There’s a changing of the guard within Harford County’s upper echelon.
C. Milton Wright won the Class 2A North Region I championship and played in the state quarterfinal round last November. Then, the Mustangs graduated 11 seniors. Similarly, after capturing a 1A regional title then surging to the state semifinal, Fallston cleared house graduating 16 seniors.
Both Mustangs coach Kelsey Lovelace and Cougars coach Jackie Cummings spoke eagerly of their returners and newcomers filling larger shoes.
Here’s a look around the county (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):
Aberdeen
Coach: Emily Pecora, third season
Last year: 10-3, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Imala Grant (Inside), Nevaeh Kelly (Goalie); sophomores Alexis Gasiorowski (Wing) and Sarah Boone (Center back).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Milada Morales (Left Back) and sophomore Parneet Waraich (Wing).
Coach’s outlook: “We have a good mix this year, but a lot of new dynamics that will need to be considered. We have several new players, so it feels like a ‘new team’ for our third year in a row. I’m hoping the girls enjoy the season, make lasting friendships, and walk away feeling proud of their accomplishments, however small they may seem.”
Bel Air
Coach: Megan Lukasavage, fourth season
Last year: 10-5, regional finalist
Top returners: Seniors Paige Feick (Midfield), Bella León (Attack), Julian Feurer (Defender) and Sydney Kennedy (Goalie).
Newcomer to watch: Junior Annie Donahue (Defender).
Coach’s outlook: “We’re looking forward to a great season. The work that several individuals — Paige Feick, Ava Barnes, Maeve Alliger, Avery Frank, Amelia Mason, Bella León and Julian Feurer to name a few — did in the offseason was immediately apparent and it’s translating to really great play on the field.”
C. Milton Wright
Coach: Kelsey Lovelace, sixth season
Last year:10-4 overall, state quarterfinalist
Top returners: Senior Phoebe Hennessy (Goalie), juniors Paytin Gossman (Forward), Josie Mouring (Midfield) and Morgan Thomas (Midfield); sophomore Reese Rizzi (Midfield).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Olivia Fox, Alexa Faber, Ella Siefert and Arianna Morse; sophomore Reagan Weigman Venizelos.
Coach’s outlook: “We will be a young developing team this season after losing 11 seniors from a season ago. It’s never easy to replace a strong senior class that had multiple four-year starters, multiple all conference, all-county, and all-state players selections in it. However, we have a new wave of young talented players that we will carry us for this season and seasons to come. As a veteran coach you know that good players come in “waves” and you build off of them. I am excited to work with my next wave of players and lay the foundation building blocks this season. Each day the girls are putting in the work to come together. It’s going to be a fun year to watch the growth happen.”
Edgewood
Coach: Adriana Pizzadili, second season
Last year: 2-10
Top returners: Seniors Olivia Huddler (Goalie) and Cassie Binesar (Defense); junior Michaela Blackburn (Midfield).
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “This season Edgewood field hockey continues to work towards growing our program. Our five returning players from last season have worked tirelessly to recruit new players for a sport that is not typically played or accessible in our area of the county. I am so proud of their efforts. We will work hard each and every day to instill the knowledge and love of the game in our new players. Keep an eye out for our goalie, she is not one to be missed.”
Fallston’s Lilly Burns, left, races to the ball against Pokomoke’s Maddie Cornwell during a state semifinal last season. (John Gillis/Freelance)
Fallston
Coach: Jackie Cummings, seventh season
Last year: 7-7, 1A Regional Champions, state semifinalist
Top returners: Senior Lilly Burns (Forward), juniors Olivia Parker (Midfield) and Auggie McCarthy (Goalie); sophomore Layla King (Midfield).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Kaylee Dillard (Defense), sophomore Reagan Stevens (Midfield) and freshman Avery Lane (Goalie).
Coach’s outlook: “This season is going to be a lot of hard work and growth, although we graduated 16 seniors from last year’s team, we are looking forward to a great season with a lot of returning starters ready to lead and some key newcomers who are ready to step up and grab a starting spot.”
Harford Tech
Coach: Alice Hunter, second season
Last year: 6-5
Top returners: Seniors Jenna Fisher (Mid), and Emma Wrzosek (Def); junior Sadie Atkinson (Forward).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Willow Warnick (Forward).
Havre de Grace
Coach: Kristeena Bakke
Last year: 4-12
Top returners: Seniors Camie Nguyen (Sweeper), Natalie Burton (attack), Mackey Bakke (attack), Ella Pensell (midfield) and Allison Crawford (midfield).
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Katie Crawford (Goalie).
Coach’s outlook: “Our team is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment that emphasizes character development. We believe in the importance of teaching our players valuable life lessons while they compete. This year’s theme, ‘Possibilities,’ reflects our optimism and belief in the potential of these young women. We can’t wait to see what they achieve and look forward to a successful season.”
John Carroll
Coach: Jazmin Petrantonio, first season
Top returners: Seniors Sami Bender (Midfielder) and Claire Moffitt (Forward); juniors Josie Bianco (Goalie) and Leah Foltyn (Midfielder); sophomores Kamrhn Plotts (Midfielder) and Lily Welling (Defender).
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Sarah Muneses (Defender).
Coach’s outlook: “We have a very dynamic and skilled team. They’re practicing and competing like underdogs.”
North Harford
Coach: Kellie Fialcowitz, first year
Last year: 9-5, regional finalist
Top returners: Seniors Mollie Fialcowitz (attack) and Jordan Lawson (goalie); and junior Lila Barnaba (attack).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Olivia Tucker (midfield) and Kimberly Dreyer (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “We are returning a handful of starters, but we shouldn’t be overlooked. With an experienced senior class and strong junior class, speed and feistiness will be the key to our success.”
Patterson Mill
Coach: Julia DeLuca, fourth season
Last year: 8-4
Top returners: Seniors Maddie Tunney (Center midfield) and Payton Chase (Forward); junior Lilly Dove (Midfield)
Newcomers to watch: Senior Lucy Bates (Forward) and junior Sam Chittum (Forward).
Coach’s outlook: “I want a regional championship this year. I think if we can stay consistent and take advantage of offensive opportunities, we can reach that goal.”
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