Our last of four girls' soccer previews highlights a strong top tier of teams that will all compete for a title this season. 

 Newmarket was the team to beat last season, and they went on to capture a Division IV crown. 

 Both the North Country and the teams in the southern part of the state have their fair share of contenders. 

 Woodsville and Profile have been two of the more dominant programs in years past up north and return teams that should be in the title conversation from the start. 

 Sunapee has been 'the team' in Division IV for quite some time and looks to get back on top once again this season. 

 PCA and Concord Christian will be strong threats from day one and will hopefully have a say in deciding the division come late October. 

 

Today's column is brought to you by our friends at partners at White Mountains Community College! 

 

Pre-Season Top 10

1. Sunapee

2. Newmarket

3. Profile

4. Woodsville 

5. Portsmouth Christian

6. Concord Christian

7. Moultonborough

8. Gorham 

9. Littleton

10. Somersworth

 

 Sunapee has been one of the more dominant programs in the state over the past decade and always finds themselves in the mix come late October. “The last couple of years with everything going on it was about keeping the program vibrant and keeping the numbers up,” said head coach Myles Cooney. “This year is about capitalizing and pushing forward.” 

 The Lakers gave Newmarket all they could handle in the semifinals last season but fell just short to the eventual champions. “I thought we put our strongest effort forward against them in semis,” said Cooney. “The goal this year is to find a way to get past Newmarket.” 

 The returning South Player of the Year in Division IV Elizabeth Tschudin will certainly be one of the best, if not the best player the division has to offer this season. “She is anxious to get after it,” said Cooney. 

 One of the top scorers for the Lakers Brynn Smith returns as another piece to the puzzle for Sunapee. “She is the prototypical striker,” said Cooney. “She scores a lot from the top.” 

 Izzy Correa, Brie Hughlock, Sophia Bourque, Miranda Andersen, and Clare Tuohy all will be reliable options for Sunapee to lean on as the season progresses. 

 Annalise Rowell has improved greatly at the goalkeeper position as a junior.“She is ready to take command,” said Cooney. 

 Sunapee has a core group ready to contribute and get back to the top of Division IV this season. “We are lucky to have two of the better players in Liz and Brynn,” said Cooney. “It will come down to how strong can we play around them and how far can we advance as a group?” 

 This is a complete team, and they will certainly need to be one if they want to reach their goals. “We want to play with intensity when we are out there and improve each game,” said Cooney. “We have to play with the proper intensity throughout the entire season. The girls have seen a lot of success and are ready for more.” 

 Newmarket was the team to beat all of last season and capped it off with a championship. The same could be in store for the Mules this season. 

 Head coach Andrew Dawson is pleased with how the group has looked so far, which features a handful of newcomers. “We graduated 12 seniors last year which feels like half the school,” said Dawson. “How does that even happen?”

 The senior class fueled a deep run, but pieces are returning for Newmarket that could have the same type of impact. 

 UNH commit Maggie Moore returns to lead a Newmarket defense that was among the best in the division last season. “She is a phenomenal talent,” said Dawson. “Maggie has worked so hard. She is strong on the ball. We will lean on her a lot this year.” 

 Ella Gallion had a moment that many dream of as an athlete, scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game last season. While that moment was a bright spot, it will be the last goal she will score in a Newmarket uniform, as she has ruled herself out for the season due to issues with concussions. 

 “I was so proud of her,” said Dawson. “That is a brave decision to make, and it was the right decision. She has a long adulthood ahead of her.” 

 Gallion will still be with the team on the sidelines this season and has been voted a captain by her peers. “She is already co-coaching the team,” said Dawson. 

 There are a lot of holes to fill for the Mules, but the team has impressed with their play in the preseason, especially after a good showing at the NHTI jamboree. “I am feeling a lot better about our season,” said Dawson. 

 Senior captain Isabella Mendez brings a great skillset to the field for the Mules. “Isabella is a dynamic and underrated player,” said Dawson. “She is the kind of player you sort of overlook and then once the game starts you realize the impact she has. She is a real dynamo.”

 Haiden Joe returns as the goalkeeper for Newmarket but may see some time running around the field this season. “Haiden is one of those players that presents a challenge because she is a good field player.” 

