Annville-Cleona

Coach: John Myers, first season

Last year's record: 14-8

Key returners: Reagan Hess, Sr., F.; Sarah Fischer, Sr., MF; Alyssa Blackman, Sr., GK; Sophia Miller, Sr., MF; Anna Soliday, Jr., GK; Morgan Dancause, Jr., F.

Promising newcomers: Hannah Campbell, So., MF; Liane Lech, So., MF; Gracey Lombardo, So., D; Joannah Myers, So., D; Addie Plummer, So., D; Katie Shaak, So., D; Reagan Sellers, Fr., D.

Outlook: The Little Dutchmen face a large task this fall in replacing their entire back line, a reliable group lost to graduation last spring.

Thankfully for them, their senior star is as great an offensive force you can find in the county.

After setting the program record for career goals early in her junior campaign, Reagan Hess now turns her attention to leading a younger squad that has a hopeful eye on the state tournament. That duty, of course, also falls to new headman John Myers, who brings 10 years of coaching experience and a postseason plan built on possession and depth. Annville-Cleona lost 3-0 to Trinity in last year's district semifinals.

"I prefer a possession game. Teams that have a good first touch and make good passes make it hard on other teams to score," Myers said. "We've got a lot of sophomores and a couple of freshmen. A lot of those players are interchangeable. I see probably getting into the 15th, 16th player, getting fresh legs and running a lot."

Meanwhile Hess and her fellow seniors are intent on bringing those underclassmen along in the spirit of a Mia Hamm quote introduced during the team camp.

"I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team. I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion."

The Little Dutchmen open against Lancaster Country Day on Sept. 2, the first of six home kickoffs in their initial eight games.