Lincoln-Way East and De La Salle won the state trophy last season, but will be pushed again this spring by Lockport, Andrews and Lincoln-Way Central.
top 10 teams
1. Lincoln Way East (21-6)
The Griffins return nine starters from a team that finished fourth in Class 3A last season. Senior midfielder Bre Herlihy (Elmhurst) is a returning All-State selection, while senior forward Kami Butler and junior forward Ellie Feagle each scored 17 goals a year ago. Senior Mia Hedrick will anchor the defense in front of senior goalie Matea Arroyo, who has 14 shutouts.
2. Lockport (21-3-1)
Eight starters return from the team that set the program win record. Senior midfielders Kaylin Crutchchurch (Indiana) and Natalie Zodrow (Milwaukee) will lead the way, with Zodrow having 12 goals and 14 assists last season. Emma Czech (SIU Edwardsville) and twins Abby Mack and Megan Mack (both freshmen at Cumberland University) are also key seniors. Junior forward Eva Kozak (Marquette) is a great addition for the Porters.
3. Andrew (16-8)
The Thunderbolts bring back eight starters from the section finalists. They are led by senior midfielder Grace Wood, who had 11 goals and seven assists last season, and senior forward Taylor Rondon, who had 13 goals. Senior Bela Kreidich anchors the defense, while junior Paige Swaugh and sophomore Emily Crotty are talented midfielders.
4. Lincolnway Central (18-2-2)
The Knights have six starting pitchers returning. Seniors Regan Schultz (Green Bay), Laila Hadley and Emma Vogler are a force in the middle, and junior Maddie Watt is a dangerous forward. Junior Abby Sudkamp (Loyola) will lead the defense in front of sophomore goaltender Flynn Meyer.
5. De La Salle (17-5-5)
The Meteors return some key pieces from a team that finished fourth in Class 2A last season. That includes senior midfielder Imani Coleman, an all-state selection who had 12 goals and 14 assists. Midfielder Samantha Velasco, defender Lauren Torres and forward Mia Ortega are other senior leaders.
6. Lemont (17-6-1)
Senior forward Emma Umberg (Carthage) had 16 goals and 14 assists, and junior midfielder Ella Simpson (Western Michigan) had 18 goals and 11 assists to advance to the division finals. The defense is anchored by senior Casey Kittredge (Eastern Illinois), who earned All-State honors with 11 assists.
7. Homewood-Flossmoor (10-9-2)
Forward Dakota Dixon, who scored 15 goals last season, is the star of a strong senior class that also includes defensemen Ariel Rose and Ava Loudon. Junior Cristina Ramirez is one of the top goalies in the area.
8. Lincoln Way West (13-7-3)
Senior midfielder Eva Peterson had 13 goals and 11 assists a year ago, but senior Morgan Salise and junior Ava Bach faced tough defense in front of sophomore goalkeeper Cora Franczyk. led. Junior midfielder Kiersten White will be a key addition.
9. Sandburg (7-16)
After a tough season with a young team, the Eagles have the pieces to bounce back with nine returning starters. Junior midfielder/forward Gabby Dittmer scored 14 goals last spring. Midfielder Idalys Alvarez and defender Ella Riordan are talented sophomores.
10. Tinley Park (13-6-2)
The Titans have a number of seniors with several years of varsity experience, including midfielders Addie Weed and Kit Gormley, forward Gianna Butler and defender Taylor Perkins. Weed scored 20 goals last season.
25 players to watch
- Imani Coleman, De La Salle, senior, midfielder.
- Gabby Dittmar, Andrew, junior, midfielder/forward.
- Dakota Dixon, Homewood Flossmoor, senior, forward.
- Grace Durante, Beecher, sophomore, forward.
- Callie Edwards, Mother McCauley, sophomore, forward.
- Galilea Esparza, Eisenhower, junior, midfielder.
- Fatima Fonseca, Thornwood Cooperative, junior, forward.
- Kit Gormley, Tinley Park, senior, midfielder.
- Mia Hedrick, Lincoln-Way East, senior, defender.
- Bre Hurley, Lincoln Way East, senior, midfielder.
- Casey Kittredge, Lemont, senior, defender.
- Kaylin Crutchchurch, Lockport, senior, midfielder.
- Bela Kreidich, Andrew, senior, defender.
- Mia Ortega, De La Salle, senior, forward.
- Eva Peterson, Lincoln-Way West, senior, midfielder.
- Christina Ramirez, Homewood Flossmoor, junior, goalie.
- Jaclyn Rizzo, Stag, senior, defender.
- Itzel Romo, Crete Mony, junior, defender.
- Regan Schultz, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, midfielder.
- Olivia Smaich, Reavis, senior, forward.
- Abby Sudkamp, Lincoln-Way Central, junior, defender.
- Alyssa Turin, Providence, sophomore, midfielder.
- Addie Weed, Tinley Park, senior, midfielder.
- Grace Wood, Andrew, senior, midfielder.
- Natalie Zodrow, Lockport, senior, midfielder.