The Colonial Valley Conference has produced many great teams and games over the years and it appears this year could be something special.
You have the addition of Princeton Day to the Colonial Division making it a very powerful division. Allentown is loaded again, Notre Dame is primed to make a run, Princeton will be young and improved and Sara Wagner returns to Hopewell Valley and is looking to create that magic again.
The Valley Division has just about every team looking to stake a claim on the title. West Windsor-Plainsboro North picked up some great experience last year. Hightstown is coming off one of their best ever, Robbinsville will be improved, Lawrence and WW-P South will be young and will challenge everyone.
Steinert has won the Patriot the last two years, but Hamilton West is knocking on the door and they should have some battles this season. Nottingham and Ewing will be improved and might pull a few surprises. Ewing welcomes Danielle Hickey to the sidelines this season as coach.
Here are the division alignments:
Colonial Division: Allentown, Hopewell Valley, Notre Dame, Princeton, Princeton Day
Valley Division: Hightstown, Lawrence, Robbinsville, West Windsor-Plainsboro North, West Windsor-Plainsboro South
Patriot Division: Ewing, Hamilton West, Nottingham, Steinert
Allentown
Coach: Justin Schmid (2nd season)
Assistant Coaches: Amy Kranchalk, Danielle Sullivan, Mike Mintchwarner, Jen Chiusano
2023 Record: 22-2; MCT finalist; CVC Colonial champ; SJ Group II finalist;
Roster: Megan Conroy (So., G), Chloe Conti (Sr., M), Marleigh White (Fr., M), Adriana Surace (Jr., M), Victoria Stawaris (So., D), Mya Lourenco (Jr., A), Bella Magliozzo (So., D), Miranda Ricciardi (Sr., M), Hayden Raff (So., A), Addison Wagner (So., A), Abby von Harten (Sr., M), Lauren Castellano (Sr., D), Ava Mintchwarner (Jr., D), Charley Wotjowicz (Jr., D), Delaney Nolan (Jr., A), Shannon Leahy (St.., A), Chloe Tomlinson (So., D), Allegra Alexander (Fr.), Madison Sullivan (Fr.).
Outlook: The Redbirds had an amazing season in 2023 and with a very talented group returning this season the expectations could be even higher. Delaney Nolan, Chloe Conti and May Lourenco have been the catalyst in the past and should benefit from a much tougher schedule. The defense will be looking to replace a couple and will be a work in progress for a few games, but overall Allentown is one of the top teams in the state. The return of Jen Chiusano as an assistant coach will help, too.
Ewing
Coach: Danielle Hickey (1st season)
2023 Record: 2-14
Roster: Aishat Akindele (So., D), Cherry Araya (Jr., A/M), Sarah Ashenfelter (Sr., M), Franchesca Edouard (Jr., A/M), Izzy Francois (Jr., D), Jackie Gonzalez (So., A), Angie Gamajo-Lopez (So., G/D), Emily Guzman-Solares (So., D), Brielle Jenkins (Sr., D), Ava Loesch (Jr., A/M), Marelin Lopez Gregorio (Sr., A), Ashley Reyes-Palacios (Jr., M), Ynsi Santiago (Jr., A), Diana Vasquez (Jr., M), Stephanie Camblard (So., D), Cristina Carmichael Gist (Sr., D), Niomi Glover (Sr., D), Lydia Green (Sr., D), Kayla Smith (So., G)
Outlook: The Blue Devils have a new coach in Danielle Hickey and they have a key loss in Sierra Mitchell (94 goals), but it’s a young team that is working hard to get better every day. This is a young team that is excited about the season and excited about just getting better every day.
Hamilton West
Coach: Katie Bloodgood (3rd season)
Assistant Coaches: Shannon Maher, Madison Bressler, Brandon Johnson
2023 Record: 10-5
Roster: Morgan Bressler (Sr., A/M), Mallory Gavrish (Sr., D), Rachel Nixon (Sr., M), Miranda Sommer (Sr., M/D), Ava Clugsten (Jr., A), Isabella Conte (Jr., D/M), Victoria Mazur (Jr., M/A), Ava Riley (Jr., M), Ava Rogalinski (Jr., M), Sofia Urgiles Vasquez (Jr., D), Erin Gioscio (So., M/D), Amelia Reed (So., A/M), Fayrouz Ahmed (Sr., G), Casandra Canonico (So., M/A), Danilyn Conte (Fr., M/A), Sabrina Gonzalez-Leon (So., G), Mame Gueye (Jr., A), Solomia Khometskyy (Sr., D), Ashley Solares-Velasco (Jr., D), Ashley Salguero (Sr., M/D).