 A standout early on has been Olivia Blackadar. “She is an energizer bunny,” said Dawson. “We will look for her to do big things.” 

 This is a much different Newmarket team than last year, but the pedigree and hustle remain the same. “I really like what I am seeing,” said Dawson. “I feel like we will be okay.” 

 Following a 14-2 season and a trip to the Final Four, the Profile Patriots return great depth and a plethora of young talent to add to the roster. Jack Bartlett, the athletic director at Profile, takes over the girl’s program after a stint with the varsity boys program a few years ago and after coaching a very strong middle school program for the last five years. 

 “I think if you had to describe the Profile girls this year it is depth and unselfishness,” said Bartlett. “This summer I could tell there was a whole new chemistry. We are trying to form a cohesive unit.” 

 Despite falling to Woodsville in the semifinals and graduating five seniors, the Patriots are confident with the group that returns, and that starts in the midfield. 

 “Our main concentration is balanced scoring,” said Bartlett. “I put out a personal challenge to the girls that I want 50 percent of our goals to come from the midfield. They have some pretty rocket shots on them.”

 There aren’t one or two players that truly stand out for Profile, they have a team full of players who can take over a game and play connected team soccer. “We have a balanced attack that I am very pleased with,” said Bartlett. “We will build up a lot out of the back.”

 Seniors Sophie Bell and Lily Pospesil have been the best leaders Bartlett could ask for. “We are very fortunate that we have two seniors that are the heart and soul of the team,” said Bartlett. “They do everything from team bonding to the way we leave it out on the field.” 

 Playing a balanced possession game is what will drive the Patriots this year. This is a skilled team that can force other teams to play at their pace. “I want to make every single trap, I want to make every pass, I want to play the perfect game,” said Bartlett. “It’s not you that’s going to win or lose a game, we are in this together.” 

 Profile is as motivated as they ever have been to go on a deep postseason run. “The girls know they should have been there for the big dance the last couple of years,” said Bartlett. “We have something to prove. We are hungry. These girls deserve it.”

 Portsmouth Christian has been in the mix the past two seasons amongst Division IV’s best and should certainly be in that conversation once again this year. 

 After a trip to the Final Four for the first time in program history two seasons ago, and another quarterfinal appearance last season, the Eagles are on the right track heading into this season. 

 Head coach Derek Summers’ squad returns seven seniors motivated to have a big season. “I think we should be able to do some damage again this year,” said Summers. 

 The focal point offensively will be Lula Wamberg, who scored a record 46 goals last season. “She is a force up front,” said Summers. “We will need scoring from her.” Wamberg should be able to provide just that and some. 

 All-state midfielder Tatiana Stockbower will bring a little bit of everything to the Eagles. “She is very tough and physical,” said Summers. “We are going to rely on her a lot.” 

 Defensively, Julie Stevens will be a calming presence to control play in the backfield. “I have seen her step up,” said Summers. “Defensively we will rely on her to be there for us.” 

 PCA returns a core that is both experienced and skillful. “We have a lot of solid players to build around,” said Summers. “The potential is there to be a good team.”

 Concord Christian is looking to build off of a successful season last fall. “Half of our team last year were seniors but we are replacing them with some young talent which we are excited about,” said head coach Josh Winans. 

 There are certainly holes to fill on this year’s team, but strong key pieces are returning that will step up to the challenge. 

 Chloe Kirby and Lauren Winans return to anchor the Concord Christian defense. Behind them will be Kate Smith who will provide stability in the net this season. Lilly Carlile and Makayla Baglio will man the minefield and help round things out for the Kingsmen. 

 Concord Christian is hoping to be amongst the top tier when the leaves start changing colors and the weather gets colder. “As a program, we have to be able to compete with the top teams,” said Winans. 

 The Gorham Huskies have an exciting young core ready to make a name for themselves this season. Head coach Tony Demers has high expectations for his team. “I am excited about Gorham soccer,” said Demers. “They are probably the most coachable girls any coach could ask for. They listen, they do something wrong they correct it.” 

