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08/30/2008

Waterville has a major challenge this season after finishing 17-1-1 last season, along with a trip to the Class A state final. That challenge will be to maintain a high level of play on a daily basis, against each opponent on the schedule.

Nine starters return from a team that outscored opponents 101-4.

"The players know what we have to do to get better," Waterville coach Ian Wilson said. "We have a lot of strength from top to bottom, so our challenge is to be good in every phase of the game and to improve in practice every day."

Senior goalkeeper Taylor Hart and defender Anna Thurston will lead an exceptional defensive group, while senior Paige Gardiner anchors the midfield, and senior Steph Whitten heads up Waterville's offensive attack.

Wilson expects a serious challenge from Mt. Blue and Brunswick this season. He also expects to face a number of teams that will try to slow the torrid pace the Purple Panthers set during games.

"We are going to have to be patient and learn how to deal with teams playing eight players in the box against us," Wilson said. "Plus, we have to be aware that there are some very good teams in our league."

After a trip to the East A semifinals last season, Mt. Blue is geared to make a run at Waterville. The Cougars return all but three players from last season.

Lawrence returns 12 players from a team that reached the playoffs last season and should be in the mix under new coach Jill Lathan. Elsewhere in the northern division of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference, Messalonskee, Nokomis and Skowhegan are all looking to build for a drive toward a playoff berth.

In the KVAC's southern division, Cony coach Jeremy Greenleaf has an experienced group including 11 letter winners.

"We have quite a few returning starters and a lot of nice role players as well," Greenleaf said. "We're very athletic."

KVAC Class B

Twelve players who led Winslow to four consecutive appearances in the Class B state final game have graduated leaving the Black Raiders looking to an untested group of young players.

"We have a lot of kids who we will be expecting a lot from," Winslow coach Scott Wood said. "They have been role players and now it is their chance."

Seniors Beth Fisher, Kasey Paquette, Lindsey Lachance, Christina Massey, and Brooke Wood return to give the Black Raiders a strong group of leaders.

"We have a good core of players that everyone can develop around," Wood said. "I think we will be competitive with a lot of close games."

Erskine, which went unbeaten in the regular season and lost to Winslow in the playoffs, also graduated the bulk of its lineup. The Eagles will look for leadership from seniors Callie Thompson and Brittney Doughty.

Defense will be the team's strength in the early going but with 48 candidates to choose from at tryouts, coach Ryan Nored expects some of his younger players to emerge.

Maranacook is the third of the traditional powers in the KVAC's Class B division and should bounce back after a somewhat subpar 8-4-2 season.

"We've got some experience at all positions but not a lot of depth like we've had in the past," Maranacook coach Peter Poulin said. "Our biggest hole right now is finding a goalie."

Mt. View and MCI may have a tough time breaking into the top tier while Gardiner, under first-year coach Matt Dineen, could be a surprise. The Tigers return 14 players from a team that won eight games including a playoff contest last season.

Oak Hill also returns a number of experienced players and could be a factor in the KVAC race.

Mountain Valley Conference

Georges Valley is still the team to beat in the MVC but Mt. Abram returns three of the top players in the conference in Rachel Fullerton, Rebecca Fullerton and Rebecca London.

Winthrop has a number of goal scorers, including Katherine Fortin who missed all but two games last season with a broken leg.

"We've got some nice seasoned veterans and senior leadership," Winthrop coach Marc Fortin said.

Hall-Dale graduated 10 seniors and lost another to transfer from last year's 13-win team, but the Bulldogs also have 13 returning players.

"Even though we lost 11 players I think we'll surprise some people," Hall-Dale coach Guy Cousins said. "I think Georges Valley and Mt. Abram are the top dogs."

Monmouth is rebuilding with a young squad while Madison and Carrabec hope to build on modest success last season.

East/West Conference

The door is open for teams who have watched Richmond dominate the conference of late.

The defending Class D state champs return just one starter and currently have only 12 players on their team.

"If we could compete for a tournament spot that would be a pretty viable goal," Richmond coach Troy Kendrick said.

Kendrick sees Buckfield and Rangeley as the toughest teams on his schedule while Valley, anchored by a strong defense, should also be improved.

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