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Steven Macri
@stevenmacri

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Kevin Brady, 10th season at EB, 21st season overall

Last season: 15-7-1, GMC Tournament Champions (third consecutive)

Top letterwinners lost: Sydney Rosa; Carla LaRocca; Margaret Lee; Ghilene Joseph; Kaitlyn Roughan; Katherine McCulley; Julia Simoes; Laura Chwatel; Alexandra Kalafor

Returners: Katina Nguyen-deMary; Sydney Greenspan; Sarah Shnayder (out for 2015 with injury); Sabria Glasgow; Tori Constantin; Gina Morrison; Fiona Withum; Michele Popovski; Morgan Crooks

Newcomers: Nicole LeSeur; Staci Golin; Dominique Brancato; Courtney Brancato; Melissa Ciaccio; Andrea Apostolescu; Samree Mastro; Lauren Krinsky; Jessica Saccenti; Rory Keegan; Kayla Flynn; Bianca Nakar; Jessica DiMatteo

Outlook: Coach Brady believes with an unprecedented loss of starters due to graduation, the Bears will feature a new-look squad for 2015. Some new faces are in the featured lineup, but a number of them have seen playing time. In order to continue their success within the GMC, the fresh talent will have to step up. Sabria Glasgow has the tools to become a premier talent and could be a breakout scorer within the conference. She missed the second half of 2014 with an injury. Katrina Nguyen-deMary has experience in the midfield, playing on varsity for her third season. Nguyen-deMary will be joined by Morgan Crooks. The backline is the most experienced of the group. Two seniors (Greenspan and Popoyski) will lend their expertise to the team. They will team up with Mastro to form the defense.

J.P. STEVENS

Coach: Lisa Dato

Last season: 2-18

Top letterwinners lost: Hannah Harkay; Nidhi Patel; Kiersten Shannon

Returners: Samantha Dzema; Sarah Elshafei; Alexandra Maris; Frankie Racioppi; Prachi Sinha; Lauren Tencza; Alyssa Budhan; Kayla Luis; Kinjal Shah; Monisha Trousdale; Brielle Sadowski; Caity Shannon; Serena Zilli; Sarah Zimmer

Newcomers: Kelsie Whiteford; Nicole Whiteford; Anjali Arora; Lea Baumser; Ashley Shah; Annalisa Miller; Christina Rusk; Mikhayla Sabo; Ava Dul

Outlook: J.P. Stevens only won two games last season, but the Hawks’ play didn’t equal their record. This year J.P. Stevens wants to see results. With several teams regrouping in the Red Division, the Hawks could shock some teams and walk away with a convincing victory or two. Last year’s captain Nidhi Patel is now gone, so the Hawks are in need of someone to operate the backline. Stephanie Stojanovski transferred over from South Brunswick and could make an immediate impact.

MONROE

Coach: Kathleen Dillon, 15th season (146-88-12)

Last season: 8-11-1

Returners: Erin Butler (Sr., D); Brooke Bussiere (Sr., F); Abigayle Cicoria (Sr., M); Kayla Labdid (Sr, D); Kaitlyn Mascali (Sr., M); Sarah Paone (Sr., M); Erin Seppi (Sr., GK); Tayler Muce (So., D); Paige Gandy (So., M); Gennyka Leibenthal (So., F)

Newcomers: Stephanie Stojanovski (Jr., M); Olivia Caccio (Sr., D); Nicole Dellafarra (Sr., M); Jessica Garner (Sr., M) Alejandra Menendez (Sr., M); Maya Paco (Sr., M); Brianna Pasqua (Sr., F); Tina Gasko (Jr., M); Christina Hommer (Jr., D); Caitlyn Magee (Jr., M); Kaitlyn Zirrith (Jr., GK); Christina Wang (So., D)

Outlook: Monroe has the experience to compete in a tough GMC Red Division. It will all start with goalkeeper Erin Seppi. Not only is she in charge of protecting the net, she will also be the vocal leader on the field. After a few down seasons, the Falcons have high hopes for the 2015 campaign.

