Bohn, ‘Cats rally past Northern

September 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

By Jeffrey Kauffman, Sentinel Reporter

Less than 12 hours after traveling to Dillsburg to see its unbeaten classmates in football, the Wildcat soccer team returned to Dillsburg to dismantle the Polar Bears 5-1 in a Mid-Penn nondivisional contest.

Mechanicsburg (5-2 Keystone, 7-3 overall) fell behind early but rallied behind four consecutive goals from forward Andrew Bohn to decide the contest by the halftime whistle.

The Wildcats and Polar Bears went after each other over the first fifteen minutes as the ball went end to end but very few shots took place as both defenses met the challenge.

Northern (3-2-1 Colonial, 5-6-1 overall) stepped out of the division to play its northern neighbor and took advantage of the first break in the game. On a whistle which appeared to be going the other way, the official signaled the ball as a restart in the Bears’ direction, Danny DiPrima stepped up and curled a perfect shot into the upper 90 on the near post. Wildcat keeper Shane Cowoski got his fingertips on the shot but it was perfectly placed to give the Bears a one-goal advantage.

“That would have been a great save by Shane but the ball was hit well and it was a great shot,” said Wildcat coach Tony Lougee.

Mechanicsburg struck back and took advantage of an always-hustling Bohn.

Northern keeper Sean Kleckner was busy as he had several saves in traffic off of Wildcat corners. John Arnold and Garrett Murphy ran to the corners and forced the Bear defense to clear balls over the line to slow the attack down.

Bohn led the way as he was able to beat Kleckner to a feed from Matt Steele and knocked it into the net for the equalizer.

It didn’t take long for Bohn to give his team the lead as he pounced on a loose ball from a Kleckner stop on Arnold to dent the back of the net.

Less than a minute later, Bohn tallied a natural hat trick as he again jumped on a Northern misplay to knock it home and the lead was 3-1.

Murphy led Bohn with a through ball and Bohn didn’t miss as the Wildcats increased the lead to three goals just before the half.

One of the keys at this point was the Wildcats’ ability to one-touch the ball around and send the ball across the field and also down the sidelines. The runners were able to beat the Bear defenders and send crosses into the box.

Cleckner had numerous saves, six to be exact over a fifteen-minute stretch that Bohn utilized to tally all four of his goals.

The Wildcat midfield led by Steele, Cort Hutchison, Craig Foer, and Murphy as well as Matt Dunn and David Strausbaugh among others really controlled the midfield and set the pace for the attack.

Leading 4-1 at the half, Strausbaugh got a goal early in the second half as he ran to a loose ball created by a save on an Arnold blast and found the open net for the final goal.

Northern started to create some chances in the second half and actually forced back-up keeper Ryan Green to make five saves — two of the diving kind. He also had to knock a blast over the top from Kyle Hejmanowski.

“I don’t ever remember scoring four goals, maybe JV but not on the varsity level, and definitely not four in a row,” said Bohn. “We broke down the sides well and our outside mids were able to get to the corners and cross the ball.I was able to knock them in today. Arnold can beat anybody to the corner and off the dribble. He draws defenders with his speed. Matt Steele and our defenders played well as a team.”

“It didn’t have to be that tough today,” said Northern coach Troy Sauers. “We started out well in the first fifteen minutes and fought with them and played smart. I think we were fortunate to get the goal, but it was a great goal on a free kick. Then it seemed like we were shocked or surprised we were in the game and we kind of stopped playing. Credit to Mechanicsburg, they are a good team and they took advantage. Physically they were faster to the ball and when they won the ball they made very good decisions. They took advantage of all of the mistakes we made today.”

“I thought we were a bit out of sorts for a few moments early but the kids responded well to the goal, said Lougee. “Andrew is a terrific athlete and he is fearless in the box and I think we are starting to realize our roles and we can give him the opportunities. He will make something happen. John Arnold has had a tough year with injuries but he has a couple of games back and he’s starting to create chances. Defensively, we struggled early but we got it together and Dunn, Scott Inderbitzen and Alex Holbert played well as a unit to keep their dangerous forwards under control. We’ll just put forth our best effort every night and see how things happen. Tuesday will be a good test to see how far we have come this year.”

