2008 Season: 10-8 (4-6 NEMC)

Coach: Gary Schneider

Returning Players: Katia Kotula, sr.; Krystin Inman, sr.; Kelbi Clarke, sr.; Nicole Jackson, jr.; Rushelle Sidebottom, jr.; Kelli Lehman, jr.; Dani Griffin, so.; Ashley Suszek, so.; Chelsea Carraway, so.; Katy Peacock, so.

New to varsity: Denelle Wilson, so; Melissa Yang, so.; Clara Insuasti, fr.; Rachel Elkins, fr.

Outlook: The Owls suffered heavy losses from last season's 10-8 that won nine of its last 12, including two district tournament games. Seven seniors graduated and another four would-be returners moved out of the area.

"This will be a classic rebuilding year," says assistant coach Tim Colborn. "Our numbers are at an all-time low with only 15 players on the roster, and we have four first-time soccer players."

The Owls bring back plenty of experience on the defensive end, as junior goalkeeper Nicole Jackson (169 saves last year) will be fronted by senior defenders Katia Kotula and Krystin Inman and fourth-year senior Kelbi Clarke.

Junior forward Rushelle Sidebottom is the most accomplished returning offensive threat, tallying eight goals and five assists in 2008. She's joined up front by sophomore forwards Chelsea Carraway and Ani Griffin, while junior midfielder Kelli Lehman and sophomores Ashley Suszek and Katy Peacock also return.

The Owls no longer have the NEMC title to contend for, but still play all but John Glenn of their former conference foes. They'll also host the final rounds of this year's district tournament.

"We're anticipating a strong season with our returners maturing a lot," Colborn says. "It's a young squad with potential for several years to come."