Girl's Soccer Preview

Coach:Jim Carden, fourth year

Last year:3-10-4, 2-4-2 Northwestern

Key losses:Tori Roach; Becca Jenkins, Deanna Shenk

Top returning players:Cat Woznak, Sr. F; Haley Fincham, GK; Sr; Sara Callaham, Jr. M; Katie Spencer, Sr F; Nancy Riggleman, Jr. Sweeper;

Newcomers:Megan Hammond, Fr. F/M; Dulcie Kysela, Fr. F; Marissa Maddalena, Fr. M;

Outlook:The Colonels lost three starters, but return five all-district players, including first teamers Woznak (team-high seven goals and five assists) and Fincham (three shutouts, 1.6 goals-against average).

Spencer (four goals, five assists), Riggleman, and Callaham (four goals, six assists) all earned second-team district honors.

Carden likes the team's chemistry, and with experienced players returning that's changed the team's outlook.

"Right now we have the attitude that we should win, and we want to win," Carden said. "That's where we want it to be."

Carden said a tough non-district schedule should help heading into what he expects will be a challenging district schedule once again.

"Millbrook is loaded," Carden said. "Sherando, until someone beats them, they're there, and Handley is always competitive. We're looking forward to it, but we know it's not going to be easy."

First match:The Colonels lost 2-1 to Loudoun Valley Monday.