TEAMS TO WATCH
Acton-Boxborough: With the graduation of 12 seniors and a question mark in goal, this season will be not be an easy task for coach Mae Shoemaker and her Colonials, the two-time defending Dual County League Large champion.
Algonquin: Dan Welty’s squad has a tough act to follow after capturing the first Central title in program history last season. But only three players were lost to graduation and senior center forward Liz Holmes netted five goals and an assist in the first three games.
Framingham: The defending Bay State Carey champs started the season 0-2. But junior Kaitlyn Wilder returns after scoring 20-plus points last season and will be joined by her younger sister Kristin, a freshman.
Lincoln-Sudbury: Vicky Caburian has earned the respect of her coaching peers, and while her postseason run has been impressive (12 straight years), the Warriors want more than just a taste of the Division 1 North semifinals from a year ago. Goalie Grace Sweetser, now a senior, was a stalwart in her first season at L-S.
Wellesley: The Chris Molonea era is finally over, but former 8th grade coach Erin Stickle stepped in and led the Raiders to a 2-0 start leading into Thursday’s showdown with Walpole. Juniors Jessie Klinck and Molly Connolly have shined early, though seniors Megan Mountzoures and Libby Alvin (concussions) have been missed and hope to be back on the field soon.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Eleana Cardarelli/Leah Cardarelli, Acton-Boxborough: The sisters shined under Brian Fontas on the ice last winter and will try to match that success on the field this fall. Eleana, a sophomore, and Leah, a freshman, each scored in a 2-2 tie against Weston on Monday.
Marina Guigli, Wellesley: The senior goalie didn’t start last year but spent all summer training and has the footwork to keep the Raiders in close games.
Tamara Mills, Hopkinton: The senior midfielder and returning
Lauren Shea, Algonquin: Left back was perhaps the biggest loss for the Tomahawks and the senior will have work to do if she wants to fill the shoes of Kelsey McGowan.
Elizabeth Thornton, Needham: If the Rockets are to make a splash in the Bay State Carey, they will follow the lead of their senior captain (22 points last season).
Compiled by Jason Mastrodonato
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