Outlook: There is plenty of talented players returning for West and they will make another run for a division title. It’s a hard working group that has been preparing diligently for the season. Morgan Bressler is a top scorer in the area and will be one of Hamilton’s senior leaders. West continues to add depth and that is a situation that makes everyone better. They will be a factor in the division.
Hightstown
Coach: Erin Scheno (5th season)
Assistant Coaches: Tom Heaney, Ashleigh Boyce
2023 Record: 11-9; CVC Valley champ
Roster: Samantha Acque (So., A), Lina Agbotui (Sr., D), Rachna Acharya (So., A), Mallory Bertrand (Sr., D) Sophie Cammarata (Jr., M), Gianna De Leon(Jr., M), Grace Kim (Fr., M), Sarah Maldonado (Jr., M), Kate Mrvica (Jr., D), Olivia Venittelli (Sr., A), Grace Weissenberger (Jr., A), Julia Salter (Jr., D), Alexandra Quigg (So., D), Elle Quigg (So., A), Alexa Wershing (So., M), Anisa Mascoll (So., M), Lily Fleming (So., G), Peyton Ruina (Sr., G), Madison Whittington (Jr.,D).
Outlook: The hope at Hightstown is that success breeds success as the Rams are coming off their best season in several years. There is good balance of veterans and newcomers on the roster and the returning players bring valuable experience and leadership. The newcomers have some talent and through hard work the Rams are planning on building on the success of 2023.
Hopewell Valley
Coach: Sara Wagner (1st season)
Assistant Coaches: Alicia Wagner, Brieanna Diamond, Alyssa Kramarz
2023 Record: 5-13
Roster: Anna Torrens (Sr., A/M), Emily Eschleman (Sr., M/D), Kyla Machinga (Sr.), Maddie Patterson (Sr., D), Gianna Azara (Jr., A/M), Katie Coyer (Jr., D/M), Riley Kerr (Jr., A), Aynsley Mauldin (Jr., D/M), Reese Riley (Jr., G), Maxxe Rice (Jr., D), Megan Hofacker (So., A/D), Lily Lawton (So., A/M), Sadie Matuszewski (So., A), Maia Matuszewski (Sr., M/D), Lacey Mauldin (Fr., M/A), Casey von Oehsen (Sr., A/M), Amanda Ramus (Sr., A/D), Katie Reinhart (So., M/D), Theo Milchanoski (So., G).
Outlook: Sara Wagner comes back home to Hopewell Valley where she began her high school coaching career a few years back. It has been a productive off season and the Bulldogs, who have several key returning players that will provide leadership. There are several newcomers that will make their presence felt, but the ‘Dawgs seem ready for the challenge.
Lawrence
Coach: Sarah Berardi (2nd season)
Assistant Coach: Ashley Palombi
2023 Record: 8-12-1
Roster: Izzy Akhimien (Sr., D), Charley DeMarco (Sr., D), Hayley Jodoin (Sr., A), Kendall Jodoin (Sr., M), Deena Kojiem (Sr., D), Liliana Calderon (Jr., M), Jaslin Garcia (Jr., D), Charley Korsis (Jr., A). Amanda Lipko (Jr., A), Caelyn LaFlamme (So., D), Lorelei Reedman (So., A), Camilla Del Cid Solares (Jr., A), Wiktoria Zapolska (So., D), Miya Adler (Fr., G), Alexis Audet (Fr., M), Alexis Corigliano (Fr., A), Kayla Durling (Fr., A), Sophia Uyaguari-Corado (Fr., G).
Outlook: Graduation took a toll on the Cardinals, but there are plenty of fresh young faces to ease the pain. This will be a hard working team that will be looking to improve each time it takes the field. The veterans that are returning will be the leaders on and off the field. This might not be a team to take lightly.