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Mechanicsburg edges Gettysburg

September 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Matt Steele’s penalty kick with five minutes to play — awarded when a Gettysburg player used his hand to swat away a loose ball — lifted Mechanicsburg to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Warriors in a Mid-Penn Keystone Division scrap at the Northside Cage.

Andrew Bohn also connected for the Wildcats, who spotted Gettysburg an early Zach Tarbox finish. Shane Cowoski made two stops in goal for Tony Lougee’s Mechanicsburg club, two fewer than Gettysburg’s Ben Szoke.

Greencastle-Antrim slipped past host Boiling Springs in a Capital Division scrap, turning Kyle Crider’s first-half score into a 1-0 victory. Seth Sprague made 13 stops in goal for the winning Blue Devils, one more than the Bubblers’ sizzling Brad Schaufert.

Schaufert has piled up 62 saves in his last three outings.

Halifax pinned up its fifth straight victory, routing Schuylkill 2 playmate Williams Valley 5-1 behind a pair of Matt Schwalm goals. Sean Weir, Alex Erdman and Austin Sacks also found the goal for the Wildcats; Corey Merwine netted the Valley’s lone score.

Scott Sajac’s penalty kick with 8:31 gone in overtime lifted Trinity over Bishop McDevitt 2-1 in a non-leaguer at Skyline Sports Complex. Breton Asken buried a direct for the Shamrocks, matching an early McDevitt score posted by Devin Bolton.

Greenwood downed Bermudian Springs, riding second-half scores from Kyle Fronk, Jordann Ferguson and David Myers to a 3-1 victory. Gilberto Zuniga potted the lone finish for the Eagles, who grabbed a 1-0 lead early in the second stanza.

And Tri-Valley dropped a 5-2 non-league decision at Shamokin despite goals from Anthony Tran and Nick Harman.

Read full story by clicking here.

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Down to the bitter end

August 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

By Jeffrey Kauffman, August 31, 2008

Four local high school soccer teams converged on the Northside complex Saturday and all were looking for answers to the upcoming season. The 11th Annual Mechanicsburg Soccer Boosters Tournament gave Trinity, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle the opportunity to play twice and see where they stand for the early part of the season.

In the end, it was Carlisle stepping up to win the final 3-2 by converting on 11 penalty kicks against Mechanicsburg, as Bryce Merwine came up with a huge save on the 12th kick and got to watch senior captain Tyler Getz convert his to give the Herd the win. The actual score would have been listed 2-2(11-10) but has changed in recent years to one goal so it was 3-2 (PK’S)

The first eight shooters for each team scored on well-placed shots. Goalkeepers for both teams got fingertips on four shots, but each was hit hard enough to go into the net.

Mechanicsburg scorers were Matt Steele, Jon DeNicola, Austin Martz, Cort Hutchison, Matt Warren, Garret Murphy, Craig Foer and Scott Inderbitzen.

Carlisle scorers were West, Getz, Dexter Lamparter, Merwine, Trevor Shull, Billy Zahos, Macon Walker and Ari Brouwer.
Sean Swidersky’s blast hit the corner of the crossbar but Kyle Green was able to save the shot of Robert Gilroy to move his team into the 10th shooter. David Strausbaugh hit for the Wildcats and Tyler Shimandle equaled the match. Steele and West each scored a second time to set the stage for Merwine’s save and Getz’s winner.

In the final, Chase West gave the Herd a quick one-goal lead as he ripped a laser off the bottom of the crossbar only 22 seconds into the contest. Both teams had several other key chances in the first ten minutes but goalies Shane Cowoski of the Wildcats and Bryce Merwine were up to the task for their teams.

Brennan Zizzi gave the Herd a two-goal advantage as his blast deflected off a defender and past Cowoski in the final three minutes of the half.

Both teams dug in for the physical second half with the Herd trying to fight off the speed of the Wildcats. A Herd mistake gave the maroon squad life as a clear from the goal line appeared to hit off the back of the Herd keeper and bound into the goal for an own goal.

Mechanicsburg appeared to be quicker to the ball while the Herd appeared to be waiting for help rather than attacking the ball. The Wildcats finally got the equalizer in the final four minutes as the Herd failed to clear a ball from the penalty area and Craig Foer was able to slot one into the corner.

