ryan and Niki Kolbe 
            to play valuable minutes, while a solid group of freshmen could make 
            a surprise impact on the team's chances as the season rolls along. 
            Finding a goaltender to replace Erin Reagan, who took over the 
            netminding duties midway through last season, could be the key to 
            the Redhawks postseason chances for success.
 
 Head Coach: Jeff 
            Plackett
 
            Key Players:
    Kristina Altuve, Kaela 
    Codo,
            
            Beth 
    Ryan,
    Michelle Spaits, Niki 
    Kolbe 
            Player to Watch: 
            Jessica Fox 
            Goalkeeper: TBA 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            9th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            11. LYONS
 The Lions return several key components to a team that will have 
            their sights set on an early season rise into the Top 10, another 
            West Suburban Conference title, and a deep postseason run. Head 
            coach Lauren Burel has a variety of options on the offensive end, as 
            juniors Julia Cohen and Caroline Walsh made major contributions and 
            should be much improved in 2014. Meanwhile, a strong senior class 
            provides the squad with playmakers and experience, as Frankie 
            Delleman, Haley Hughes, Allie Kurth, Meredith Land and Lindsay 
            Wantuck help solidify a lineup stacked with depth. Look for junior 
            Emma Hirt to make a definitive impact and goaltender Jessie 
            Wittenberg to pick up where Tegan Moore left off in the net for 
            Lyons.
 
 Head Coach: 
            Lauren Burel
 
            Key Players: Julia 
    Cohen,
    Frankie Delleman,
    
            Emma Hirt, Meredith Land, Caroline Walsh, Lindsay Wantuck 
            Players to Watch: 
            Haley 
    Hughes, 
            Allie Kurth 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Jessie Wittenberg 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            11th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            12. SANDBURG
 Sandburg quietly put together a 26-7 record and bowed out of the 
            postseason in the sectional finals after a 12-6 loss to Mother 
            McAuley last year. While they did lose several starters to 
            graduation, look for the Eagles to restock their lineup, 
            continuously improve throughout the regular season, and still 
            challenge for the SWSC Blue division title. Sarah Dolitsky and 
            Caitlin Olson both return to lead the team on both ends of the pool. 
            They will look to a cast of several new faces to keep the team 
            winning, as Caitlin Krull, Danielle Lencioni, Maureen Strode and 
            Joanna Capiak are amongst a large group of up-and-coming players who 
            could quickly make an impact this season. Jane Zieba will likely 
            take over the reigns in goal after occasionally filling in for Alona 
            King at the position last year.
 
 Head Coach: Jane 
            Caliendo
 
            Key Players: Sarah 
    Dolitsky,
    Caitlin Krull,
    Danielle Lencioni,
    
            Caitlin Olson, Maureen Strode 
            Player to Watch: 
            Joanna Capiak 
            Goalkeeper: Jane 
            Zieba 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            10th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            13. OAK PARK
 The Huskies are poised for 
            a exciting season after increasing their win total from 13 to 23 
            over the last two years. 
            
            Katie Appell returns to lead the way on the offensive end after a 
            100-plus goal season and will be joined 
            by several returning starters that could make the Huskies one of the 
            most 
            dangerous teams in 2014. Head coach Beth Perez has an abundance of 
            options outside of Appell, starting with experienced seniors Maura 
            Dahl, Elizabeth Williams, Hannah Smith and Anna Vogel. The junior 
            class is just as strong, with Mia Andreoli, Claire Rolfes and Maddie 
            Wolfe giving support on both the offensive and defensive ends for a 
            team that will challenge Lyons, York and company for the WSC title. 
            Jordin Hale takes over full-time duties in goal after splitting time 
            with Zoe Erickson over the last two years.
 
 Head Coach: Beth 
            Perez
 
            Key Players: Mia 
            Andreoli, Katie 
    Appell,  Claire Rolfes, Anna Vogel, Maddie Wolfe, Elizabeth Williams 
            Players to Watch: 
            Genna Curry,
            Maura Dahl, Hannah Smith 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Jordin Hale 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            18th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
       | 
            
            
            
