Northwestern returns a talented group of players from a squad that helped the Tigers win their second district title in a row last fall and fourth in five years.

Palmerton advanced to the Colonial League and district final, and earned a win in the PIAA tournament a season ago. The Bombers will look to build on that success this season.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach - Emma Sawyer

League - Colonial League

Key losses - Gabby Brown (forward), Addison Chavanic (back), Maggie Pagotto (midfield/forward), Grayson Frey (goalie)

Key returnees - Natalie Blair (Sr.), Brielle Frable (Sr.), Anna Howland (Sr.), Allee Maini (Sr.)

Top newcomers - Peyton Housmen (Jr), Tori Nied (So.), Lillian Klotz (So.)

Season outlook - The Indians are looking forward to finally being a part of a league after all of these years of being an independent. With that being said, the Tribe hope to make a notable impression in the standings in their first year being a part of the Colonial League. As always, the idea is to make it to the district — and now league — playoffs, but the goal is to make it farther than the previous season.

Quotable - “We lost eight seniors but have 11 upcoming freshmen, so we are a young team, but we have some solid returnees and we’re going to do our best to rise in the rankings this year,” Lehighton coach Emma Sawyer.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head coach - Allison Chruscial

League - Colonial League

Key losses - Delaney Szwast (midfield)

Key returnees - Addison Cieri (Sr.), Sarah Hanzarik (Sr.), Morgan Smith (So.), McKenzie Chruscial (So.), Ariana Williams (Jr.), Ada Porobenski (So.), Madilynn Husack (So.)

Top newcomers - Alexia Heffelfinger (Fr.)

Season outlook - Although a younger team, the Bulldogs are returning eight starters who have played together since youth league, which will be a strength for the squad. The team has communication and chemistry on the field and the coaching staff is looking forward to seeing it throughout the season. Northern Lehigh has a larger roster than in the past, and along with the talent, is looking to make a mark in the Colonial League.

Quotable - “The coaching staff has big expectations for the team and we are looking to produce more wins and secure a spot in districts,” Northern Lehigh coach Allison Chruscial.

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach - Lissa Opolsky (12th season)

League - Colonial League

Key losses - Emma Yanders

Key returnees - Olivia Costa (Sr.), Ella Dangello (Sr.), Hannah Gober (Jr.), Haley Kerschner (Jr.), Rylee McGinley (Sr.), Ryan Smolinsky (Jr.), Cara Thomas (Sr.), Carsyn Van Norman (Sr.)

Top newcomers - Kelsey Burns (Fr.), McKenna Church (Fr.), Nora Peterson (Fr.), Hayden Schmidt (Fr.)

Season outlook - Northwestern avenged its loss to Palmerton in the league playoffs last season by beating the Bombers in districts. The Tigers have a core group of players — eight seniors and 11 juniors — returning and played a vigorous offseason schedule, including facing some of the better teams from around the state. Opolsky believes that the added game experience combined with the team leadership will help the team hit the ground running from the first game. The loss of goalie Emma Yanders hurts, but junior Ryan Smolinsky got some time in goal last season and the team has one of the better defensive units in front of her.

Quotable - “We really embrace the idea that our season is a marathon as opposed to a sprint. We are going to lose during the season, and I often say during those games that I would rather lose now than lose in the postseason so we can turn those lessons into something productive by the end. That’s what we were able to do last season.” – Northwestern coach Lissa Opolsky.

PALMERTON

Head Coach - Meg Leadbetter (third season)

League - Colonial League

Key Losses - Skylar Kohler, Celeste Hoffman, Sydney Frantz

Key Returnees - Sarah Sabo (Jr.), Alisyn Green (Jr.), Bella Catania (Sr.) Tessa Sander (Jr.), Mackenzie Long (Sr.), Mikayla Pengelly (Sr.)

Top Newcomers - Maddison Thomas (Fr.)

Season Outlook - The Blue Bombers finished last season 16-7 (including state playoffs). Despite reaching the second round of state playoffs, the team feels it has a lot of unfinished business, and trusts each other and the process, believing in each other’s ability and knowing it can compete at the highest level against the toughest teams.

Quotable - “I am excited to see what they create as a unit and ready to enjoy the ride. I’m so lucky to be their coach,” Palmerton coach Meg Leadbetter.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach - Corin Owermohle

League - Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key Losses - Molly Sobers, Madisen Brooks, Maria Altemose, Alyssa Rudelitch, Alyssa Kroeger

Key returnees - Sara Lesnik (Sr.), Anayah Accilien (Sr.), Emma DePalma (So.), Evelyn Van Derheyden (So)

Top newcomers - Michaela Clement-St. Louis (Sr.), Gabby Kutzler (So.), Meadow Hale (So.)

Season outlook - The Bears graduated eight seniors last year, many of whom were key starters. Pleasant Valley will have a lot of new faces this year stepping up to fill those spots. But there is a lot of potential from the group’s players to seize those roles.

Quotable - “We’ll have a younger team this season compared to previous years. Our focus will be capitalizing on the playing experience they’ll get to build confidence — both individually and as a team,” Pleasant Valley coach Corin Owermohle.