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LISBON’S ABBY GAMACHE, right, here battling against St. Dom’s last year, leads the Greyhounds against Oak Hill in their home season opener on Friday at 4 p.m.
LISBON’S ABBY GAMACHE, right, here battling against St. Dom’s last year, leads the Greyhounds against Oak Hill in their home season opener on Friday at 4 p.m.
TOPSHAM

The 2014 high school soccer season was a solid one for several local teams, with Mt. Ararat advancing to the second straight Regional Eastern A final, Brunswick and Morse each winning nine games, and Richmond playing for another State Class D title.

What does the 2015 season have in store? Here is a capsule look:

Mt. Ararat

Coach — Sam Chard. Last season — After an up and down 8-4-2 regular season garnered the No. 5 seed in Eastern A. The Eagles went on a run from there, winning at Hampden Academy (2-1) and Bangor (5-0) in reaching the Eastern A Regional final. Lost to Edward Little in overtime, 3- 2. Region this season — Class A North. Players lost — Katie Labbay, Christine Levesque, Lauren Williams, Libby Ouellette, Kaitlin Volk, Laurel Streeter, Erika Everett, Lauren Grant, Rebecca Schuman. Returning — Seniors Torri Pelletier (MF), Natalie Burch (D), Summer Becker (F), Ronni Pelletier (F), Erin Tome (F), Jordan Chase (D); juniors Anna Manuel (D), Kaitlyn Cox (D), Nikki Bradstreet (F), Kate Guerin (GK); sophomores Katelyn Hutchins (D), Taylor Wienckowski (D), Chloe Beattie (MF), Ryley Leech (MF). Key newcomers — Juniors Sabrina Paetow (GK), Isabel Burch (D), Kathleen MacDonald (MF); sophomore Lauren Sturgess (F), freshmen Jessica Cloutier (F), Ainsley Bryant (F), Zoe Pinkham (F). From the coach — “The team is looking good so far. We lost some great players after last season, but I think we have more firepower now. We have more chemistry and a more balanced attack. The team is playing well together and getting better every day. It’s been difficult as we have had to experiment with different formations and players in strange places, but overall I am very pleased. “I think we’ll surprise some teams this season. We did lose some really great players, especially at midfield, but I think we’ll hold our own. Team overview — The Eagles lost a lot of key players from last season but are expecting to still be competitive this year. Coming off a heartbreaker against Edward Little in the Eastern A Regional final, Mt. Ararat will host the Red Eddies in the first game, looking for a little revenge. Season opener — Friday at home against Edward Little, 6 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 15 home vs. Brunswick; Oct. 8 home against Bangor; Oct. 13 at Brunswick.

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Brunswick

Coach — Martyn Davison. Last season — The Dragons found it difficult to find the back of the net at times, but still finished with a 9-3-2 mark and the No. 3 seed in Eastern A. After knocking off Messalonskee in the quarters (2-0), fell to Edward Little in the semifinals (3-1). Region this season — Class A North. Players lost — Julia Champagne, Kassidy Scarponi, Alicia Davis, Julia Rider. Returning — Seniors Emily Black (MF, captain), Lena Martin (MF, Capt.), Molly Gramins (MF, Capt.), Emily Girardin (MF); juniors Emily Cowan (MF), Heather Kinee (MF), Aidan Sachs (D), Kira Wolpow (F), Sarah Ferdinand (D), Madeline Brescia (GK), Dina Murphy (D), Sabina Smith (D); sophomore Maeve Arthur (F). Key newcomers — Seniors Caitlin Olsen (F), Beronica Cole (F); freshmen Beth Labbe (GK), Bailey Harthill (MF), Mickaela Aschbrenner (D), Anna Kousky (F), Jenna Brooks (MF), Rian Sachs (D), Charlotte MacMillan (MF), Lea Schrapinsky (MF), Emily Larochell (F). From the coach — “The team looks very good, but we are still finding the right spots for everyone. We’re trying to be the best we can be and play a passing game and teach the team how to play skillfully, to win one game at a time. “We only lost three starting seniors and have a large incoming freshmen group which will provide depth and good options from the bench. We will have eight starters back. “I expect Bangor, Mt. Ararat, Hampden Academy, Edward Little and ourselves to battle it out.” Team overview — The Dragons only lost three starters from last year’s team. With a big incoming freshman class and depth off the bench, look for the Dragons to make another run this year. Season opener — Saturday at Mt. Blue, 11 a.m. Key contests — Sept. 8 home opener vs. Camden Hills; Sept. 15 at Mt. Ararat; Oct. 13 at home vs. Mt. Ararat.