            14. STC NORTH Don't expect any sort of let up from the North Stars as the 2014 
            season begins; after posting a 20-win season last year, they seem 
            ready to make the leap into the upper echelon of Illinois water polo 
            and could challenge for their first-ever state tournament berth when 
            all is said and done. Even after a few significant losses to the 
            lineup, STC North has Nicole Guyett ready to 
            shoulder the scoring load. They will be helped by players who made 
            valuable contributions last season like Kennedi Norris and Angelica 
            Villa; both are expected to step their games up to make an impact on 
            the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Monica Guyett and Katie Quinn are a 
            pair of talented athletes that give the North Stars depth and should 
            prove tough to contain for opposing defenses. Allyson Foor is set to 
            take over the goaltending duties for long-time starter Hannah 
            Horsfall; if she can hold things down on the defensive end early in 
            the season, the North Stars could begin to think about a postseason 
            run that goes beyond last year's sectional semifinal round 
            appearance, where they lost to Naperville Central.
 Head 
            Coach: 
            Nick Engel
 
            Key Players: Nicole Guyett,
    Kennedi Norris, Katie Quinn,
            Angelica Villa 
            Player to Watch: 
            Monica Guyett 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Allyson Foor 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            16th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            15. FREMD
 It hasn't taken long for the Vikings to reclaim their status as the 
            favorites to win the MSL West division and earn a 2014 state 
            tournament berth. After losing to Barrington by two goals in last 
            year's sectional final round, expect a motivated Fremd team to 
            improve upon last season's 20-win performance and make some major 
            moves in the postseason. The duo of Samantha Barry and Emma Hoffman 
            are the likely candidates to lead the team's offense. They should 
            have plenty of support from the likes of Nicole Degla, Kayla 
            Helsdingen, Loretta Stelnicki and Nicole Warnstedt. Samantha 
            DiCanio, a major talent as a field player, might play most of her 
            minutes in goal to lead the defense. Either way, the senior will 
            have a great impact on each game regardless of her position, which 
            makes Fremd a tough team to figure out as the new season approaches.
 
 Head Coach: Ray 
            Roth
 
            Key Players: 
            Samantha Barry, Nicole Degla, Kayla Helsdingen, Emma 
    Hoffman,
            
            Nicole Warnstedt 
            Players to Watch: 
            Loretta Stelnicki, Megan Younker 
            Goalkeeper: Samantha 
            DiCanio 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            15th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            16.
            BREMEN
 Bremen returns nearly everyone from last year's team, giving the Red 
            Jaguars one of their best chances to qualify for their first-ever 
            state tournament berth. They bowed out of the playoffs in the 
            sectional semifinal round to Sandburg, but things could be much 
            different when the 2014 postseason arrives. Hannah Schultz is a 
            potent playmaker capable of dominating games on the offensive end, 
            so she remains Bremen's best weapon. When teams focus on stopping 
            Schultz, head coach Todd Strein relies on Daisy Lozano, Sarah 
            Minnich and Jacky Zuniga to step up and provide additional scoring. 
            The team may also call on Hannah Alvarez to solidify the starting 
            lineup moving forward. Melissa Barrios returns the team's starting 
            goalkeeper to give the defense plenty of confidence behind them.
 
 Head Coach: Todd 
            Strein
 
            Key Players: Daisy 
    Lozano, Sarah 
    Minnich,
    Hannah Schultz, Jacky 
    Zuniga 
            Player to Watch: 
            Hannah Alvarez 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Melissa Barrios 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            20th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            17. 
            
            
            PALATINE Palatine is loaded and ready for the 2014 season to begin. Nearly 
            everyone returns for head coach Mitch Tucker's squad, which posted 
            an 18-11 mark in the previous campaign. Scoring will not be a 
            problem for the Pirates, as Rachel Chumbook and Caroline Wojtas 
            combine to form a lethal offensive partnership that will prove hard 
            for opposing defenses to contain. There are plenty of other options 
            surrounding them, as Callie Gilsenan, Caitlin McHugh, Emily Siedl 
            and Maryana Dvorska give Palatine the depth needed to challenge the 
            likes of Fremd and Barrington for the MSL West title. The lineup 
            only gets deeper, as Jackie Kincanon and Lauren Rasor could play 
            valuable minutes for a team itching to move beyond the sectional 
            quarterfinal round after last year's disappointing loss to 
            Libertyville. The defense is bolstered by the return of Kim Butler, 
            a 6'4" shot-blocker who enters her second season with the red cap.
 Head 
            Coach: 
            Mitch Tucker
 
            Key Players:
    Rachel Chumbook,
    Callie Gilsenan,
    Caitlin McHugh, Emily 
    Seidl,
    Caroline Wojtas 
            Players to Watch: 
            Maryana Dvorska,
            Jackie Kincanon, Lauren Rasor 
            Goalkeeper: Kim 
            Butler 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            27th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
       | 
            
            
            