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Robert Lozzi, 23rd season (263-132-14)

Last season: 10-8

Returners: Tara Durstewitz (Sr., M); Jasmine Grossmann (Sr., M); Madison Kellemueller (Sr., D); Allison Lopes (Sr., F); Melanie Santurro (Sr., D); Marissa Scognamiglio (Sr., D); Breanna Jacinto (Jr., M); Emily Carrngton (Jr., D); Nicole Carbone (Jr., GK); Angela Pagiazitis (Jr., D); Vanessa Driskill (Jr., D); Mackenzie Willis (So., F); Julia Sandor (So., M); Kaylee Quilban (So., M); Emily Valazza (So., M/D); Jazy Kaur (So., D); Dominique Lovallo (So., F); Erin Rynkiewicz (So., M); Arianna Allen (M)

Newcomers: Nichole Adams (So., F); Sierra Stevenson (So., M); Sarah Atzbi (Sr., F); Kaylie Burrows (Sr., D); Ashley Chin (Sr., F); Meagan Donahue (Sr., F); Taylor Ianiello (Sr., D); Denise Ventura (Sr., GK)

Outlook: Old Bridge was able to slip past Bishop Ahr in the GMC semifinals last season but missed its opportunity to hoist the trophy after losing to East Brunswick. Its unexpected run in the conference tournament was the highlight of the season. With a large number of players returning from last year’s team, the Knights could once again surprise some teams and contend. Samantha Potts, who was clutch in both soccer and lacrosse, is now gone, but some veteran players will be available to help fill the missing void. Breanna Jacinto will do most of the damage for the Knights. Nicole Carbone is back after making 103 stops last season.

PISCATAWAY

Coach: Jen Vroman, third season

Last season: 7-9-2

Top letterwinners lost: Maia Williams (D/M); Kelsey Nugent (F); Asia Hurley (M); Kayla Evans (M)

Returners: Lela Allen (Jr., M); Ayana Garvin (Jr., M); Briana Chapman (Jr., D); Janiah Lambert (Jr., M); Erin Buchinski (Sr., D); Courtney Culp (Sr., M); Danielle Grant (Sr., F); Jackie McEvoy (Sr., GK); Isabella Caracta (So., GK/M)

Newcomers: Naytasha Spruiel (Jr., F); Zharria John (Fr., F); Sarah Ogilvie (Sr., D); Iyaniwura Olarewaju (Sr., F)

Outlook: Excitement is high as the Chiefs return seven of 11 starters, and Vroman feels they’ve added some talented newcomers to the mix as well. The former Piscataway superstar turned third-year head coach said her club is full of speed, strength and athleticism, and she fully expects them to be in the mix in the Red Division. Courtney Culp, Lela Allen and Ayana Garvin are projected to lead the attack, with Naytasha Spruiel expected to have an impact in front of the goal. Erin Buchinski keeps things organized in the back in front of Jackie McEvoy, the veteran keeper, with Janiah Lambert also expected to be key on the backline.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Beth Barrio, eighth season

Last season: 20-3

Returners: Julianna Franco; Francesca Dimitrakis; Sydney Schneider; Samantha Rivera; Adrianna Mouzakis

Newcomers: Moriya Frankel; Julea Frankel; Samia Baig; Brielle Eder; Louisa Post-Zwicker; Riley Ratcliffe; Cathlene Kaseta; Alex Zubarev; Rachel Hecht; Brianna Araque; Christina Savoth; Mikala Valosin; Spoorthi Dalta; Zuleeka Alvarado

Outlook: South Brunswick graduated 14 seniors from last year’s team, but its main offensive force is back in Julianna Franco. The senior led the GMC in goals last season with 26. After entering the GMC Tournament as one of the favorites, the Vikings lost in the semifinals to eventual champion East Brunswick. This year they have changed their style of play and hope that can lead to a different outcome within the conference.

WHITE DIVISION

BISHOP AHR

Coach: Jim Tavormina, eighth season

Last season: 17-2, White Division champs

Top letterwinners lost: Cali Clarke (F); Rose Demirjian (M); Dana Desantis (M); Samantha Driscoll (F); Claire Dundon (D); Sarah Harmon (D); Lindsey Scarmozzino (M)

Returners: Jillian Vassallo (Sr., F); Reilly Mullin (Sr., D); Stephanie Spada (Sr., F); Erica Balsamo (Sr., F); Michelle Egnasko (Sr., M); Lauren Jurcsek (Sr., M); Alyssa Corea (Sr., M); Stephanie Corea (Jr., F); Dayna Dobkowski (So.); Ryleigh Greenwald (So.); Kelly Harmon (So., GK)

Newcomers: Emma Herban; Kelsey Kacsmar; Jillian Ramirez; Erin Saggese; Julianna Pastore; Anetha Jenkins; Sarah Glazewski; Sara Decker; Sachi Negri (GK); Nicole Pychewicz; Pooja Shah; Matilda Mercer

Outlook: Bishop Ahr will remain the team to beat in the White Division even after losing Samantha Driscoll and Lindsey Scarmozzino. The leading scorer from last year is back and will continue to be in the spotlight for the Trojans. Jillian Vassallo paced the team with 25 goals before a head injury sidelined her for the remainder of the season. A mix between a strong group of returning players and young talent should keep Bishop Ahr as the team to beat in their division.