“It was a great game, especially of halves,” added Herd coach Brandon Eiserman. “We played well in the first half and then we gave them a goal in the second half and they got the momentum and they were a bit fitter than us. The kids gave it all they had. Some guys played a lot and we left home at 7:30 so it has been a long day. I thought we showed a lot of guts. Bryce made a big save-he guessed right on 9 out of 11 but the kids put on a shooting clinic by hitting the side net. I thought Bryce played great, Zizzi and Dexter played well along with Tyler. Everybody played well for two games today and now we have to continue playing well.

“As a team, We played really well and played together today. This was a turnaround hopefully for the year. We got a big help from our younger guys, “said Getz. “This will be different this year. Last year we won the tournament but struggled as a team after that.”

Cowoski had a solid wall in front of him as well as Hutchison, Murphy, Scott Inderbitzen and Foer cleared everything out of the backfield.

“I was very happy with our play today We showed a lot of character and we got a chance to get some of our younger kids a chance to learn today,” added Mechanicsburg coach Tony Lougee. “Steele played fantastic and Garret Murphy played great. I think all of our kids played well. We get John Arnold back this week and we got some playing time for some of our younger kids and kids who didn’t play a lot last year.”

Mechanicsburg won the opener 4-0 over Trinity and the Herd outlasted a physical Camp Hill squad 2-0 in the morning games. Trevor Shull and Chase West tallied goals for the Herd. Trinity rallied from a 1-0 deficit to score two goals including a penalty kick from Derek Pawlush and a score from Scott Sajak to grab a 2-1 victory over the Lions in the consolation game. Brad Smith nodded home a Ben Danowitz dish for the Lion tally. It was the first of at least three contests between the two teams this season.

Notes: The all-tournament team was announced. They included: Alex Hogarth, Stephen Breuning, Derek Pawlush and Scott Sajac of Trinity, Ian Nisley, Brad Smith, Nick Kline, and Brandon Woodward of Camp Hill. Murphy, Foer, Jon DeNicola and Tyler Bohn of Mechanicsburg and West, Getz, Merwine and Lamparter of Carlisle.

To read article click here.

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Golf Tournament

May 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Come out and support the Mechanicsburg High School Boys and Girls soccer teams at our annual golf tournament.  For more information you can download our flyer.

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Wildcats cruise in opener

May 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment

By Jeffrey Kauffman, Sentinel Reporter, May 13, 2008

The No. 14 seed Mechanicsburg Wildcats opened their District 3-AAA playoff run with a 5-1 decision over Waynesboro at the Northside Elementary Tuesday night.

The win allows the Wildcats to move into the second round Thursday at 4 p.m at Hempfield against the third-seeded Black Knights.

Waynesboro (15-4-2) took an early lead in the contest as freshman Michal Sanders hustled her way onto a loose ball in the defensive third and was able to collect a loose ball and knock it past goalie Nikki Keiser for the early lead.

Mechanicsburg (16-5) had numerous opportunities but couldn’t put the final pass on the money. Keeper Amanda Ochoa for the Maidens had several key saves early to frustrate Mechanicsburg.

Allison Zelenky had a key chance as her blast short-hopped Ochoa but Ochoa was able to pounce on the ball just prior to Megan Keiser putting the ball away.

Zelenky took a through ball on the left wing from Ali Matisse and her blast from that flank found the far corner of the net over Ochoa for the equalizer.

“I thought that we were okay early,” said Wildcat coach Tony Lougee. “We did create some chances and we gave up a goal on a defensive mistake. The girls have been behind this year and have been resilient this year. It is much easier to play when you are ahead and we just wanted to play through the whole half. They have a good team and can score goals in bunches and we wanted to play throughout. Megan has done a good job for us this year with 37 goals. She has set the school record for boys or girls. We have been getting goals from different places.”

The fleet-footed junior Alex Brandt, who seemed to dribble the ball around through and under the Maiden defense did so in the offensive end and fed a pass through onto the foot of Ariel Arnold. Her right-footed laser found the upper right corner of the net for the second goal.

Moments later, the Wildcats upped the margin as Brandt split two defenders with the ball and found Keiser in alone on the keeper. Her low shot beat Ochoa for the third tally.

Midway through the final half, Jodie Zelenky drilled a Brandt pass into the upper right corner to join her older sister in the scoring column.