 Demers feels he has two of the best goalies in the division in Olivia O’Neil and Allie Pelletier. “It is a good issue for a coach to have,” said Demers. Both should see their fair share of time in the net and help the Huskies propel to where they want to be. 

 Tori Demers had a stellar freshman year, leading the team in scoring with 22 goals. The talented forward should certainly have more success as a sophomore. 

 Sophomore Laney Downs will be a crucial part of the midfield attack for Gorham and will bring a lot of energy and effort to the field each game. “I have a group of girls that want to work hard,” said Demers. 

 Jess Burton will wear the captain's armband for the Huskies this season. “She is a great leader and an amazing person,” said Demers. 

 Demers is aware of the struggles a young team is bound to go through and is hoping his team can respond through the adversity. “I know we will have our bad times,” said Demers. “My biggest concern is the road games. Getting off the bus can be tough with long road trips. We can get amped for a home game, we need to do that on the road.” 

 Gorham is a team to keep an eye on. If things click and the growth is steady, they could surprise some people this year. 

 Littleton will be on the younger side this year and head coach Joe Hertel is excited to work with this group. “We are looking to develop everyone,” said Hertel. “We have been working on fundamentals. It is crucial on how we are approaching every game.” 

 Captains Lauryn Corrigan, Addison Hadlock, and Kaitlyn Ilacqua will shoulder a heavy load for the Crusaders. “We are looking for them to lead the team,” said Hertel. 

 Corrigan and Hadlock will run the middle of the field while Ilacqua will be the sweeper of the defense for Littleton. 

 Kiera Therrien joins Ilacqua in the backfield and the two have developed excellent chemistry to start the season. “They are working well together,” said Hertel. “Our focus will be on defense and they will help with that.” 

 Julieann Bromley has found a good stride and shot early on as a freshman in the forward spot. “She has a real quick shot and a lot of endurance,” said Hertel. 

 Sophomore Avah Lucas has played well as a stopper for the Crusaders and junior Hannah Whitcomb will be a connector in the midfield. “We will look to her a lot,” said Hertel. 

 There will be growing pains early on, but Littleton has the potential to develop into a solid team in the North Country. 

 Somersworth makes the move down to Division IV and are excited for more competitive games. “It is a good thing for us,” said head coach Dave Swallow. “Division III was a tough go for us.” 

 This is Swallow’s first year with the program and he has implemented a lot of positive changes early on. “What I stress is the defensive side of the game,” said Swallow. “To compete we need to get much stronger on defense and keep the goals against down. They have looked like a promising bunch of girls so far.” 

 Six seniors are coming out for the team, four of which are returning players, and the rest of the group is a lot of freshmen and others who have not played in some years.

 Harper Blank is the lead midfielder and defensive force for Somersworth. “She will be the anchor for our team this season,” said Swallow. “She has a super work ethic and leads by example. Harper is our best overall fundamental player and is a selfless type player with great vision.” 

 Gabrielle Lensky brings great athleticism and is a strong multi-sport athlete. “She is a fantastic leader and role model,” said Swallow. “She is the leading scorer on the team and is also good on the defensive end for us.” 

 Alyssa Frank returns between the posts after dealing with medical issues last season. “She will be a key part of our defense,” said Swallow. 

 The hope is to clean things up on both ends of the field for Somersworth. “We want to get the goals against down and cut those in half,” said Swallow. “On the flip side, just the opposite, we want to pick up our goals for and at least double that.” 

 The program is rejuvenated and the Division IV level should suit Somersworth nicely. “With our new commitment to defense, we feel we are going to be competitive this season,” said Swallow. “The whole program being at this level is excited.”

 Colebrook is looking to get back to playoff soccer this season. “Last year was the first year we didn’t make it in quite a while,” said head coach Katie Parker. “We want to get to .500 and get to the playoffs.” 

 To help lead that charge is a core group of seniors in Emma McKeage, Sierra Riff, and Ariana Lord. “I want them to be the main leaders and players out on the field,” said Parker. 

 All three have played at the varsity level for five years now and have had a lot of success. Last season was certainly a change of pace for the experienced Mohawks. “It was an eye opener for them last year,” said Parker. 