Morse

Coach — Steve Boyce. Last season — Claimed the No. 6 seed in Western B with a 9-3-2 record. Lost to Cape Elizabeth (6-1) in the quarterfinals. Region this season — Class B South. Players lost — Alesha Aucoin, Courtney Estabrook, Leia Graves, Lauren Pelletier, Sophie Sreden, Miracle Trimble, Brianna Williams, Micaila Barone. Returning — Seniors Baylie Cram, Emma Rossetti, Madison Olsen and Megan Curtis; juniors Amanda Gagne, Hope Faulkingham and Noa Sreden; sophomores Aubrey Martin, Abby Minot, Sierra Wallace, Micailah Albertson and Marissa Parks. Key newcomers — Juniors Alika McMurrin (transfer), Paige Daigle, Arielle Leeman, Aliza Johnson and Mikayla Rose; sophomores Rosie Varian and Madeline Mitchell; freshmen Rosa Atienza, Julia Cliffe, Macie Gagne, Ella Martin and Mae Winglass. From the coach — “The intensity with which these girls play should go a long way towards offsetting the lack of varsity experience. We will again be challenged by the talented Lincoln Academy and Oceanside teams and will be reintroduced to Leavitt, Gardner, Winslow and Maranacook. We expect to represent Morse well throughout the regular season and hope to still be playing in late October.” Team overview — The Shipbuilders have lost some talent but still have a lot of players in the fold. They will be looking compete and be a formidable opponent. Season opener — Tuesday at home against Lincoln Academy, 5 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 15 at home vs. Medomak Valley; Sept. 22 at home against Leavitt; Oct. 8 at Gardiner.

Freeport

Coach — Elayna Girardin. Last season — Missed the postseason after finishing 4-8-2. Region this season — Class B South. Players lost — Emily Johnson, Lauren Cormier, Julia Smith, Alyssa Richardson, Lizzy Martin, Kaitlin Johnson, Hannah Morissey, Alayna Frey, Jill Baker. Returning — Seniors Maddie Squibb (four-year starter), Jemayla Nelsonwood, Courtney Broderick, Brooklyn Washburn, Sam Jordan, Izzy Qualls (GK), Lindsay Cartmell; juniors Amber Smith, Jordan Randall, Jessie Gray; sophomores Jessie Driscoll, Becca Cameron, Taylor Rinaldi. Key newcomers — Junior Emily Latulippe will be stepping in as a starter on defense. From the coach — “This team has a nice balance between young and experienced players, which has helped pushed the experienced players and provided good mentors for the younger players. After graduating so many players that were three- to fouryear starters, this year’s group is starting to come together nicely.” Team overview — Girardin wants the team to play to win and with confidence, not playing afraid to lose. With this type of attitude, she expects the team to push for a playoff run. Season opener — Friday at home against Cape Elizabeth, 5:15 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 12 at home vs. Wells; Oct. 15 at Poland; Oct. 20 at home against Waynflete.