Brandt, who tallied four assists, found Keiser again for the fifth score. Mechanicsburg dominated the final half as the Maidens only found the shot chart one time. Keiser was able to handle high shot and Arnold was able to head a direct kick out of danger.

The Wildcat defense of Payge Alexander, Karissa Saultz, Jen Siler, Taylor Jones, Rachel Hutchinson and Emma Galinsky in the second half stopped every opportunity the Maidens sent forward.

“We have to quit using the excuse that we are young,” said Waynesboro coach Bryan Flickinger. “We lost Jenna Lininger and Olivia Shew to MCL and ACL injuries. These kids have been playing all year but we have been giving up too many goals which are effort things. We don’t have a senior playing right now and we got off to a good start and did some nice things. We got scored on and it went downhill form there. We made a mistake and they have a breakaway. I don’t want to take any credit from Mechanicsburg. They have a very good team.”

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Keiser nets five goals in Mechanicsburg win

May 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Megan Keiser pocketed five goals — all in succession — as Mechanicsburg wrapped up regular-season play by popping Shippensburg 6-0 in a non-league scrap at the Northside Cage.

Alex Brandt tacked on a goal and an assist for the Wildcats, who improved to 15-5.

Michael Bullock/The Patriot News

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Keiser lifts Wildcats past Trinity

April 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

April 20, 2008

Megan Keiser’s overtime shot on the Trinity goal nearly missed its target. The shot rang off the goal post.

But close was good enough this time for the Mechanicsburg forward — the ball glanced off the post and into the Shamrocks net to lift the Wildcats to a 3-2 victory in their booster club tournament Saturday.“

It bounced off the post, a goal is a goal,” said Keiser. “It was our fifth game this week and it was a big win for us.”

Mechanicsburg shut out Central Dauphin East 4-0 in the opening round game while the Shamrocks knocked off Hamburg 3-2. Hamburg scored in overtime to edge the Panthers 2-1 in the consolation game.

Mechanicsburg took an early 1-0 lead in the title tilt as Ariel Arnold split two defenders and beat the keeper to a loose ball and knocked it home.

Trinity (8-2-1 overall) rallied and scored the tying goal less than two minutes later as Allison Insley sent in a ball from the left wing and Katie Lenz hit it with the outside of her foot past Wildcat keeper Nikki Keiser to even the game.

Jodie Zelenky had a chance to give the Wildcats another lead as her low kick short-hopped Shamrock keeper Heather Schultz but the rebound shot was wide-left. Zelenky did figure in the next goal as her corner kick was nodded home by fellow freshman Ali Matisse to give the Wildcats a lead at the 15-minute mark.

Mechanicsburg had two opportunities early in the second half as Zelenky fed Megan Keiser who in turn fed Zelenky, but both shots were just outside the post as Schultz had no chance on either shot.

Defender Jen Siler cleared a ball from behind the keeper as a cross came through the crease.

In the second half, Rachael Holt drew the unenviable task of marking Wildcat star Alex Brandt. While the Wildcats didn’t assign anybody in particular to mark Lenz, the defense was constantly reminded to mark her when she was in the area. Lenz had a great chance to equal the game late as she beat her defender and went in one-on-one with Mechanicsburg goalkeeper Nikki Keiser. The goalie forced Lenz to take a shot from the side and her low kick beat Keiser, but clanked off the goal post and caromed out to Payge Alexander, who cleared it out of danger.

Alexander missed the start of the game because she was in Maryland playing in a state Cup game, but arrived in time and proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Shamrock attack.

Moments after Lenz hit the post, Alicia Mirando tied the contest, slipping a cross from Insley into the net and sending the contest to overtime.

Alie Zelenky had a key defensive play for the Wildcats, redirecting a blast by Nicole Mahaffey over the end line for a Shamrock corner.

At the other end of the field, Schultz came up with the save of the game moments later as she sprawled out to tip a shot by Arnold wide left.

Keiser, who is headed to East Stroudsburg to play soccer, ended the contest as she ricocheted a ball off the post and into the cage. The play was set up by Brandt who turned the corner and dribbled the baseline and sent a ball across the crease area.

“It was a good game back and forth. They are used to playing forty minutes and we are not,” said Shamrocks head coach Terry Mull. “That was their fifth game this week. It was a good game for us-a challenging game for us and we are not going to see speed like that in the AA tournament.”