COLONIA

Coach: Stephen Carew, second season

Last season: 4-17-1

Top letterwinners lost: Jazlyn Moya; Giana Gigantino

Returners: Isabella French (Sr., D); Stephanie Piccininni (Sr., F); Amanda Poulakowski (Sr., M); Melanie Albanese (Jr., M); Raphaela Libunao (Sr., M); Jessica Malinchok (Jr., D)

Outlook: Carew’s first season at the helm didn’t go as planned, but Colonia is expecting different results this season. Colonia took a step back last year, but almost everyone is back, so the team will have a veteran presence. Kelly Silva is back in net after making 128 stops as a freshman. The defense will define this team.

EDISON

Coach: Leanne Rubiano, third season

Last season: 7-13-1

Top letterwinners lost: Amy Dworsky (M); Sabrina Pak (D)

Returners: Felicia Forsythe (Jr., F); Gayathri Vijayakumar (Sr., D); Gabrielle da Silva (D); Julia Hoover (Sr., D)

Newcomer: Kendra Candido (Fr., GK)

Outlook: Edison returns its three captains, Gayathri Vijayakumar, Gabrielle da Silva and Julia Hoover. The Eagles are hoping to receive some leadership from the upperclassmen. Leading goal scorer Felicia Forsythe will guide the attack, and junior midfielder Deana Maffucci will also receive chances in front of the net. Alyssa Podob made 240 saves at keeper last year.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Javier Velasco, fourth season

Last season: 8-9-3

Top letterwinners lost: Julie Youngman, Claudia Doll

Returners: Danielle Segerholm (Sr., GK); Deanna Ehrhardt (Sr., D); Tatum Altman (Sr., F); Erica Cha (Sr., M); Ashley Gorda (Sr., F); Alyssa Dennis (Sr., D); Emily Palko (Sr., M); Ashley Cherry (Jr., M); Victoria Tucci (Jr., D); Samantha Persaud (So., M); Christy Perez (So., D); Aryanna Mattis (So., D)

Newcomers: Delaney Timm (Fr., M)

Outlook: Coach Velasco wants the Zebras to play attractive soccer this season. They are a small team but still have talented pieces. Danielle Segerholm has been playing at the varsity level since she was a freshman, and last season she had 108 saves.

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Matthew Wechter, second season

Last season: 0-17

Top letterwinners lost: Jaqueline Ruiz (M); Mary Roldan (M); Ariely Batista (D); Glendoly Cepeda (F)

Returners: Lesly Jiminez (Sr., F); Adrianna Reyes (Sr., D); Julissa Tellez (Sr., D); Wen Shao (So., M); Mia Molina (Jr., GK); Isabella Sosa (So., M/F); Carmerica Torres (Jr., M); Angelica Saucedo (Jr., M); Michelle Lopez (So., D)

Outlook: Perth Amboy will look to capture a victory this season after a disappointing 2014 campaign. The Panthers had trouble finding sufficient scoring, getting shut out in almost every occasion, but took the South Amboy game to the final minute before losing the contest. Lesly Jiminez scored two goals during that game.

SAYREVILLE

Coach: Jillian Nagy

Last season: 12-7-2

Top lettermen lost: Tara Ciak; Morgan Cicolella; Emma Denby; Klaudia Patryn; Rhiannon Smith; Kimberly Stratton

Returners: Kaitlin Espositio (Jr., M); Meghan Luzetsky (Sr., F); Sandra Mercado (Sr., D); Erin Wimmer (Jr., M/F); Brianna Barbosa (Jr., M); Erika Signorile (Sr., F); Jessica Santangelo (Sr., F); Nura Sbeah (Jr., D)

Newcomers: Lauren Attardi (Fr.); Stephanie DeOcampo (Fr.); Megan Furbush (Fr.); Ashley Herndon (Fr.); Jordan Wilson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Bombers went in a positive direction last season thanks in part to Kimberly Stratton. She has graduated, but they still have two playmakers to work with this year. Erika Signorile scored 15 times, and Erin Wimmer added 11 goals.

