Bow’s all-state midfielder Lexi Insana sent the Falcons through to the D-II championship with an overtime game-winning header last year.
Bow fell short in the championship, but that just added fuel to their fire.
Head coach Jay Vogt, entering his 22nd year with the team, has brought the Falcons to 15 straight final fours and knows how to put together a strong squad to do it.
“We talked about some things that we need to get better at. One was being able to take people on as individuals, but also to look to reduce our goals that are scored on us in each game, to be strong, effectively, as a team,” Vogt said.
Throughout his tenure, the Falcons reached 10 state championships and won six of those. The perennially strong culture of winning at Bow is passed on, and the gaps left by seniors are quickly plugged by players rising to the occasion.
The seven returning seniors are familiar with the system and modus operandi of the squad, and many of the juniors had experience on the field last year.
Senior forwards Reis Domini, Meldina Becirovic, Leah Gallier, Ashley Wallen and all-state striker Cara Van Dyke will all work together to conjure up last year’s magic.
Senior Charlotte Larochelle, an All-State honorable mention, will lead the the defense and midfield as the group gels.
“I think, in the beginning of the season, we’re still trying to figure ourselves out, making sure we’ve got people where we want to play them, and how we want to play with particular players,” Vogt explained.
Still, the key for Vogt and his team is to get everyone on the same page with a long season ahead. The team has already begun to bond outside of soccer, and many have played together over the summer to improve — that’s half the battle already won.
Concord
Division: I
Coach: Andrew Mattarazzo (fifth year)
Last year: 3-11-2
Returning starters: Cam Dubois, jr., G; Kate Dickson, jr., M; Laura Vitoria, jr., F; Hannah Brown, so., D; Leah Foulds, sr., D
Top newcomers: Ivy Negron, sr., M; Fiona Luce, jr., D; Sylvia Shea, fr., M; Alex Kalapinski, fr., M
Outlook: “We return a good core of players that will be fun to watch take the next step this year and become leaders. These kids have been working hard throughout the summer and are ready to put everything together on the field now and be successful. Our newcomers are full of energy and very coachable, so that will make for a good season.”
Teams to beat: Winnacunnet, Exeter, Bedford, Bishop Guertin, Pinkerton.
Coe-Brown
Division: II
Coach: Rachel McGill (first year)
Last year: 11-4-3, reached semifinals
Returning starters: Sadie Scruton, sr., G; Bella Lapierre, sr., F; Jadyn Spearin, sr., M/D; Jaelyn Demers, jr., M; Eleanor Escabi, jr., F; Mallory Carri, jr., D.
Top newcomers: Brooke Kozlowski, jr., M; Marlena Walsh, jr., G/M.
Outlook: “This year’s Coe-Brown team has a lot of heart and determination. We have a core group of returning players and exciting newcomers to the team that bring excellent ball skills and high soccer IQ. Our team values of respect, encouragement, and intensity will guide us throughout the season.”
Teams to beat: Hollis-Brookline, Pembroke, John Stark.
John Stark
Division: II
Coach: Eddie Marceau (third year) and Dana Pellerin (first year)
Last year: 10-4-3, reached semifinals
Returning starters: Chloe Caron, sr., D; Brenna Crean, so., F/M/D; Madison Lamothe, so., F/M; Avery Pellerin, so., M/F; Alexa Purington, so., D; Kate Smith, sr., D/F; Jaycee St. Denis, so. F; Clara Ward, jr., F/M/D; Elsa Winther, sr., M/F.
Top newcomers: Kylee Asinoff, jr., G; Sydney Barrieau, sr., G; Gracie Barton, jr., D; Emma Fifield, sr., D; Ava Lavallee, jr., D; Kaitlyn Ouellette, fr., M/F; Nora Leigh Tagliaferro, jr., M/F.
Outlook: “We are looking forward to a competitive season. Our team strengths would have to be the team leadership and early chemistry. As for the weaknesses, we graduated two starting midfielders last year. So rebuilding the midfield could take some time for them to find their groove.”
Teams to beat: Bow, Hollis-Brookline, Oyster River, Coe Brown, Kingswood.
Merrimack Valley
Division: II
Coach: Danielle Wiley (first year)
Last year: 7-6-5, reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Ashlyn Fortier, sr., F; Lila Gray, jr., M; Jada Lucas, sr., D; Ella Mercer, sr., D; Jordan Monaghan, sr., G; Izzy Navoy, sr., F/M; Sophie Porter, jr., F.
Outlook: “I am very excited for this upcoming season. Although we only have five, our seniors are talented and show strong leadership. Our defense is well established and comfortable with one another, and we expect tenacity and a variety of goal-scoring opportunities from our offense. We are hoping to have a successful season even though there were significant changes in the last year.”
Teams to beat: Bow, Coe-Brown, John Stark, Pembroke, Hollis-Brookline.