“This was a good win for us,” said Mechanicsburg head coach Tony Lougee. “It has been a long week. It is our fifth game but we’ll take it.

“I think we did what we needed to do tonight. It was great for our kids to come back in overtime to get that goal.”

Mechanicsburg (11-4) clinched a District 3 tournament bid by winning the tournament opener against C.D. East. Jodie Zelenky tallied a goal and added two assists. Megan Keiser, Alex Brandt and Ali Matisse scored for the Wildcats who held the Panthers to one shot on goal.

Trinity used goals from Katie Lenz, Alicia Mirando and Caroline Ruminski to build a 3-0 lead and held off a Hamburg squad that tallied two goals in the middle of the second half. They had several opportunities to score the equalizer but couldn’t capitalize.

Mechanicsburg travels to Hershey on Tuesday. Trinity returns home to host Camp Hill on Monday.

2008 Booster Club All-Tournament Team

Alex Brandt, Mechanicsburg; Ali Matisse, Mechanicsburg; Jodie Zelenky, Mechanicsburg; Megan Keiser, Mechanicsburg; Cara McCormick, Trinity; Katie Lenz, Trinity; Alicia Mirando, Trinity; Rachael Holt, Trinity; Gillian Dolen, C.D. East; Nicole Miller, C.D. East; Mollie Delp, C.D. East; Sami Given, C.D. East; Jenna Moyer, Hamburg; Kelsey Neppes, Hamburg; Denise Thomas, Hamburg; Haley Vollmer, Hamburg.

By Jeffrey Kauffman; Sentinel Reporter

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Hershey slips by Mechanicsburg

April 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

A steady rain made everything slick at Northside Elementary in Mechanicsburg on Thursday.

None more important than the soccer ball that left Hershey forward Caroline Brown’s foot in the last five minutes of regulation.

Brown’s shot was blocked by Mechanicsburg sophomore goalkeeper Nikki Keiser but slipped through her hands for the game-deciding goal, lifting the Trojans past the Wildcats 2-1.

That winning shot wasn’t the only time Brown had a significant impact on Thursday’s game. The sophomore set the tone for the entire game just 51 seconds into the first half ��“ her goal on a straight shot from the right side, assisted by teammate Riliegh McHugh, gave Hershey an early lead.

Trojans head coach Jeff Rosensteel admitted the early cushion gave his side some confidence. The Hershey defense prevented any early Mechanicsburg breakaways, giving its offense ample opportunities to extend the lead.

But even though the Trojans were prepared for the Wildcats’ quick game play, the speed generated by Mechanicsburg was more than Rosensteel had planned on.

“Their quickness in the back … we knew they were quick in the back but they really had us off balance in the first half, big time.”

Hershey finished with just four first-half shots and two corner kicks.

Meanwhile, the Wildcat offense slowly wore away at the Trojans.

Almost every breakaway attempt by Mechanicsburg forwards Megan Keiser and Jodie Zelenky ended with Hershey defensive back Nikki Onorato. The Trojan junior played deep enough, and was fast enough, to keep up with the Wildcat forwards.

Finally, Megan Keiser put Mechanicsburg on the board with just 18 seconds left in the first half when Zelenky recovered a deflected Wildcat corner opportunity and sent a ball to the left side of the Hershey goal. Keiser put a head on the ball past Trojans reserve goalie Shannon Fedyk.

“(The Trojans) are about the best defense there is,” said Mechanicsburg head coach Tony Lougee. “We did everything humanly possible to (score).”

After being out-shot (6-4) and out-cornered (8-2) in the first half, Hershey clamped down on the Wildcats’ offense in the second. In fact, Mechanicsburg didn’t register its first shot of the second half until the 68th minute — 27:10 into the second — when a straight shot by Alex Brandt was snagged by Hershey starting goalie Katie Wagner.

With Onorato shutting down the Mechanicsburg forwards, Brandt was literally the Wildcats’ offensive attack in the second half, registering all three of her team’s shots in the final 40 minutes, including a knock that rang off the crossbar in the 70th minute.

Though the shot dropped in front of the goal, Mechanicsburg couldn’t push it across for the deciding goal.

“I thought we turned a little bit around in the second half,” said Rosensteel. “Their shot off the crossbar, of course that was huge, too.”

