CHSAA girls soccer preview

St. Anthony's has a frightening thought for the rest of the CHSAA.

"On paper, we should be strongest team we've had in last few years," Friars coach Dave Prutting said.

Imposing words for a team whose only loss last season came on penalty kicks in the semifinals. With a strong class of call-ups from junior varsity joining forces with a dominant Ariana Aston-led defense, St. Anthony's should be the team to beat in the CHSAA.

St. John the Baptist: After winning a state championship last year, SJB - the lone team to defeat St. Anthony's last season - will incorporate some talented freshman into the lineup in what could be a rebuilding year. Returnees include keeper Jackie Ubert, defender Taylor Groth, and midfielders Megan Attanasio and Jackie Roth.

Kellenberg will field a young but fast team featuring midfielders Kirsten Wosleger and Amanda Barroca, defender Jacqui Valentine and keeper Kathleen Early.

Sacred Heart, last season's runner-up, returns 15 players but none more dynamic than Meredith Speck. The senior can play anywhere in midfield and possess the "intangibles to change games around and carry a team," according to her coach. She is joined by fellow captains Gabby Codispoti and keeper Taylor Higgins.