Published: September 01, 2008 10:47 pm      

GIRLS X-COUNTRY: Season Preview

Despite finishing last season at an impressive 13-1, eighth-year coach Don Sauer expects even more out of his girls cross country team at Grand Island High School this fall.

“I think this should be one of the strongest teams we’ve had in recent memory,” he said.

Leading that charge will be junior Maritina Tsembelis, the younger sister of Section VI Class A champion Evan Tsembelis. Also back for GI is sophomore Dominique DeGregorio.

Lewiston-Porter

Two-time first team all-NFL runner Kelsey McGill anchors a strong core of returnees that also includes honorable mention performer Jennifer Raby, according to fourth-year coach Gary Raby.

“Since we’re returning all of our runners, we should be in the thick of the league race,” the coach said.

Niagara Falls

After completing one their most successful seasons in recent memory, the Wolverines graduated five of their top seven runners from a year ago and expect this season to be one of rebuilding. Leading second-year coach Israel Martinez’ team will be senior Bashiyra Doss, sophomore Ashleigh Green, freshman Crystal Hailey and junior Samantha Stonebraker.

Niagara-Wheatfield

The Falcons are “a little thin” this year, according to 45th-year coach Dick Bartha. But Bartha still believes they can compete with a few other teams in the NFL with juniors Stephanie Bowman and Amanda Ward leading the way.

Wilson

The Lakewomen return a number of key runners, making a Niagara-Orleans League title a distinct possibility.

“The girls have a real strong core returning… so we hope to be very competitive in the N-O league,” 10th-year coach Brett Sippel said.

State qualifier Kari Kopchick, a senior, headlines a long list of returnees. Also back is first team all-N-O junior Amber Lehman, second-team all-N-O sophomore Alaina Kopchick and senior Kayla O’Keefe.

Starpoint

The Lady Spartans return all five starters from a year ago, but 20th-year coach Brian Lasher knows a third consecutive Section VI Class A title won’t come without dedication.

“My preliminary observations are that offseason preparation is inconsistent for some, but we’re still very capable of repeating as champions with hard work,” he said.

First team all-ECIC seniors Christie Lilienthal and Lauren Scarupa will lead the Lady Spartans’ pack. Also returning is senior Cassie Weldon and sophomore Molly Emerick, both second team all-ECIC runners a year ago. Freshman Courtney Laderer rounds out the starters.

• Seniors Erica Marconi and Donna Gorman along with sophomore Ashley Krier return for 10th-year coach Joanne Ehman’s Kenmore West squad. … No other teams submitted information.