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Paul Correia, second season

Last season: 9-10-2

Top letterwinners lost: Brianna Boyce (F); Amanda Harper (Sr., D); Caroline Ratti (D); Allison Tuyp (D)

Returners: Andrea Avelar (So., M); Justice Lipuma (Jr., M/GK); Claire Nagel (Jr., M); Grace Ochoa (Jr., D); Kaitlyn Gray (Sr., F); Sydni Surowiec (Sr., GK)

Newcomers: Briana Noriega (So., M); Megan Celentano (So., M); Courtney Smith (So., D); Alexis Curtis (Fr., M)

Outlook: With only two seniors and three juniors on the roster, the Tigers are a young team that will need to overcome heavy graduation losses, including virtually their entire backline. Grace Ochoa, Claire Nagel, Kaitlyn Grey and Sydni Surowiec are all veterans who figure to lead the way.

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Daniel Mortensen

Last season: 12-7-3

Top letterwinners lost: Aimee Balint (D); Hadiza Mamman (F); Karina Rolden (M)

Returners: Jessica Carvalho (So., M); Gabriella D’Emilio (So., F); Ananie Glizean (So., M); Evan Hernandez (So., M); Nicol Kiraly (So., D); Emily Mazzarella (So., D); Kelsey Savoia (So., D) Nicole Ferrel (So., M); Sophia Gomez (Jr., M); Jordan Vazquez (Jr., F); Jatzia Gilzean (Sr., M); Tori Lucante (Sr., D); Justine Stefura (Sr., GK); Daina Zeliff (Sr., GK)

Newcomers: Jennifer Altman (Jr., M); Samantha Hanley (Jr., M); Heaven Cairo (Sr., D); Shirley Ayala (Sr., M)

Outlook: The Barrons attained momentum heading into the 2015 campaign after a strong performance during their first season in the White Division. Woodbridge had a big freshman class last year, and most of its goal scorers are back and are ready to carry the team. Gabriella D’Emilio showed no fear during her freshman year, finishing with 16 goals and 12 assists. Jordan Vazquez is also back after an 11-goal effort in 2014. The Barrons made it to the state sectionals but fell in the quarterfinals to Nutley.

BLUE DIVISION

CARTERET

Coach: Deanna Thomas, ninth season

Last season: 0-15-1

Returners: Suhkdeep Kaur (Jr., F); Lisa Viera (Sr., M); Simran Singh (Sr., M)

Newcomers: Kate Pena (Jr., GK); Gurjeet Kaur (Fr., D)

Outlook: After a 13-7-1 record in 2013, the Ramblers were unable to pick up a win last season. Coach Deanna Thomas hopes to rebound now that Carteret has an upperclassman-heavy team. Some of the top returners on offense will be Suhkdeep Kaur and Lisa Viera. Simran Singh will be called upon to command the back lines, and Carteret will rely on first-year starter Kate Pena to make a few quality stops at goalie.

HIGHLAND PARK

Coach: Chris Ruckdeschel, 14th season (116-110-5)

Last season: 7-12-1

Returners: Elizabeth Landis (Sr., M); Elizabeth Girvan (So., M); Gabriella Sanchez (So., F); Bailey Nester (So., D); Elaine Hrizco (Sr., D); Jessica Dresch (Jr., M) Ester Adiv (Jr., GK)

Newcomers: Julia Marks (Fr., F); Olivia Weaver (Fr.); Eve Schoeffler (Fr.); Bella Godish (Fr.)

Outlook: Highland Park is looking to flip the page on last year, its first season in the Blue Division. Three girls are going to lead the show on offense. Sophomore Elizabeth Girvan will be the main threat after scoring 10 goals, while senior Elisabeth Landis and sophomore Gabriella Sanchez will also be trouble in front of the net.

J.F. KENNEDY

Coach: Dawn Santana, first year

Last season: 4-16

Top letterwinners lost: Ashley McGinn (M); Sofia Tahzib (D); Katherine LoPrimo (D); Sandra Sosa (D); Tatianna Margiotiello (M); Alexa Novoczynski (F)

Returners: Claire Lewis (GK) Krystiana Ceselka (Sr., M); Zia Bedi (Sr., D); Jackie Soper (Sr., F); Gabriela Balle (Sr., M); Destiny Hill (Jr., D); Jacqueline Kelly (So., D); Brianna Morgan (So., M)

Outlook: The Mustangs lost a big chunk of their starting lineup from last year. Although they graduated some contributors, there are still some familiar faces in the lineup. Claire Lewis had 190 saves and will have to continue her tough play in net.