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Lisbon

Coach — Jake Gentle. Last season — After a solid 8-3-3 regular season, the eighth-seeded Greyhounds fell to Hall-Dale, 2-0, in a prelim. Region this season — Class C South. Players lost — Kailyn Hill, Drew Stewart-Staples, Loren Grant, Taylor Feehan. Returning — Seniors Katheryn George (F), Deliah Schreiber (F), Abby Gamache (D), Makayla Tilley (D); juniors Ally Sult (GK), Kipri Steele (F), Chandler Riordan (D), Jasmine Le (MF), Kailyn Le (F), Cierra Miller (D), Hannah Martel (MF); sophomores Sydney Douglas (D), Emma Houle (MF), Zoe Feehan (D), Anna Willy (D). Key newcomers — Junior Emma Levesque (D); sophomore Erin Davenport (MF); freshmen Emma DiGregorio (MF), Sophia DiGregorio (MF), Jordan Ott (MF), Carly Drischler (MF). From the coach — “This year we have 15 returning players, and I think we will be competitive in the MVC and hope to utilize the playoff experience these upper classmen have obtained over the last couple years. “The MVC and Western C have many talented teams. We hope to improve every day and earn a Class C playoff spot. With hard work and team play, we hope to have a great season.” Team overview — The Greyhounds are looking to use their past experience to go even further in the playoffs this year. With a lot of returning talent, don’t be surprised if they put together another solid season. Season opener — Friday at home against Oak Hill, 4 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 15 at home vs. Dirigo; Sept. 17 at Wiscasset; Oct. 3 at Hall-Dale.

Wiscasset

Coach — Duane Goud. Last season — An eightgame winless streak cost the Wolverines a spot in the postseason, finishing 5-8-1. Region this season — Class C South. Players lost — Kayla Gordon, Hanna Foye, Tylan Onorato, Miranda McIntire, Maeve Carlson, Rachel Berry, Katie Mills, Alecia Faulkingham. Returning — Senior Colleen Hendricks (D/MF); juniors Gabby Chapman (F/MF), Stephanie Jones (D/MF), Brooke Carlton (F), Keara Hunter (D), Jenna Bickford (D); sophomores Grace Webber (D/F), Sarah Foley (F), Maeve Blodgett (D), Leah Potter (MF/F), Arie Mills (GK/MF/F), Lindsey Gordon (GK/D). Key newcomers — Senior Makendra Chancellor (MF/F); sophomore August Moore (D/MF), freshmen Natalie Corson (D/F), Kaylie Giles (MF). From the coach — “We’re looking to grow. After losing eight seniors last season we are trying to rebuild our strength. We are looking forward to a great season, with a great group of girls who are dedicated to the program. “We hope to be a competitive team and put enough wins together to get us into the playoffs.” Team overview — The Wolverines will have to overcome their lack of experience, losing eight seniors. They showed a lot of potential last season and can make a playoff push if they can play consistently this fall. Season opener — Sept. 9 at Carrabec, 3:30 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 17 home opener vs. Lisbon; Oct. 1 at Oak Hill; Oct. 6 home vs. St. Dom’s.

Richmond

Coach — Troy Kendrick. Last season — Another run to the State Class D final for the Bobcats ended with a tough 2-1 overtime loss to Ashland. In the Western D playoffs, Richmond downed Rangeley (1-0) and Searsport (8-1). Region this season — Class D South. Players lost — Kelsie Obi, Amber Loon, Elizabeth Hedgepeth. Returning — Seniors Kelsea Anair (F, scored 38 goals last season), Kalah Patterson (D), Jade Gammon (D), Taylor Paulison (MF), Kyla Johansen (D), Autumn Acord (MF); juniors Meranda Martin (MF, 17 goals and nine assists last season), Camryn Hurley (MF, 13 assists last season), Cassie Harriman (D), Emily Rogers (D), Jenn Lorbeski (D); sophomores Molly Meagher (MF), Emily Snowden (F), Destiny Anair (MF/D), Sydney Tilton (GK/D). Key newcomers — Freshmen Caitlin Kendrick (MF), Kennedy Chandler (GK/D), Emma Carbone (MF), Ashely Brown (F), Kristy Sullivan (D). From the coach — “We’re off to a good start this preseason. Most of the girls participated in the summer program so we got a good jump on things. We’re focused on our conditioning and ball touches. It’s a hard-working group with a great attitude. The girls are embracing the challenge.” Team overview — The defense led by Harriman, Gammon, Patterson and Anair recorded 11 shutouts last season. Tilton will step into goal. “She’s an outstanding three-sport athlete and we hope she’ll step right in for us without missing a beat,” Kendrick said of Tilton. Season opener — Saturday at home vs. Rangeley, noon. Key contests — Sept. 22 at Buckfield; Oct. 10 home vs. Searsport; Oct. 17 at Sacopee Valley.


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