Top 5 Teams
1. Geneva: Vikings return seven starters and 11 regulars from 21-2-1 team that reached a Class 3A sectional championship game. Three juniors ignite the attack: midfielder Sydney Gratz and forwards Jenna Dominguez and Stephanie Howe. Senior Jaden Ciesielski is top returner of an airtight defense that posted 17 shutouts.
2. Metea Valley: Coach Christopher Whaley returns four starters and five other key contributors from a 3A sectional finalist that finished 16-4-4. Mustangs are skilled offensively. Senior forward Maeve Riordan, an Illinois recruit, had five goals and 11 assists last season. Senior midfielders Chesney Wargo and Sophia Senese also are dangerous. Sophomore defender Paige Buranosky started every game last year.
3. Batavia: Bulldogs feature eight returnees from 14-4-2 sectional qualifier. Strength of team is a back line that showcases three college recruits in Anna Bross, Gracey DiBiase and Katelyn Turnquist. Amy Ten Haken is another top defender. Senior midfielder Anna Rakos and junior midfielder Anna Holcombe are players to watch offensively.
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4. Waubonsie Valley: Warriors return solid foundation from 3A regional finalist. Senior forward Kennedy Metzger had 16 goals and five assists last season. Senior midfielder Rachel White and junior midfielder Natalie Massa help diversify attack. Junior defender Carolena Lund is disruptive. Senior goalkeeper Sarah Young posted seven shutouts last year.
5. West Aurora: Coach Laura Wagley returns 13 regulars from 18-4-2 team that reached a 3A sectional. Senior forward Riley O’Brien ignites the offense. Senior Sofia Papoutsis solidifies the back. Goalkeeper Hannah Gove, forward Audrey Stephens and midfielders Kiara McPherson and Olivia McPherson are part of an strong sophomore class.
Top 20 Players
Anna Bross, Batavia, defender, senior; Paige Buranosky, Metea Valley, sophomore, defender; Jacklyn Cabrera, East Aurora, senior, midfielder; Jenna Dominguez, Geneva, forward, junior; Anna Dudziak, Aurora Central, senior, midfielder; Sydney Gratz, Geneva, midfielder, junior; Stephanie Howe, Geneva, junior, forward; Haley Lewis, Oswego East, sophomore, midfielder; Rachel Lutter, Kaneland, junior, forward; Kennedy Metzger, Waubonsie Valley, senior, forward; Riley O’Brien, West Aurora, forward, senior; Sophie Ottoson, Kaneland, senior, defender; Riley Parker, Oswego, senior, forward; Maeve Riordan, Metea Valley, senior, forward; Sophia Senese, Metea Valley, senior, midfielder; Audrey Stephens, West Aurora, forward, sophomore; Chesney Wargo, Metea Valley, senior, midfielder; Peyton Willie, Yorkville, forward, senior; Sarah Young, Waubonsie Valley, senior, goalkeeper; Kaylee Zimbelmann, Oswego, forward, senior.