METUCHEN

Coach: Valerie Gazda, 26th season (333-144-27)

Last season: 14-8-1

Returners: Emily Buchanan (Sr., GK); Katharine Chura (Sr., F); Emily Costello (Sr., F); Alexa Craft-Zaletel (Sr., GK); Taylor Hueston (Sr., M); Hannah Santus (Sr., F); Carly Taylor (Sr., D); Alanna Benderly (Jr., D); Tracy Michalski (Jr., D); Tori Czochanski (Jr., D); Rory Josell (So., M); Hope Kenny (So., M); Skye Nowicki (So., M); Drew Chuchman (So., D); Molly Walters (So., M)

Newcomers: Julie Rocker (Sr., D); Alison Davideit (Sr., D); Mya Stolarski (Fr., M)

Outlook: A majority of the 2014 team has returned, and it will take a group effort to climb to the top of the Blue Division. Emily Buchanan had nine shutouts as keeper last season, and Katharine Chura is the returning goal scorer with 14 goals and four assists. Alexa Craft-Zaletel will create opportunities; she had nine goals and seven assists the previous year. Midfielders Taylor Hueston and Hannah Santus will add depth to the roster, while Tracy Michalski will return to the defense.

MIDDLESEX

Coach: Tim Morris, third season

Last season: 13-4-4

Top letterwinners lost: Emily Walther (M); Corrine Jones (M); Nina Carbonaro (F/M); Gina Carbonaro (D); Angela Manfredo (M)

Returners: Katie Nicholson (Sr., F/M); Zakiya Beckles (Sr., F/M); Katie LaCapria (Sr., M); Maddie McCrone (Sr., D); Danielle Tomore (Sr., D); Marissa Guiducci (Sr., D); Nicole Fallon (Jr., GK); Mackenzie Meixner (Jr., D); Caleigh Jones (Jr., F/M); Caroline Walther (So., D)

Newcomers: Carly Santucci (Fr., M); Angele Garcia (Fr., F); Kara Krivanos (F/M); Bridget McCrone (Fr., D); Alexandra Carmona (Fr., M/F)

Outlook: The Blue Jays snapped a string of five straight losing seasons last year and will look to take another leap forward in 2015, especially against some of the tougher opponents they played well against but fell short. The goal, coach Tim Morris said, is to make a run at the Blue Division crown, as well as earn higher seeds in the county and state tournament, which he hopes will lead to a deeper run. Katie Nicholson and Carly Santucci, a freshman, should be the offensive leaders, with freshmen Angele Garcia and Kara Krivanos also having a big impact on the attack. Santucci and Mackenzie Meixner, who remains a key part of the defense, will be looked toward to have an impact on both sides of the ball. Maddie McCrone and Caroline Walther, along with Marissa Guiducci and Danielle Tomore, will anchor the defense in front of Nicole Fallon, who is looking to build on a great year in net. The key will be the meshing of the youth — especially the five freshmen — with the more veteran group. As with most teams, staying healthy will be crucial, but with only 15 players on the varsity roster, it will be even more important for the Blue Jays.

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Mike Reid, 10th season

Last season: 14-5-3

Returners: Jessica Meagher (Sr.); Katie Wasserman (Sr.); Sabrina Ortolano (Sr.); Samantha Allen (Sr.); Melanie Hager (Sr.); Morgan Zmijewski (Sr.); Amanda Gialanella (Sr); Erin Thuring (Jr.); Lauren Kiszkiel (Jr.); Danielle Wittig (Jr.); Mia Gahrmann (Jr.); Mary Beth Barnosky (Jr.); Athena Xipolias (Jr.); Lilly McDonnell (Jr.)

Newcomers: Mackenzie Muscarella (Sr.); Lizzie Vignuolo (Jr.); Megan Gallagher (Jr.); Sarah Marotta (So.); Gina Ridgeway (So.); Michaela Robinson (So.); Gabby Meola (So.); Carolina Fernandez (Fr.); Amber Meagher (Fr.)

