No. 20 New Milford
Coach: Joe Albanese
Last year’s record: 18-3
Last year’s ranking: 22
Best assets: New Milford can compete for the NJIC Liberty Division championship and make an impact in North 1, Group 1 thanks to the return of seven starters, including its goalkeeper, from a group that shared last year’s division title with Lyndhurst. “One of our strengths, which was a strength last year, is our defense and goalkeeping,” Albanese said. Senior Kaitlyn Carberry returns at goalie, one year after posting 12 shutouts. Carberry will be supported by senior backs Kayla Ricciardelli, Jessica Moskal and Kayley Coss Y Leon, and last year they helped limit opponents to 11 total goals. The midfield is solid with sophomores Ally Whittaker and Kara Hill, who last year scored six goals apiece. Senior M Justin Jasuale and sophomore F Kaylee Babasade will contribute more to the attack. Senior F Manisha Oza and sophomore M Catherine Minervini also will contribute.
Forecast: New Milford is solid in all areas of the field and rates the edge over Lyndhurst in the battle for the Liberty. Since they lack a high-profile scorer, what the ball-control Knights need to succeed is several players to contribute goals. “To be successful, we will need to rely on a balanced attack to score goals,” Albanese said, “and the back line must overcome the loss of two starters to graduation.”
No. 19 Hawthorne
Coach: Gus Schell
Last year’s record: 17-3-1
Last year’s ranking: 24
Best assets: Experience and versatility are reasons Hawthorne can again challenge defending champ Glen Rock for the NJIC Colonial Division title. The Bears return eight starters, including several who can play multiple positions, from a 2016 team that was Colonial runner-up and reached the North 1, Group 1 semifinals. “I like the fact there’s a lot of experience on this team,” said Shell, whose program is now in North 1, Group 2, “and a lot of these kids have been through big games in the past.” Senior M/F Nicole Bertollo and her junior sister, Heather, will provide scoring. Senior D/M Kayla Miller is a playmaker. Senior D/M Julia Aguero is a three-year starter. Junior D Sofia DiFilippo returns to provide solid defense. Junior Meghan Knepper can play multiple positions. Sophomore M/F Alejandra Castillo will make an impact after contributing as a freshmen.
Forecast: The Bears graduated All-Passaic keeper Madison Noordeloos and must develop a solid successor to equal or surpass last season’s success. They also must generate more goals against the bigger, better teams, with last year’s 1-0 loss to top-seeded Wayne Valley in the Passaic tournament quarterfinals underscoring that fact. “If we’re serious about competing,” Shell said, “when we have an opportunity, we have to be able to capitalize a little bit more on those opportunities.”
Coach: Molly Jaffe
Last year’s record: 19-4
Last year’s ranking: 11
Best assets: Park Ridge has depth like few small schools in North Jersey. That’s why, despite key graduation losses, the Owls can repeat as NJIC Patriot Division champ and successfully defend their North 1, Group 1 title. “Our depth goes pretty deep,” Jaffe said. “The younger athletes who got a few playing minutes last year are really stepping up so far.” The roster features at least 10 girls who scored last season. Senior M Claire Perez, sophomore M Claudia Segovia and sophomore F Dana DiBella combined for more than 30 goals last year and will spearhead the attack. Senior Megan Gasnick returns to a stellar midfield. Senior Kristina Anzilotti started every game last season and will work the back line. Senior D Tara Fahy returns to the starting lineup after missing last season due to injury. Senior Megan Ludwig is the new goalie.
Forecast: With a fast pace and plethora of scorers, the Owls will put heavy pressure on defenses. “We need to do a good job of working the ball from our defensive half to the offense,” Jaffe said, “so we really have to work the midfield.” Equally important to their league and sectional title hopes, the Owls have to bolster their defense. “We just need to be strong defensively,” Jaffe said. “Offensively, we didn’t lose too many players.”
