Metea Valley will try to continue its run of success in Class 3A, which adds Benet this season.
BENET
The Redwings (21-5) have been moved up to 3A after finishing second in 2A in back-to-back seasons. Junior forward Keira Petrucelli will miss the season with an ACL injury, but 12 other players, including six starters, return. Leading scorer Ivana Vukas, a sophomore forward, is back along with senior midfielder Rania Fikri and sophomore midfielder Annie Fitzgerald. The defense is experienced with senior Bailey Abbott, senior Gabby Hedden and junior Chloe Sentman, all returning starters.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (19-1-3) remain loaded with talent, including many Division I recruits, after losing in a 3A sectional final last year. Senior forward Lucy Burk (Northern Michigan), senior forward Cydnie Bayless (Northern Illinois), junior forward Isabelle Leofanti (Kent State) and junior forward Lily Senese (Northern Michigan) lead the offense along with senior midfielder Kyleigh Jannisch (Winona State), senior midfielder Kaylee Hansen (Austin Peay) and junior midfielder Olivia Hernandez, who started for the 2022 state championship team and returns after playing club last season. Senior Alyssa Gluting (Fairfield) is one of the state’s best goalkeepers.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redwings (9-6-1) have six starters back, but most of them are young. Senior defenders Chloe Mowry and Lauren Thorne will lead the way in front of sophomore goalkeeper Erin Hackett, who had a 1.13 goals-against average last season. Team speed should be a strength, especially up top with junior forward Bella Brozek and sophomore forward Malia Shen. Junior Rebecca Ruggiero anchors the midfield.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (13-6-1) have eight returning starters, including sophomore forward Claire DeCook and senior forward Annie Chang, who combined for 28 goals last season. DeCook is healthy after a torn ACL cost her the final half of last season. Senior midfielder Jacey Sturek (Winona State) is a rock in the midfield, and sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Ochsner had eight shutouts as a freshman. Junior defender Emily Buescher (Minnesota) is the top newcomer.
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats (6-8-2) hope to improve with nine returning starters. Senior forward Brianna Clasen (Saginaw Valley State) and senior midfielders Victoria Jaimes (North Central) and Grace Petrina (Wisconsin-La Crosse) will provide leadership and experience for the offense, while sophomore Allessandra Russo, senior Lauren Milani and senior Kate Wohlfeil anchor the defense in front of senior goalkeeper Zoe Fabian. Freshman forward Gabrielle Smith could make an impact.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (7-12-1) welcome back 15 players, led by senior midfielder/forward Taylor Ahmadian, an all-sectional pick who was team co-MVP with senior defender Zoe Evans last season. Ahmadian and junior forward Thanya Castelan combined to score 30 goals. Other notable veterans are junior midfielder/defender Katie Chapman and senior midfielder Eleanor Oster. Emerson Hallihan, Chloe Shaffer, McKinley Ladd and Macy Evans lead a strong sophomore class.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