Pembroke
Division: II
Coach: Jess Kaufman-Desrochers (16th year)
Last year: 8-8-2, reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Laila Al Shawafi, sr., G; Giannah Michelson, sr.; Layla Thorne, sr.; Lily Ricci, jr.; Lily Royer, jr.; Giuliana Davis, jr.; Ava Alberico, jr.; Journey Keeley, jr. D; Teagan Nyhan, jr., F.
Top newcomers: Paige Bemis, fr.
Outlook: “Pembroke returns Laila Al Shawafi in net as a three-year starter and senior captain. She is joined by two other senior captains, Giannah Michelson and Layla Thorne. The junior quartet of Lily Ricci, Lily Royer, Giuliana Davis and Ava Alberico has been steadfast for the Spartans for three years running and is ready to do so again this year. Journey Keeley helps anchor in the back while Speedsters Teagan Nyhan and Brooklyn Wright will look to spark the offense as well, and Kennedy Jeski and Sadie Desrosiers are coming back from solid rookie campaigns last year as sophomores. Newcomer Paige Bemis is ready to make her mark as a Spartan, and Coach Jess Kaufman Desrochers is ready for an exciting 16th season at the helm in a division where it could be anyone’s game on any given afternoon.”
Belmont
Division: III
Coach: Cassie Contigiani (first year)
Last year: 1-14-1
Returning starters: Hannah Young, sr., F; Devin VonKadich, jr., D; Ella Stevens, Manager
Top newcomers: Payton Ellis, fr.; Mia Ellis, so.; Daylan Henry, fr.
Outlook: “This year, we’re bringing it back to basics and creating structure. Our team’s expectations and goals are to remember the two things we can control in any situation. Our effort, and our attitude. I have a great group of athletes, they work hard together, while also having fun.”
Bishop Brady
Division: III
Coach: Alex Hunton (first year)
Last year: 2-12-2
Returning starters: Kiki Herrington, sr., D; Meghan Varley, sr., M; Natalie Brooks, jr., M; Maia Dow, jr., W; Natalie Sherman, jr., G
Top newcomers: Gabby Jackson, fr., D; Sophia Adams, fr., F
Outlook: “We are feeling optimistic about the season ahead, we have two strong new players in our defensive line alongside two seniors, and Natalie Brooks is one to watch this season.”
Hillsboro-Deering
Division: III
Coach: Makayla Savoy (fourth year)
Last year: 2-13-1
Returning starters: Molly Smart, sr., D; Kylie Crowe, sr, D/M; Natalie Auger, jr., M/F; Lily Valley, so., M/F; Addy Brown, so., M/F; Chloe Macey, so., M/F
Outlook: “Our goals this season are to develop strong team chemistry, improve game knowledge and build confidence. We have a younger team, but our sophomores have shown tremendous growth so far this season, demonstrating significant improvement in their skills and a noticeable boost in confidence on the field. We are excited for what this season has to offer.”
Hopkinton
Division: III
Coach: Mike Zahn (eighth year)
Last year: 14-3-1, reached quarterfinals
Outlook: “With so many seniors this season, I could not take anyone new. Starters may or will change from last year. We will need to work hard as a team to control more of the ball and put the ball in the net. Communication and off the ball movement will be huge for us on the attacking and defensive side.”
Teams to beat: Raymond, St. Thomas, Gilford, Stevens.
Kearsarge
Division: III
Coach: David Smith (fifth year)
Last year: 10-6-1
Returning starters: Chloe Hasey, sr., F; Ociee Ilg, sr., M; Bella Collins, jr., D; Addy Rossi, sr., M; Madden Huff, so., D
Top newcomers: Hope Lynch, fr., G; Carrigan Monnat, fr., M
Outlook: “We graduated 6 starters last year so we have some big holes to fill. Lost our starting goalie too. We have a small solid core to build off with a lot of young talent. We will have to deal with some growing pains but there is potential for a solid team.”
Teams to beat: St.Thomas, Hopkinton, Stevens.
Pittsfield
Division: IV
Coach: Jen Tyrell, (second year)
Last year: 2-12-1
Returning starters: Alivia Lavigne, jr., D; Addison Babcock, so., D; Chelsee Gagnon, so., M; Savannah Chagnon, so., G; Katherine Schuster, fr., M
Top newcomers: Eliza Vaters, so., M; Shelby Clark, 7th grade, M; Shirley Flores, 7th grade, D; Olivia Osborne, 7th grade, D; Mae Schuster, seventh grade, D
Outlook: “After graduating 8 seniors last season, we are looking forward to a building year here at Pittsfield. With a younger squad, we have the chance to grow, learn, and develop together as a team and program. We will be relying on last year’s starters to help lead and encourage this year’s team this season, and we have some great young talent that we are looking forward to working with as well, that help round out our 25/26 squad.”