Notre Dame
Coach: Bryan Fisher (16th season, 12th at ND)
Assistant Coaches: Erik Trost, Therese O’Connell, Debbie Carr, Bob Henderson
2023 Record: 15-6
Roster: Reese Parker (So., A), Capri Valentino (So., A), Micheala Driscoll (Jr., M), Ellie Marrone (Jr., M), Adriana Tattoli (Jr., D), Cameron Beetel (Sr., M), Samantha Davis (Sr., D), Amelia Elbacher (Sr., A/M), Emily Javick (Sr., M), Margaret Ritson (Sr., G), Sienna Valentino (Sr, D), Kaleigh Wheeler (Sr., A), Clementine Bowden (So., D), Aubrey Davis (So., A), Vanessa Heitman (So., A), Mickala O’Connell (So., D/M), Grace Koziol (Jr., D/M), Kelly Demsko (Jr., M/A), Kathryn Cottrell (Sr., D), Grace Kozoil (Jr., D), Riley Carr (Jr/. G), Brianna Brauer (Jr., G), Julia Jenkins (Jr.,D), Grace Bogacz, Erin Gioschio (So., M/D), Carolyn Race (So., D), Grace Marrone (Fr., M). Kate Moog (Fr., A), Fallon Parker (Fr., D)
Outlook: The Irish have a very strong senior class with talent, experience and leadership. The attack will be led by veterans Amelia Eilbacher, Capri Valentino, Reese Parker and Michaela Driscoll, only Eilbacher is a senior. As usual ND will rely on defense to dictate the flow of the game and Sammie Davis, Ellie Marrone and Emily Javick will lead a defense that has to replace some key losses from last year. The Irish seemed primed to make some noise this season
Nottingham
Coach: Nicole Sullivan (2nd season)
Assistant Coaches: Jessie Davy, Annalicia Savvides
2023 Record: 2-13
Roster: Shawna Acquah (Sr., A), Alexa Benedetto (Sr., M), Vanessa Byk (Sr., M), Mia Caceres (Jr., A), Sharixa DeLeon Rodruguez (Jr., D), Leah Hogan (So., A), Zuriela Pindo (So., A), Angelina Difrancisco (Fr., M), Yarelisa Dominguez (Fr., A), Nadia Dones (Sr., D), Emily Hamrick (So., A), Madison Hogan (Sr., M), Sophia Kaplan (Fr., M), Madison Lippman (Fr., G), Kaylee Lorie (Fr., D), Kimberly Menjivar (So., A), Keyli Pindo (Jr., M/D), Galilea Rucuch (So., A), Katherine Wagner (So., D).
Outlook: This season will be a rebuilding one for the Northstars and seven starters have graduated making it a very young team and lacking in experience. The seniors Vanessa Bryk, Alexa Benedetto and Shawna Acquah we be counted on to be the leaders, on and off the field. The younger players will be a work in progresses and will get better as the season moves on,
Princeton
Coach: Katie Federico (3rd season)
Assistant Coaches: Charlie Gallagher, Lydia McDaniel
2023 Record: 7-12
Roster: Allegra Brennan (Sr., G), Olivia DeLuca (So., G), Julia Engelhart (Sr., D), Joci Lee (Sr., D), Theona Hsu (Sr., D), Sylvie LeBouef (Sr., A), Phoebe Steiger (Sr., A), Ava Caruso (Sr., A), Niki Lee (So., A/M), Marisa Consoli (So., A), Leah Bornstein (So., M), Avery Gallagher (Sr., D), Quinn Gallagher (So., M), Sarah Henderson (Sr., A), Riley Devlin (Sr., M), Zoie Reynolds (So., D), Ellie Naggar (Jr., D), Aniya Zahid (Jr., A), Gracie DePrince (So., A), Lila Casto (Fr., M),
Outlook: The Tigers return most of the entire team from 2023 and will be one of the most veteran teams in the area. They will have solid leadership and they are looking to put the struggles of last season in the rear view mirror. This is a team that is going to be battling every game and a very competitive and deep team.
Princeton Day
Coach: Lucia Marcozzi (1st season)
Assistant Coaches: Caroline McKenna, Kira Dudek
2023 Record: 13-8
Roster: Amelia Lach (So.), Tessa Caputo (Sr., A), Kelly Christie (Sr., A), Jesse Hollander (Sr., M), Abigail Leonardi (Jr., A), Shelby Ruf (Jr., M), Lily Ryan (Sr.), Natalia Soffer (Jr., M), Katie Zarish-Yasunas (Sr., A), Ava Fairbanks (Fr., A), Maddy Flory (Sr., D), Elizabeth Bailey (Jr., D), Casandra Salas (Jr., D), Grace Ulrich (Jr., G), Lucia McKee (So., M), Adriana Salzano (Sr., D)
Outlook: There is a very good senior class looking to make their final season a memorable one at PDS. Jesse Hollander, Tessa Caputo, Kelly Christie, Maddy Flory and Katie Zarish-Yasunas will be the leadership and will provide plenty of talent on the field. Marcozzi takes over as head coach and brings a wealth of experience. It all should add up to a very solid season for the Panthers.
