We know the 2025 Field Hockey season has already begun, and LebCo’s teams are making their presence felt with impressive early performances. As the season gains momentum, these squads are showcasing their skill, determination, and potential to shake up their divisions. With a proud tradition of competitive play in the region, now is the perfect time to provide context for each LebCo team’s journey, spotlighting their strengths, key players, and what to expect as they aim to make a lasting impact in 2025. This team-by-team preview is designed to add that context, offering insight as each squad battles through the challenges of the season.
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Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Carrie Gingrich – 8th season
Key Returners: Savannah Kleinfelter (Sr., Goalie); Lois Carey (Sr., Midfield); Claire Francis (So., Midfield)
Key Newcomers: Alayna Dalton (Fr.); Georgia Sellers (Fr.)
Outlook: The Annville-Cleona Dutchmen finished last season with a strong 2nd-place finish in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4, trailing only ELCO, and earned a berth in the District 3 Playoffs. With key returners like Savannah Kleinfelter, a 1st Team Section 3 All-Star who anchors the defense with her exceptional shot-stopping ability in goal, and Claire Francis, a 2nd Team Section 3 All-Star and dynamic midfielder with strong field vision, the Dutchmen are well-positioned to build on last year’s success. Lois Carey, a senior midfielder, adds veteran leadership and stability to the midfield. Freshmen Georgia Sellers and Alayna Dalton bring new energy and potential to an already youthful squad. As a young team, the Dutchmen are focused on improving with each game, fostering chemistry, and competing fiercely in the section. Under Coach Gingrich’s leadership in her 8th season, their primary goal is to secure another playoff appearance while continuing to grow as a cohesive unit.
Current Record: 3-1
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen Schedule
Cedar Crest Falcons
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1
Head Coach: Alicia Arnold – 5th season
Key Returners: Kate Poorman (Sr.); Madi Edwards (Jr.); Avery Lechleitner (Jr., Midfield); Rileigh Lightner (Jr.); Estella Sanchez (Jr., Midfield); Ella Sterner (Jr., Defense); Mikayln Weaber (Jr., Goalkeeper); Bella Paquette (So., Forward)
Key Newcomers: Madison Stradnick (Fr., Midfield)
Outlook: The Cedar Crest Falcons are charging into the 2025 season with momentum from a robust offseason, with players competing on club teams, attending clinics, and training through winter and summer sessions. Over 30 girls participated in preseason tryouts, reflecting strong program interest. The Falcons return a talented core of starters, primarily juniors and sophomores, led by their lone senior, Kate Poorman, a multi-sport athlete recognized by the Lancaster-Lebanon League in softball and one of four team captains. Joining her in leadership are junior Estella Sanchez, a key midfielder and captain; junior Ella Sterner, a defensive stalwart; and junior goalkeeper Mikayln Weaber, a 2024 Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 Honorable Mention. The junior class, including Madi Edwards, Avery Lechleitner, and Rileigh Lightner, anchors the starting lineup, while sophomore Bella Paquette, last season’s leading goal scorer, is set to shine offensively. A large freshman class bolsters the roster, with Madison Stradnick expected to make an immediate impact in the midfield alongside Avery Lechleitner and Estella Sanchez, and other freshmen earning key varsity minutes. Despite the absence of standout junior Cara Figueroa, a 2024 Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 2nd Team All-Star, due to a winter club hockey injury, her leadership will inspire from the sidelines as she recovers. With a gritty, coachable sophomore class and a challenging Section 1 schedule, Coach Alicia Arnold in her fifth season aims to capitalize on last year’s momentum, targeting a strong playoff push and continued growth for the program.
Current Record: 0-2
ELCO Raiders
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach:Kelsey Thorley – 7th season
Key Returners: Ava Bird (Sr., Midfield); Audrey Boehler (Sr., Forward); Alexa Shanaman (Sr., Defense); Addie Weiler (Sr., Midfield); Sophie Hollinshead (Jr., Defense); Meredith Noll (Jr., Midfield); Lilja Davis (So., Defense)
Key Newcomers: Savannah Gettle (Sr., Goalkeeper); Paityn Newswanger (So., Forward); Jordan Rivera (So., Midfield); Mackenzie Hibshman (Fr., Offense); Megyn Noll (Fr., Defense); Lilly Weaber (Fr., Offense)
Outlook: The ELCO Raiders are coming off a strong offseason, working diligently to replace several key players as they aim to capture their third Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 title. Last season, they dominated the section, and now the pressure is on to defend their position in a highly competitive field. Leading the charge is Addie Weiler, a 2nd Team All-State and three-time 1st Team Section 3 All-Star midfielder who amassed 89 points (32 goals, 25 assists) last season and is nearing a remarkable 200 career points. Meredith Noll, a two-time 1st Team Section 3 All-Star midfielder, contributed 39 points (11 goals, 17 assists) last year, bringing dynamic play to the midfield. The defensive unit is bolstered by Lilja Davis, Alexa Shanaman, and Sophie Hollinshead, while Audrey Boehler and Ava Bird add experience in the forward and midfield positions. Newcomers Savannah Gettle, Paityn Newswanger, Jordan Rivera, Mackenzie Hibshman, Megyn Noll, and Lilly Weaber are stepping into starting roles with confidence, contributing to a competitive and supportive team dynamic. The Raiders are committed to continuing their legacy as a strong, competitive field hockey program, with their primary goal being to defend their section title and make a deep playoff run.