            18. YORK 
            The Dukes have several key returnees back in the mix as they look to 
            improve upon last year's 14-10 season that culminated with an 8-7 
            victory over WSC rival Oak Park in the sectional quarterfinal round. 
            The outlook is optimistic for second-year head coach Mark Giuliani, 
            as he can count on Kirsten Rasnic, Perri Brinkmeier and Lauren Tamm 
            to provide the offensive firepower. Allison Brodt could also play a 
            valuable role in the starting lineup after making positive 
            contributions last season. On the defensive end, expect sophomore 
            Grace Achepohl to continue shutting down opponent's top offensive 
            players while having a breakout season on the offensive end. If the 
            team can find a replacement for goalie Abby Ries, York could be a 
            threat to win 20-plus games and make a deep playoff run.
 
 Head Coach: Mark 
            Giuliani
 
            Key Players: Grace 
    Achepohl, Perri 
    Brinkmeier,
    
    Kirsten Rasnic,
    Lauren Tamm 
            Player to Watch: 
            Allison Brodt 
            Goalkeeper: TBA 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            17th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            19. NEUQUA VALLEY 
            (updated 3/10)
 The long list of returning players to the Neuqua Valley roster 
            should have the team optimistic that they can turn things around 
            after a 9-20 season in 2013. The 'strength in numbers' approach 
            could work wonders for head coach Lucy Tiffin, as she has high hopes 
            that
            
            Lauren Backe,
    Kaitlyn Gorski and Morgan Miller can form a balanced attack on the offensive 
            end and limit opposing offenses on the defensive side of things. 
            Sophomore Issi French takes over as the full-time goaltender for the Wildcats, 
            as she hopes to provide a solid last line of defense for a Wildcats 
            team looking to 
            challenge the Naperville schools for supremacy both at the beginning 
            and at the end of the season.
 
 Head Coach: Lucy 
            Tiffin
 
            Key Players:
    Lauren Backe, Kristina James, Kaitlyn Gorski, Morgan Miller 
            Player to Watch: 
            Sammi Jaquez 
            Goalkeeper: Issi 
            French 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            25th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            20. 
            LINCOLN-WAY NORTH
 The Phoenix will attempt to pick up the pieces after losing several 
            seniors to graduation from a team that won the SWSC Red division and 
            fell two goals shy of a state tournament berth last year. Niki 
            Beringer, Cassidy DeGraff and Missy Wortel form a trio of 
            offensively-gifted players who will likely shoulder the scoring 
            burden for head coach Kendra Will. Meanwhile, if both Haley Klosak 
            and Caitlin McCully can play valuable minutes for a squad hoping to 
            improve its depth, then North could begin thinking about repeating 
            as conference champions and securing their first-ever state 
            tournament berth. Expect Laura Wolf to gradually improve as she 
            replaces Kelly Pender in goal for the Phoenix defense.
 
 Head Coach: 
            Kendra Will
 
            Key Players: Niki 
            Beringer, Cassidy DeGraff, Haley Klosak, Missy Wortel 
            Player to Watch: 
            Caitlin McCully 
            Goalkeeper: Laura 
            Wolf 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            14th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            21. MAINE EAST
 Nearly everyone returns for a Blue Demons team that has averaged 20 
            wins per season over the last two years. However, the team could 
            have their most prolific season to date as they look to challenge 
            New Trier for the Central Suburban League title and have their 
            sights set on a deep postseason run. The offense will be led by 
            Medina Husejnovic and Maria Protic, two powerful offensive weapons 
            that can be difficult to stop. They are complimented by the speedy 
            Sandra Kietlinska, a terrific all-around talent that makes the 
            players around her better and should also increase her scoring 
            output. Maine East has no issues with depth either, as Manka Arifi, 
            Christina Peter and Sarah Pham help solidify the lineup for a team 
            looking to avenge last season's 5-3 sectional loss to Glenbrook 
            North. Ultimately, the team will rely on goaltender Isabelle Trier 
            to keep them in games on the defensive end, as the veteran goalie 
            has the ability to keep the Blue Demons in games with her tremendous 
            shot-blocking ability.
 
