Published: August 28, 2008 10:39 pm      

H.S. GIRLS SOCCER: Starpoint, Wilson want league titles; rest of NFL seeks improvement

Dave Bowman is not afraid to admit that the rest of the Niagara Frontier League and Section VI is catching up to his program.

But the third-year Grand Island girls soccer coach will certainly not concede that his program is slipping. After all the Vikings have won eight consecutive NFL titles and advanced to the state tournament more than any other Section VI program in the past decade.

“A lot of the teams in Western New York are getting better because they’re working harder and they’re getting better talent,” Bowman explained. “But we have to return the favor and work just as hard and continue to develop our kids into talented players.”

And after losing three players that earned all-state honors at some point during their distinguished careers, Bowman knows there is no better time than now for that type of progression.

Leading the charge will be junior midfielder Jordan Dudish, a first team all-NFL pick a year ago. Also back is second team all-NFL senior defender Jamie Raepple, junior midfielder Liz Lorence and sophomore forward Jenna Raepple. Junior Kristen Wegrzyn will likely take over at goalkeeper, although Bowman said he has not fully completed his starting lineup.

“We’ve got some fairly young talent that I need to integrate in, but if we work hard and get some cohesion out there, I anticipate another very good year,” Bowman said.

Lewiston-Porter

The Lancers have one of their most talented teams in years, leaving first-year

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coach Dave Sicoli extremely excited this fall. Senior Emily Marin, a first team all-NFL performer a year ago, is back to anchor the defense. Also back on defense is Sam Wilber, a second team all-NFL honoree. Offensively, second team all-NFL forward Jenna Van Dusen returns as the team’s leading goal scorer. Third team all-NFL midfielder Gretchen Herb is also back.

“With a JV record of 13-4-1 and many talented players moving up to join our already-strong group, we’re looking for a fairly productive year that improves on last year’s record,” Sicoli said.

Niagara Falls

Despite losing a pair of players that earned all-NFL honors a year ago, the Wolverines and fourth-year coach Mia Bianco are confident improvement is on the horizon.

“We have a positive outlook on the upcoming season and we are going to give it all we’ve got,” she said.

Leading a strong group of returnees is senior forward Darcie Rosinski. Also back is senior midfielder Joanna Monaco and senior defender Nikita Ventresca.

“We hope to work together as a team and specifically work together on our defense,” Bianco said.

Niagara-Wheatfield

The Falcons were hit hard by graduation, most notably with Niagara Gazette Player of the Year and Seton Hall freshman Ashley Beamish. Also lost was goalie Kyrstin Lekki. Still, fourth-year coach Pete Cerny is optimistic that his team can continue to climb up the NFL standings.

“We have a young team that will follow in the footsteps of our established standards of high work ethic and high morality,” Cerny said.

First team all-NFL sweeper Madison Brown return for the Falcons, along with senior midfielder Katie Higgins and junior midfielder Emily Carl.

Wilson

The reigning Class B finalists lost a number of key players, but still expect to be strong in the Niagara-Orleans League. First-year coach Melanie Rider welcomes back Lockport Union Sun & Journal Player of the Year Molly Curry, junior defender Kaitlyn Thompson and senior defender Sabrina Brown this fall. Curry, a sophomore, led the Lakewomen in goals a year ago, yet was mysteriously was relegated to only second team all-N-O. Also back is junior midfielder Lindsay Frauen and junior defender Cassie Wheeler.

“It’s a privilege to be coaching this team,” Rider said. “The girls have been training hard and are ready to succeed on and off the field this year.”

Starpoint

The Lady Spartans lost not a single starter from last season’s ECIC III championship squad. Leading that group of returnees for sixth-year coach Beth Couch is senior midfielder Nicole Borner. She was a first team all-ECIC III player last fall and an Empire State Games gold medalist this past summer. Also back is senior forward Teresa Delabio, sophomore midfielder Marissa Chaffee, sophomore defender Ashley Wallace, junior defender Catie Hale and senior defender Jessica Doores.

“We hope to finish as league champs and make it to the sectional finals this year,” Couch said.

Niagara Catholic

New coach Brian Harrison is stressing a team concept for the Patriots after losing all-Monsignor Martin performers Jen Hare and Maggie Bax to graduation.

“We are a very young close-knit team with a strong work ethic,” Harrison said. “The girls enthusiasm to learn and improve will hopefully carry on to a successful year.”