Current Record: 2-0
Lebanon Cedars
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Amanda Whitman – 1st season
Key Returners: Six seniors
Outlook: The Lebanon Cedars are entering a new era under first-year head coach Amanda Whitman, with a rebranded identity aligning with the district’s “Unbreakable” theme, complete with a new logo and clothing order. Coming off a two-win season, the Cedars are focused on rebuilding and growing their program with a largely new roster. The team returns six seniors who provide valuable experience and leadership to guide the influx of new players. With the majority of the team being newcomers, the Cedars are working hard to develop chemistry and skills. Their primary goal for the upcoming season is to double their win total from last year, aiming for at least four victories while fostering a competitive and cohesive team dynamic in a challenging Section 3.
Current Record: 0-3
Northern Lebanon Vikings
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Kristi Ecenroad – 2nd season
Key Returners: Mackenzie Miller (Sr., Midfield); Kasey Weimer (Sr., Left Defensive Back); Katelyn Ecenroad (Jr., Midfield); Soairse Phillips (Sr., Midfield)
Key Newcomers: Orlaith Phillips (Fr., Goalkeeper); eight unnamed freshmen; two unnamed upperclassmen new to varsity
Outlook: The Northern Lebanon Lady Vikings are gearing up for the 2025 season with a young and revitalized roster, aiming to build on their competitive presence in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3. After losing key contributors like power center midfielder Madison Brewer and top scorers Rylee Snyder and Alex Spangler to graduation, the Vikings are starting fresh with a new offensive line while leaning on an experienced defensive unit. Senior Kasey Weimer, a 1st Team Lancaster-Lebanon All-Star with 19 defensive saves last season, anchors the left defensive back position, providing a strong foundation. Senior Mackenzie Miller, an Honorable Mention Lancaster-Lebanon All-Star with two goals last year, brings versatility to the midfield, capable of impacting both offense and defense. Junior Katelyn Ecenroad, a 2nd Team Lancaster-Lebanon All-Star, serves as a critical connector between the defense and offense, while senior Soairse Phillips, transitioning from a strong center back role last year, is expected to leverage her powerful legs as a midfielder. Freshman goalkeeper Orlaith Phillips is a standout newcomer, showing promise in the cage and adjusting well to varsity play. With eight freshmen and two upperclassmen new to varsity hockey, the Lady Vikings are a small and youthful squad, but the experienced upperclassmen are poised to lead. The team’s goal is to grow throughout the season, harnessing the leadership of their upperclassmen to compete in Section 3 and continue Northern Lebanon’s tradition of strong field hockey.
Current Record: 1-2
Palmyra Cougars
Mid-Penn Conference – Keystone Division
Head Coach: Kent Harshman – 10th season
Key Returners: Bree Aughenbaugh (Sr., Back); Abby Bennett (Sr., Goalkeeper); Madi Gingrich (Sr., Forward/Midfield); Jovie Weaver (Sr., Forward); AJ Walker (Sr., Back); Ava High (Jr., Forward); Leigha Kane (Jr., Midfield/Back); Maddy Waldron (Jr., Forward); Ella Detwiler (So., Forward/Midfield); Maddie Stahl (So., Forward/Midfield)
Key Newcomers: Large number of talented newcomers
Outlook: The Palmyra Cougars are poised for a strong 2025 season after graduating just four seniors, returning a deep and talented roster eager to reclaim their championship form from 2022 and 2023. Last season, the Cougars advanced to the PIAA State Semifinals, falling to Warwick, the eventual state champion. With a robust core of returners, the team is led by seniors Bree Aughenbaugh and AJ Walker, who anchor the defense, alongside Abby Bennett, a stalwart in goal. Senior Madi Gingrich and Jovie Weaver bring versatility and scoring prowess to the forward and midfield positions. Juniors Ava High, Leigha Kane, and Maddy Waldron add dynamic play in the forward and midfield roles, while sophomores Ella Detwiler and Maddie Stahl contribute energy and skill to the attack. A large and talented freshman class joins the roster, continuing Palmyra’s steady pipeline of skilled players. With their sights set on returning to the state championship stage, the Cougars are determined to leverage their depth, experience, and talent to compete at the highest level in the Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division and make another deep playoff run.
Current Record: 1-0
Palmyra Edges Rival Mechanicsburg in Season-Opening Thriller
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