Outlook: Spotswood had a strong season and only lost a small group of players. Senior Jessica Meagher will be a go-to scorer after finding the back of the net four times and adding four assists. Katie Wasserman has a multidimensional aspect in the game; she has a sharp shot and a masterful vision. Wasserman had seven goals and six assists last season.

WARDLAW-HARTRIDGE

Coach: Mike Romeo, second season

Last season: 13-6-1

Top letterwinners lost: Neema Liverpool (F); Briana Crawley (D); Cynthia Liberal (M)

Returners: Fiorella Doglio (Sr., M); Alexandra Garces (Sr., F); Lauren Yates (Sr., D); Ciara Varley (Sr., D); Lacey Gress (Sr., GK); Laura Arriaza (Sr., D); Allie Haley (Jr., D/M); Carlin Schildge (Jr., M/F); Mia Reyes (So., M); Danielle Bacalhau (So., M); Priya Golding (So., F/M); Hannah Yates (So., GK/F); Audrey Cheng (So., F)

Newcomers: Antonella Doglio (Fr., M); Sofia Ambrossio (Fr., F); Alex DeSouza (Fr., D/M/F); Mia Sutton (Fr., D/M/F); Olivia Tobey (Fr., M/F)

Outlook: The Rams will use a nice mix of experienced players and newcomers as they look to defend their Blue Division title and ramp things up against nonconference opponents, including in the county and state tournaments. Wardlaw will feature six seniors, including four on the backline, with as many as four freshmen projected to crack the starting lineup. Lauren Yates and Ciara Varley are expected to be the team’s center backs, leading the defense in front of Lacey Gress, a four-year starter in net. Allie Haley and Laura Arriaza will also have a big impact defensively. Alexandra Garces (21 goals, 11 assists last year) is projected as the Rams’ top attacking option, with Sofia Ambrosio, a freshman, also figuring to be a key offensive weapon. Fiorella Doglio, Mia Reyes and Antonella Doglio should lead the midfield, with Carlin Schildge, Danielle Bacalhau, Alex DeSouza and Mia Sutton also in the mix on both sides of the ball.

GOLD DIVISION

DUNELLEN

Coach: Brendan Tennant, first season

Last season: 10-7

Returners: Jackie Vonitter (Sr, M); Alyssa Zarzuela (Jr., F); Casey Olsommer (Jr., D); Alex Reidy (Jr., D)

Newcomers: Evelyn Vargas (Fr., D)

Outlook: Tennant takes over head coaching duties from Bernie Buniak as the Destroyers look to build on their first winning season of the century. The new coach said he is looking for his team to play a solid game from start to finish with an emphasis on keeping the ball on the field by passing and moving. Jackie Vonitter (24 goals) and Alyssa Zarzuela (21 goals) accounted for all but three of Dunellen’s tallies a year ago, and the pair will lead the offense once again. Defensively, the Destroyers will count on Casey Olsommer and Evelyn Vargas, a freshman sweeper, who Tennant feels could be a breakout player.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Last season: 4-14-1

Outlook: Altagracia Rodriguez Diaz was tested early and often for New Brunswick on her way to 327 saves for the season. She will once again step up to the test if New Brunswick wants to see a turnaround.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN

Coach: Tim Nussbaumer, second season

Last season: 17-5

Top letterwinners lost: Jenna Collier (F); Karen Barretto (D); Michaela Csorny (D); Elizabeth Babij (M)

Returners: Sarah Solorzano (So., M); Rebekah Aviles (Jr., GK); Grace Chang (Jr., D); Katelyn Dyer (Jr., D); Jolie Ruta (Jr., M); Lyndsey St. Jean (So., M); Sydney St. Jean (So., M); Nicole Caruso (M); Kaylin Fleming (Jr., M); Sophia Tarantino (F)

Newcomers: Danielle Dyer; Desiree Twumasi-Askrah; Diane Tapia; Elizabeth Oduro; Hannah Stuhl; Rayza Michelen; Samantha Decker

Outlook: With four key starters lost to graduation, there will be a period of acclimation for a very young team, though the Tigers do return some key players including Sarah Solorzano, Rebekah Aviles and Sydney St. Jean. Nussbaumer feels his team does have some good incoming talent among the freshmen class, but there will be growing pains. The question will be how quickly the rookies can adapt to the speed of the varsity game. The defense will be a question with a couple of key graduation losses, and with top scorer Collier also gone to college, Sydney St. Jean along with some of the new players will look to pick up the slack.