Robbinsville
Coach: JennaMarie Colicchia (11th season)
Assistant Coaches: Kelly Schlupp, Jen Didun
2023 Record: 10-11
Roster: Cora Butler (Sr., M), Kami Encisco (Jr., M), Kendall Franke (Sr., M), Morgan Gonzer (Jr., M), Daphee Luong (Sr., D), Grace Miller (So., D), Brianna Mosquera (Jr., D), Kesey Raftery (Sr., A), Emma Reeves (So., M), Natalie Schwartz (Jr., D), Mia Scott (Sr., D), Lilly Solarczyk (So., M), Dani Leeds (So., G), Alyson Klongr. (Fr., M/A), Bri Siracusa (Sr., A), Gabi Milacci (Fr., M), Faith Setlight (Jr., D), Ava Strashinsky (Jr., D), Lily Schoenfelt (Jr., D), Lynsey Parrott (Fr., A).
Outlook: There’s a nice veteran presence on the Ravens and it should help as the younger players get in tune with the process. Players like Cora Butler and Kendall Franke will be two of the top players in the area and will be leaders on and off the field. Solid defense will be led by Daphee Luong and it should be an improved season in Robbinsville.
Steinert
Coach: Mike Newton (4th season)
Assistant Coaches: Kelsey Harshman, Sara Furch
2023 Record: 10-7-1; CVC Patriot champ
Roster: Sabrina Beckman (Sr., M), Ella Bencivengo (Sr., D), Emily Hardiman (Sr., A), Lauren Hardiman (Sr., A/M), Alyssa Hendricksen (Sr., D/M), Nicole Kim (Sr., D), Ali Longo (Sr., A/M), Katie Longo (Sr., D), Marianna Nitti (Sr., D), Brenna Riddell (Sr., M), Brooke Sinay (Sr., M), Samantha Tarangioli (Sr., A), Joela Terman (Sr., A), Adriana Truelove (Sr., A), Teagan Fairfax (Jr., M), Gianna Ragazzo (Jr., A), Jada Oczkwski (So., G), Gianna Longo (Jr., G), Makenna Callahan (So., A/M).
Outlook: This is a very veteran team the Spartans will run on the field with 14 senior leading the way. It will be a team looking to build on its past success and it might be the only team in the CVC with a pair of twins, Emily and Lauren Hardiman and Ali and Katie Longo. This team is loaded with enthusiasm to get the season started and to continue to grow as the season progresses.
WW-P North
Coach: Julia Giordano (8th season)
Assistant Coaches: Emily McCarthy, Beth Serughetti
2023 Record: 14-8; MCI champ
Roster: Maseera Ahmad (Sr., D), Anna Choi (Sr., M), Ginny Choi (So., M), Clare Corriveau (Sr., A), Lily Giasi (Sr., D), Olivia Huang (Jr., M), Brenda Lo (Sr., A), Molly Resnick (Jr., A), Isabella Abrigo (Fr., M), Ludovica Vitaloni (Fr., M), Jocelyn Bridge (So., D), Lucy Giasi (So., D), Jessia Schneck (So., D), Aayushi Humne (Jr., G), Nia Matus Kibler (Jr., D), Suri Patel (Jr., A), Vani Patel (Jr., G), Tasneem Tapia (Sr., A).
Outlook: It was a great season at North last year and now the Knights are looking to build on it with a motivated group of players and some newcomers that are ready to embrace the tradition. There will be challenges, but the Knights feel they are up to the task with players like Anna and Ginny Choi returning.
WW-P South
Coach: Tracy Klugerman (9th season)
Assistant Coaches: ElisaMastroianni, Kristin Gorman
2023 Record: 3-17
Roster: Norah Martin (So.), Brooke Wiston, (So.), Emma Tardieu (So.), Kate Duguay (Jr,), Eliana Hebert (Jr.), Shaili Holden (Jr.), Arianna Huang (Jr.), Ahana Joshi (Jr.), Julia Kozakowski (Jr.), Isla Levy (Jr.), Rose Maliekal (Jr.), Abby Rosentsvayg (Jr.), Grace Teng (Sr.), Maya Singh (Fr.), Arpia Bajwa (So.), Anja Basdeo (So.), Anjali Ciuevas (So.), Sophia Latif Estafan (So.), Ella Fiuczynski (Jr.), Aarohi Honap (Jr.), Hailee Maldonado (Jr.), Anika Nair (Jr.), Charlotte Shankhoff (Jr.), Ramya Gouriah (Sr.), Mia Stankovic (Sr.).
Outlook: It will be a very young group of Pirates this season, but they do. have several returning players that will provide leadership and a spark as the newcomers continue to grow. It’s always exciting when there are so many new players and to watch them grow together on and off the field. There should be improvement over last season.