 Lord will command the midfield while McKeage is the sweeper of the defense playing out in front of Riff in the net. “Sierra has looked more comfortable in goal,” said Parker. 

 Senior Shyanna Fuller could see time in the midfield and on defense as well. “She is solid wherever I play her,” said Parker. 

 Sara Fernald is an athletic forward who will be flying around the field for the Mohawks this season. “Her athleticism helps with her skills and everything else on the field,” said Parker. 

 The freshman class already has a year or two of varsity experience under the belts from playing up as middle schoolers. Haley Rossitto, Lexi Santamaria, Niomie Nadeau, and Samantha Samson all will contribute for Colebrook this season. 

 “I am looking for those four to be the next group of role players this season,” said Parker. They will give us a solid nine to work with. Most of them coming back with game experience already will help us I hope. They are an athletic group.” 

 After a down season, Colebrook put in some extra work over the summer to prepare for the season ahead. “The seniors don’t want to miss out on the playoffs this year,” said Parker. “We are looking to win some more games than we did last year and see what happens from there.” 

 Sarah Leclerc takes over at Groveton and is excited to get the program back on track. “I believe in these girls, that’s why I took the job,” said Leclerc. “They seem like they are caring and want to win.

 Coming off just one win a year ago, the Eagles are ready to redeem themselves. “The girls know I hate losing, I want to win, and so do they,” said Leclerc. 

 To help lead that charge will be Marissa Kenison. “Marissa is a big reason I took the job,” said Leclerc. “She has shown up and has been pretty darn good. We need her this year.” 

 Julie Glover proposes a good scoring threat up top for the Eagles and Aspen Clermont brings great speed to the middle of the field. 

 Leclerc has been working with goalkeeper Katherine Bushey to come out of her bubble. “She has been doing good so far,” said Leclerc. “I have been trying to get her to attack the ball more and she has been doing that.” 

 Kandrah Savage has been getting involved in all aspects of the field and eighth grader Kara Hamilton has proven to be a bright spot for the future thus far. 

 Freshman Delaney Whiting has been playing a strong role early on in the season. “I put her wherever we need and she doesn’t say a word about it,” said Leclerc. “She has been playing very well.”

 The Eagles have been transitioning to a more controlled style of play. “We are working towards more possession soccer,” said Leclerc. “Good ball movement and playing it up the side have been key for us.” 

 The talent is there, it will be about the Eagles realizing the skills they poses and building confidence throughout the season. “I want my girls to be confident in themselves,” said Leclerc. “Hopefully we can have a good season.” 

 Pittsburg-Cannan will be rebuilding this season after saying goodbye to an impactful senior class. “We have some young and enthusiastic girls coming up,” said head coach Stephanie Grondin. “It is exciting as a coach to see the interest from the younger kids.” 

 The biggest of losses will be Sophie Grondin, who was a focal point in all three sports at the school. “I don’t think there is any coach that will disagree with the fact that losing Sophie Grondin was a huge detriment to our athletic program,” said Grondin. “Trying to replace and rebuild around that is going to be a challenge.” 

 Jacqueline Giroux and Saidy Placey are ready to step in and fill the void. “They will step up to that challenge,” said Grondin. “They will head up the midfield for us.” 

 Sienna Grondin stepped into a crucial role as an eighth grader and had 170 plus saves in the net for the Yellow Jackets. “She was really big for us,” said Grondin. 

 Paige Robinson is another building block for the Yellow Jackets and Amelia Daiello will provide great speed and burst on the frontline. “She can give us a huge advantage when she gets the ball at her feet,” said Grondin. 

 This is only Grondin’s second year with the team, but she is excited about the progress they have made. “I tell the girls, win what we can learn from what we lose, and from there we move on and just become better,” said Grondin. “I am a new coach, it is almost as difficult for me as it is for them. We will take it one game at a time and go from there.” 

 Wilton-Lyndeborough fields just 11 on this year's roster, but all 11 will play key roles for the team this year." There is no substitute for Warrior Spirit," said head coach Mike Naso. 

 Naso describes his squad as tenacious, quick, and intelligent and they are going into every game with the mentality that any team can win on any day.