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Donny Minto

Last season: 13-7

Returners: Breona (Sr., GK); Gabriela Sampaio (Jr., F); Victoria Gil (Jr., M); Michelle Reyes (Jr., M); Alejandra Morales (So., M); Nayara Figueroa (Jr., D); Arly Ramirez-Gonzalez (Jr., D); Thayna Horta (Sr., M); Sophia Digiovanni (So., F); Alexis Steffaro (So., D); Josephine Fusco (So., D)

Outlook: The Rams finished in third place last year, but the new season looks promising. They have five All-Division players returning. Gabriela Sampaio and Victoria Gil will guide the offense for South River. Breona Hill has 296 career saves and nine career shutouts as the starting keeper. Coach Minto will look to utilize his top-notch talent and expand their 13-win outcome from a year ago.

SOUTH AMBOY

Coach: Nicole Downs

Last season: 3-13-1

Top letterwinners lost: Stephanie Gay

Returners: Alissa Bikowski (Jr., M); Beth Noble (Sr., D); Ashley Rodriguez (Jr., M/F); Gabby Rugel (Jr., D); Melissa Hoehman (Jr., M/F); Brianna Kaminsky (Sr., M); Daniella Soto (Jr., D); Catherine Velasquez (Jr., D); Lauren Breigle (So., M)

Newcomers: Bryonna Worthy

Outlook: South Amboy showed a small improvement in its record last season. It will be another rebuilding year for Nicole Downs’ squad. Alissa Bikowski will be the leader of this young team. She had seven assists last season.

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

RARITAN DIVISION

FRANKLIN

Coach: Scott Burd, eighth season

Last season: 9-12

Top letterwinners lost: Briona Davis (M); Ashley Jankowski (M); Veronica Acvedo (GK); Amanda Printon; Krystyn Vlladyka (M)

Returners: Kim Chavkin (Jr.); Aryiona Wright; Zaya Kuroda-Grauer (Jr.); Summer Thompson (So., F/M); Taylor Johnson; Molly Swayne (Jr.); Jada Edwards (Jr.); Olivia Echeveria

Newcomers: Jordyn Wright; Brooke Sachau; Ale Kline; Kaitlin Orsini; Lauren Vlladka; Chezney Davis

Outlook: The Warriors moved in the right direction last season, posting nine wins after tallying just five victories in 2013. This year, despite several standouts lost to graduation, Franklin will look to keep improving as it looks to build from the back. Aryiona Wright, Summer Thompson and Kim Chavkin are projected to lead the offense, with Molly Swayne and Brooke Sachau anchoring the defense and splitting time in net.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: James Watson, second season

Last season: 9-11

Top letterwinners lost: Meghan Pace

Returners: Alexandra Scariati (So.); Amy Errickson (Sr.); Andrea Gamboa (So.); Arthi Vaidyanathan (So.); Bekah Park (Jr.); Chiara Tibbit (So.); Grace Bancone (Jr.); Holly Riccio (Jr.); Mary Made (Sr.); McKayla Mottola (Jr.); Niya Parikh (So.); Rachel Wisniewski (Sr.); Radhika Kadakia (Sr.); Samatha Kodali (So.); Sophie Thellmann (Jr.); Tyler Patel (So.); Kawlyn Patel (Sr.)

Newcomers: Thara Kalvala (Fr.)

Outlook: The Argonauts enjoyed a solid first season as a Skyland Conference team after playing an independent schedule and are hoping the experience in the conference, as well as on the roster, can help Rutgers Prep take the next step in 2015. The Argonauts boast a solid senior class and even get a reinforcement, as co-captain Kaelyn Patel returns after missing last season with an ACL injury. Co-captain Grace Bancone, a first-team All-Mountain Division pick by the coaches last season, and Arthi Vaidvanathan, a second-team selection, are also back. Co-captains Rachel Wisniewski and Radhika Kadakia will also be looked to for leadership on and off the field.

GMC Preseason Top 10

1. Bishop Ahr (17-2)

2. South Brunswick (20-3)

3. East Brunswick (15-7-1)

4. Metuchen (14-8-1)

5. Woodbridge (12-7-3)

6. Wardlaw-Hartridge (13-5)

7. Old Bridge (10-8)

8. Spotswood (13-5-3)

9. Timothy Christian (15-5)

10. Monroe (8-11-1)

Records from 2014