This time, it was the Trojans’ offensive pressure that slowly wore away the Mechanicsburg defense Hershey out-shot the Wildcats 7-3 in the second half, culminating in Brown’s game-winning strike.

By Tom Ash; Sentinel Reporter; tash@cumberlink.com

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Hershey downs Mechanicsburg 2-1

April 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Caroline Brown scored two goals — the second with five minutes remaining in the second half — and Kate Wagner made five saves as Hershey turned aside Mechanicsburg 2-1 in Mid-Penn Keystone Division girls’ soccer action Thursday night at Northside Elementary.

The victory was the sixth straight for the Trojans (6-0, 2-0), who are angling for their second straight Keystone Division crown.

Megan Keiser accounted for the lone goal for the Wildcats (5-1, 3-1), scoring with 18.4 seconds to go before the halftime break.

By Michael Bullock; The Patriot News

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GIRLS’ SOCCER: MID-PENN KEYSTONE PREVIEW

April 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

GETTYSBURG Warriors

Coach: Chad Wright. 2007 record: 5-10-1 (4-7-1 division).

Counterattacks: A lengthy run in the state basketball tournament caused the Warriors to start slowly, but Wright hopes his group won’t suffer through a repeat of 2007. Williams, an athletic handful up top, and Jacobs, a possible NCAA Division I recruit in goal, likely won’t let that happen. Will need to generate some balance offensively.

Top returnees: Katie Williams (sr STR, 16g, 5a, first-team all-star), Sarah Hoffman (sr MF, 1g, 3a, second-team all-star), Katie Jacobs (sr GK, 2 shutouts), Jordyn Newman (sr STR, 7g, 0a), Mia Rawleigh (so MF, 0g, 7a), Kelsey Shaffer (jr MF, 0g, 0a), Allison Rostad (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Brittany Johnstone (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Emily Clark (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Lyssa White (so DEF, 0g, 0a), Rachel Rudisill (sr MF, 1g, 0a).

HERSHEY Trojans

Coach: Jeff Rosensteel. 2007 record: 18-6 (10-2 division). Reached District 3-AAA consolation semifinals.

Counterattacks: Anything less than a state bid will be a major disappointment for the Trojans, who won the Keystone and just missed the PIAA playoffs. Hershey easily is the Keystone’s most balanced side. While Brown appears ready to make a serious impact, the innovative Jones has an endless supply of tricks. Can you say Keystone repeat?

Top returnees: Sarah Malpezzi (sr DEF/MF, 3g, 2a, first-team all-star), Nikki Onorato (jr DEF, 1g, 1a, second-team all-star), Bree Orth (sr STR, 8g, 8a, second-team all-star), Chrissy Cantore (sr MF/STR, 0g, 0a in ‘06), Emily Briggs (jr DEF, 0g, 1a), Daylene Castaldi (jr MF, 2g, 1a), Kendra Jones (jr MF, 7g, 6a), Lindsay McNeal (jr STR, 10g, 3a), Arielle Weil (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Ali Rogers (jr DEF, 0g, 1a), Caroline Brown (so MF, 12g, 8a), Rileigh McHugh (so DEF, 1g, 3a), Casey Boyer (so DEF, 4g, 4a), Kate Wagner (jr GK, Hershey had 11 shutouts in ‘07). Top newcomers: Molly Briggs (fr STR), Allysa Voelmle (fr DEF), Carrie Cin (fr DEF).

LOWER DAUPHIN Falcons

Coach: Randy Behney. 2007 record: 10-5-1 (9-2-1 division). Reached District 3-AAA playoffs.

Counterattacks: Lauren Alwine, LD’s incredibly talented striker, is headed next to the University of Virginia. For those who have yet to catch one of her high-octane performances: GO SEE HER PLAY. Of course, the hard-working Diamond also is capable of springing free for a timely finish. How a rebuilt D fares will be the ultimate key to LD’s success. Will challenge.

Top returnees: Lauren Alwine (sr STR, 8g, 8a, Keystone Division co-player of the year, all-state, NSCAA All-American), Carrie Diamond (jr MF, 13g, 6a, first-team all-star), Sarah Black (jr MF, 3g, 0a, second-team all-star), Steph Meador (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Chelsea Miller (sr MF, 0g, 0a), Alex Volovar (sr STR, 1g, 0a). Top newcomers: Rachel Stohler (sr STR), Ellen Legro (jr MF), Olivia Olt (so DEF), Kaitlyn Plouse (so DEF), Brianna White (so STR), Emma Dahmus (so STR), Taylor Alwine (fr GK), Alanna Dunkle (fr STR), Caity Fox (fr MF).

