The Central Catholic girls soccer team strolled through the Merrimack Valley Conference and pushed into the Division 1 round of 16 in 2025.
With nine starters back, including All-American Sarah Tressler, the Raiders have sights set on an encore that might dwarf the accomplishments of a year ago.
“We return a strong core of players who bring experience and a great deal of leadership to the group, and our four captains have already done an excellent job setting the tone for the team,” said Jami Hayden, who welcomed her second child into the world on opening week and has temporarily handed the reins over to Casey Grange for the time being.
“The girls are hungry, they’re motivated, and they’re eager to build on what we accomplished last season. Our goal is to continue growing together, compete at a high level, and make an even deeper run in the tournament this year.”
The midfielder Tressler was our Player of the Year in 2025, as well as the conference player of the year. She netted 16 goals with 10 assists along the way.
Fellow senior captain Sarah Parker returns off a huge season in net, during which she made 50 saves and allowed just five goals in 820 minutes played.
Addison Brosnihan, in the midfield, and Molly Rennell, on the defensive end, are rock-solid competitors with tons of experience.
Andover rebuilding quickly
Andover High returns veterans, but many of them will be seeing regular varsity action for the first time as only three starters are back.
Those three are underclassmen, with sophomores Hannah Lee (3 goals, 1 assist in 2025) and Catherine Stempek along with junior Lily Heckman.
“We have some key players returning, but we’ve also had to fill some important gaps from last year. Our returning lettermen have stepped into bigger roles, and our two young goalkeepers have done a great job filling the void left by graduation,” said coach Meghan Matson.
“The team has worked incredibly hard and really started to come together during preseason. They have great chemistry, they enjoy playing together, and they’re a fun group to coach. The captains Alexis Ross, Savannah Ross, and Silvie Storch have done a great job leading the team and setting the tone for a successful season.”
Damour, Knights stepping up
Emma Damour took over full-time in goal a year ago for North Andover, and her game simply took off.
The senior and reigning MVC Goalie of the Year, made 107 saves with a 0.98 goals against average, helping the Knights to a spot in the Division 1 tourney.
“We have a great group of soccer players who I believe will compete for the MVC title and make a strong showing in the postseason,” said coach Lisa Rasanen. “Our team has the athleticism, skill, and desire to compete at the highest level—qualities that every successful high school team needs.”
Seven starters return in front of Damour, including captains Niki Daley and Lila Credi. The fourth captain, Bella Raposo, will be called on to anchor the defense.
Cameron Kvaternik is the team’s top returning scorer with six goals and three assists a year ago.
Cederman leads Hillies
Coming off a 10-6-4 campaign and a trip to the Division 1 round of 32 in the tourney a year ago, Haverhill High School is back and ready again.
Two-year captain and Eagle-Tribune All-Star Makaylla Cederman is back for her senior campaign.
Already a two-time all-conference choice, Cederman scored 19 goals with 15 assists a year ago. When she scored in the season opener against Billerica, it was career goal No. 55 for the Hillies.
Haverhill currently rides a streak of three straight state tourney appearances.
Keeper Meredith MacIver was sharp in the opener as well.
Aleigh Gonzalez was an honorable mention Eagle-Tribune All-Star forward in 2025. Brie Renzella and Laila Zoubir are off to strong starts this fall.
Rangers, Lancers building
Methuen High continues to build from the ground up. The Rangers are still young but climbing behind seniors Caroline Czachor and Quinn Laflamme on the defensive end.
Senior Alexandra McKenna was an honorable mention Eagle-Tribune All-Star choice a year ago and is back on the forward line, and goalie Leah Hunter returns in net.
Lawrence High is what coach Tom Angerhofer says is, “a feisty squad that leans young looks build its present and future while competing at a high level in the Merrimack Valley Conference.”