A new season, new hopes,
for girls squads

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Soccer squads at the five Northeast Philadelphia Catholic schools have some obstacles to hurdle this season. However, despite losing key players to graduation, or counting on the comebacks of others recovering from injuries, the teams are gearing up for another competitive run at the crown.
Here is a glance at this season’s personnel on Archbishop Ryan, Cardinal Dougherty, St. Hubert, Little Flower and Nazareth Academy.

ARCHBISHOP RYAN
For the past two years, Archbishop Ryan has won the Catholic League Northern Division title during regular-season play. This fall, they’re ready for lucky number three.
"Our goal is to make it to the championship and win it," said coach Ryan Haney. "We’re always playing our best. Every game is important."
Two years ago, the Ragdolls ended their season in the semifinals with a 3-1 loss to eventual champs Cardinal O’Hara. Last year, Ryan got one step further, battling Little Flower in the championship game, but lost in an overtime shootout, 3-1.
And this year, despite the loss of eight seniors to graduation, the Ragdolls are anticipating a successful season.
"We have a very competitive team this year," Haney said. "We have some very talented juniors and seniors coming back, along with some new faces."
Team captain Kirstin Barbara will lead the Ragdolls at fullback. She will be joined on defense by fellow fullback Samantha Strohm and defensive midfielders Chelsey Blaney and Erin McCarthy. Sophomore Amanda Johnson, a transfer student from Villa Joseph Marie, shows a lot of potential as sweeper. The Ragdolls’ defense will be rounded out by senior and team captain Melissa Maguire, who will share stopper duties with McCarthy.
The midfield will be led by seniors Julia Disillippo and Ashley Fosbenner, who will be joined by Lauren Heisse, Anna Saklad, Brittany Palmer, Alissa Timonto and Corinne Retter.
Returning players Megan Tole and Cristina Zambito will play forward, alongside freshmen Kelsey Stevens and Michelle Saklad, who will see some playing time in the midfield as well.
Junior Stephanie McNesby and sophomore Jessica Kosi will share time guarding the goal.
"The team has shown a great work ethic so far," said Haney. "We have strength in speed. The team is a lot quicker this year. And we have the ability to score goals. I think we’ll have a great season."

CARDINAL DOUGHERTY
After falling short of playoff contention by one game last year, the Cardinals are on a mission to get there this season.
"We are very optimistic this season," said head coach Theresa Martin. "Our goal is to make the playoffs."
The Cardinal Dougherty crew will be led by halfback Rachel Hopkins and defender Julia Walsh, both seniors.
"Our two seniors really run the show," said Martin. "They are great competitors and set a good example. The underclassmen respond very well to their leadership."
Joining the veterans on defense will be Lauren Mowery, Katie Fitzmartin and freshman Alyssa Ramos.
Fitzmartin also can be found in the midfield, with Maureen Hawkins and freshman Caroline Hopkins playing forward.
"The team has the drive to win," said Martin. "The team works hard and plays aggressively. On the field, we are offensively strong, so I hope that results in a lot of scoring."

ST. HUBERT
The Bambies took a big hit earlier this summer when junior Megan Bojanowski — St. Hubert’s top scorer — tore her ACL. The injury will cost her the entire season.
"She was a player that you could rely on to get decent shots on goal," said coach Mickey McGroarty. "We’re going to need a total team effort to produce the same opportunities we had in the past.
"We are still a competitive team and I think we’ll do well," he continued.
Senior Sarah Del Casale will be goaltending. Starring on defense are junior Caroline Foley and seniors Kristin Walsh and Kerri Sickel.
The midfield will consist of Kristine Lemongelli, Jessica Christie, Liz Taggert and Jenna Sinko.
Senior Allison Hanna will be returning as a forward this season, after missing two years because of a torn ACL. Other forwards include Lindsay Smith, Kate Cannon and Stevie Lyn Brown.
"There is a good mix of players who work well together," said McGroarty. "I think we are very capable of making the playoffs."

LITTLE FLOWER
Having defeated Archbishop Ryan, 3-1, for the Catholic League title last year, the Little Flower soccer team is gearing up for another successful season. The Sentinels lost 14 seniors to graduation this year but are confident in the skills of their returning players.
Seniors Megan Collins and Beth Deegan will lead the team while sharing goalie duties.
Supplying the defense will be fullbacks Katie Lederer, Justine Bednarz, Faith Palyszek, Steph Martinez, Lauren Pallister, stopper Melissa Benson and sweeper Linsey Stack.
Seniors Theresa Doyle, Liz Winkowski and Casey Milburn will lead the midfield, with Sarah Cayer, Michelle Gill, Tricia Taylor and Courtney Niemic also seeing some playing time.
Strikers include senior Bridig Dowling, Alexa Kajkowski, Breean Blaney, Kerri Goodwin and Dana Rosney.
"So far the team looks great," said coach Markos Pittaoulis. "They are working hard. Hopefully we can have another winning season."

NAZARETH ACADEMY
Despite losing four seniors to graduation, the Pandas should be solid contenders this season.
"I have faith that the players will get the job done," said coach Danielle Wilson. "The team has a lot of camaraderie, and I think that’s going to really help us out this year."
Leading the Pandas this season will be senior captain Maureen Sinnott, who will be goaltending.
Senior and captain Kellie Brady will play sweeper. She’ll be joined on defense by junior Kate Lazorko — another team captain — and sophomore halfbacks Kiki Fritz and Kelsey Joniec.
Brady will also see some playing time in the midfield. Freshman Maggie Borski will play forward, and sophomore Jen Schmidt will help guard the goal.
"I think this team is relentless," said Wilson. "They’re the type of team that will never give up no matter what the score is. They always give 110 percent for Nazareth and for their teammates." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com