MECHANICSBURG Wildcats

Coach: Tony Lougee. 2007 record: 14-6-1 (8-3-1 division). Reached District 3-AAA round of 16.

The big picture: Searching for a club that should be extremely entertaining? Lougee’s potent Wildcats might be the one. With the technically superior Brandt and the high-pitched Megan Keiser, Mechanicsburg already sported plenty of offense. Stitch in Zelenky and Matisse and the tach jumps a few hundred RPMs. Defensive issues need to be solved, but these folks will be fun to watch.

Counterattacks: Alex Brandt (jr MF, 9g, 8a, Keystone Division co-player of the year, all-state), Payge Alexander (jr DEF, 3g, 0a, first-team all-star), Nicole Keiser (so GK, 0g, 1a, 4 shutouts, second-team all-star), Megan Keiser (sr STR, 8g, 4a), Ariel Arnold (so MF, 3g, 0a), Jen Siler (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Krissa Saultz (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Alie Zelenky (jr MF, 1g, 0a). Top newcomers: Jody Zelenky (fr STR), Ali Matisse (fr MF), Rachel Hutchinson (sr MF).

MIDDLETOWN Blue Raiders

Coach: Chris Hunter. 2007 record: 11-9-1 (3-8-1 division). Reached District 3-AA round of 16.

Counterattacks: While it only seems that Brennan has been perched in the crease since Y2K, the talented netminder finally is winding down her career. If Stewart can punch a few holes in opposing defenses, a thin Middletown side will give plenty of people fits in its last Keystone run before relocating to the Capital. A 3-AA invite is possible.

Top returnees: Kelly Brennan (sr GK, 7 shutouts, first-team all-star), Bre Stewart (jr STR, 8g, 4a, second-team all-star), Mandee Rados (sr DEF, 2g, 1a), Lauren Ciccocioppo (sr MF, 0g, 1a), Megan Frailey (jr MF, 4g, 0a). Top newcomers: Emileigh Lloyd (fr GK).

NORTHERN Polar Bears

Coach: Mindy Smith. 2007 record: 6-11-2 (3-9 division).

The big picture: The Polar Bears are desperately trying to crank up the attack and post some offensive numbers. Northern rang up just 12 Keystone scores in ‘07 — with five of those goals coming in one game. No wonder Smith is counting on a handful of sophomores to bring pop to a Polar Bears O. Keep an eye on Adams, a big, athletic keeper who can really play.

Counterattacks: Cait Shanahan (sr DEF, 2g, 0a), Danielle Kauffman (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Jaycie Walton (sr STR, 5g, 4a), Brittany Adams (jr GK, 5 shutouts), Dani Cappellett (jr MF, 3g, 0a), Morgan DeLuca (sr STR, 1g, 0a), Rachael Hurst (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Molly Veres (jr DEF, 0g, 0a). Top newcomers: Maegan Boucher (so MF), Alicia Frey (so STR), Jess Lowery (so MF), Shannon Casey (so MF), Taylor Nilson (so MF).

PALMYRA Cougars

Coach: Garfield De Silva. 2007 record: 8-10-2 (2-8-2 division).

Counterattacks: De Silva found some talented athletes waiting when he checked into Palmyra, but injecting a winning attitude may be his first priority. Generating balance in the attack to aid the dangerous Cooper would be another plus. Potentially explosive group that could cause plenty of damage.

Top returnees: Molly Cooper (jr STR, 12g, 2a, first-team all-star), Chelsi Jefferies (sr STR, 8g, 5a, second-team all-star), Liz Tena (sr DEF, 1g, 2a), Amanda Sotack (sr DEF, 2g, 0a), Maddie Mitchell (so MF, 2g, 2a), Kaitlyn Hogue (so STR, 0g, 0a), Lindsay Bowman (so MF, 2g, 3a), Casey Behrendt (so GK, 0g, 1a, 2 shutouts), Rosie Keys (so DEF, 2g, 0a). Top newcomer: Kaitlin Soucey (fr MF).

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