Lyons
Coach: Bill Lanspeary
Top returners: Sr. M Sheila Murphy, Sr. D Izy Scott, Sr. M Bridget Kirby, Sr. F Grace Salvino
Newcomers: Fr. M Eileen Murphy, Sr. GK Emily Johnson
2015 record: Lost to Hinsdale Central in Class 3A sectional final
Season outlook: Losing three-year starter Lidia Breen between the posts hurts, but Emily Johnson — who will play Division I at New Mexico — should be more than up to the challenge. Lanspeary said a “very difficult” schedule presents a challenge as he implements his possession-style attack to players who come “different systems, different styles of play.”
Storyline to watch: Grace Brannen and Sheila Murphy are recovering from torn ACLs suffered last season. Lanspeary said he will “ease them into things as the season goes on,” but they were expected to play in the opener.
They said it: “As a high school coach you always kind of have to adapt to what you’ve got. You’re not just recruiting your style of players. You have to take what you have and make it work.” — coach Bill Lanspeary
Nazareth
Coach: John Nikchevich
Top returners: Sr. D Emily Fredian, Jr. M Claire Ramsey, Sr. F Kelly Renehan
Newcomers: Jr. GK Mia Costello, Fr. F Sophia Cullotta
2015 record: 16-5-1 (7-3 East Suburban Catholic), lost to St. Francis in Class 2A sectional semifinal
Season outlook: Nazareth has advanced past regionals in four of the past five seasons. Senior defender Emily Fredian, junior midfielder Claire Ramsey and Kelly Renehan were all-East Suburban Catholic selections last season.
Storyline to watch: Junior Mia Costello takes over in goal, replacing three-year starter Peggy Masterson, who graduated last year.
They said it: “Nazareth has a history of working hard and respecting the history of the program. This team is no different and wants to leave its own mark.” — coach John Nikchevich
St. Joseph
Coach: Stanley Niemiec
Top returners: So. M Viviana Jimenez (18 goals), Sr. D Alex Miceli
Newcomers: Jr. F Ruby Jimenez, So. F Laury Leon
2015 record: 9-3-0 (5-1 Girls Catholic Athletic), lost to Westmont in Class 1A regional final
Season outlook: The Chargers aren’t quite starting from scratch, but after graduating 16 seniors, St. Joseph simply lacks experience. The faster the Chargers develop team chemistry, the sooner they’ll be able to compete in the GCAC.
Storyline to watch: Viviana Jimenez is a wild card for the Chargers. As a sophomore, she’s a central piece in the rebuilding project and will have added responsibilities as the center midfielder on a young team.
They said it: “We need to step up and to play hard every game, give it our all on the field. I’m confident that we will do great this season and make this season our best.” — sophomore midfielder Viviana Jimenez
Michael Stainbrook and Mike Nelson are freelance reporters for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