 Head Coach: Mehul 
            Amin
 
            Key Players: Medina Husejnovic,
    Sandra Kietlinska,
    Christina Peter, Maria Protic, Sarah Pham 
            Player to Watch: 
            Manka 
    Arifi 
            Goalkeeper: 
            Isabelle Trier 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            31st |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            22. WHEELING
 The Wildcats are looking strong as they head into the new season, as 
            they hope to follow up a season in which they tied for the MSL East 
            title and advanced to the sectional semifinal round. The offense 
            will be led by Theresa Godlewski, a gifted playmaker who should pick 
            up the goal scoring slack left by the departed Kat Dobrowski. She 
            will be joined by returning starters Shannon Richards, Rachel Ropski 
            and Emily Sowa as head coach Bob Savitt's team has plenty of 
            offensive options to count on. Sophomores Argelia Diaz and Adrianne 
            Rozmus will step in on the defensive end in front of newcomer Jenna 
            Pink, who replaces Keara Myatt in goal. The young trio's development 
            could be the key to a deep postseason run for the Wildcats.
 
 Head Coach: Bob 
            Savitt
 
            Key Players: 
            Argelia Diaz,
    Theresa Godlewski,
    
            Shannon Richards, Rachel Ropski, Emily 
    Sowa 
            Player to Watch: 
            Adrianne Rozmus 
            Goalkeeper: Jenna 
            Pink 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            23rd |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
       | 
            
            
            
            23. BRADLEY The Boilers hope to continue the momentum they built during last 
            season's 18-win season and forget about their one-goal sectional 
            quarterfinal loss to Lockport last May. Celine Dalde and Rachel 
            Thorson are the top two returning scores and should be the focal 
            point of the Bradley offense during the new campaign. They will hope 
            for assistance from the likes of Sam Ashline, Reily Kane, Katie 
            Lehman and Regan Warmoth in what should be a solid-looking starting 
            lineup come opening day. Darby L'Ecuyer is expected to takeover the 
            goaltending reigns from Amber Forbes and should quickly help the 
            defense return to its stingy ways. The Boilers will have their 
            sights set on overtaking Lincoln-Way North in the SWSC Red division 
            and making a much deeper trek through the postseason in 2014.
 Head 
            Coach:  
            Andrew Helgeson
 
            Key Players: Sam 
    Ashline,
    Celine Dalde, Reily Kane, Katie Lehman, Rachel Thorson 
            Player to Watch: 
            Regan Warmoth 
            Goalkeeper: Darby 
            L'Ecuyer 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            19th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
       | 
            
            
            
            24. ANDREW
 The T-Bolts have rebuilt their squad over the last two seasons and 
            yet still posted 15 wins both times; expect them to be significantly 
            better this time around as they return playmaker Megan Hofer on the 
            offensive end and goaltender Anna Tamulonis to spearhead a solid 
            defensive unit. Courtney Carter and Genny McCarthy should both 
            impress in the scoring column for head coach Mike Kuziel, who will 
            also look for Aoife Burke and Eleanor Peach to solidify the lineup 
            and play valuable minutes. If things go according to plan, Andrew 
            could be in line for the SWSC Red division title and could pose a 
            serious threat in the postseason after lasting until the sectional 
            semifinal round in 2013.
 
            Head Coach: Mike 
            Kuziel
 
            Key Players: Courtney Carter, Megan 
    Hofer, Genny 
    McCarthy,
    Eleanor Peach 
            Player to Watch: 
            Aoife Burke 
            Goalkeeper: Anna 
            Tamulonis 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            28th |  
            | 
 |  
            | 
      
      
      
      
       | 
            
            25. 
            
            
            CONANT The Cougars are a dangerous team heading into the 2014 season; they 
            return the majority of their starting lineup and could pose a 
            serious threat to their MSL West division rivals. Carmen Rosas and 
            Angie Skittone both return to provide the scoring punch for the 
            offense, while goalie Maddy Demaret had a breakout season in 2013 
            and should continue her excellent play to lead the 
            defense. Head coach Justin Bickus has several other options to count 
            on, as Kaitlyn Claffey, Jenn Soukup, Emily Weingart and Paulina 
            Wolska should increase their production for a Conant team hoping to 
            surpass last season's sectional semifinal appearance with a surprise 
            state tournament berth.
 Head 
            Coach: 
            Justin Bickus
 
            Key Players: 
            Kaitlyn Claffey, Carmen Rosas, Angie 
    Skittone, Jenn 
    Soukup, Paulina Wolska 
            Player to Watch: 
            Emily Weingart 
            Goalkeeper: Maddy 
            Demaret 
            Final 2013 Ranking: 
            34th |  
            | 
 |  
      
    WEEKLY
    BLOG 
    ARCHIVES 
      
    
    WEEK 1 |
    WEEK 2 |
    WEEK 3 |
    WEEK 4 |
    WEEK 5 |
    WEEK 6 |
    WEEK 7 |
    WEEK 8 |
    WEEK 9 |
    WEEK 10 |
    WEEK 11 |