The 2025 girls’ soccer season has kicked off, and early games are already serving up drama and excitement! Some teams lean on experienced leaders to set the tone, while others are counting on young players ready to make a name for themselves. From game-changing goals to lockdown defense, fans are in for fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action as LebCo girls’ soccer teams hit the field this fall.
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Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Ryan Ulrich – 3rd season
Key Returners: Bailee Kohr (Sr.); Emma Shirk (Sr.); Mariam Elzek (Sr.); Anna Lim (Sr.); Mikayla Sperlich (Sr.); Addy Sanchez (Jr.); Abby Sperlich (So.)
Key Newcomers: Bella Pulaski (Jr.); Rachel Folgelsanger (So.)
Outlook: The Annville-Cleona Dutchmen enter 2025 aiming to build on a strong 12-4-2 season and return to Districts. Leadership comes from senior goalkeepers Bailee Kohr and Mariam Elzek, both 2024 LL 2nd team all-stars, who also contribute as defenders—good luck trying to score a PK on either of them. Holding the middle of the field is senior Mikayla Sperlich, a LL 2nd team all-star, whose defensive instincts and precise passing launch the Dutchmen’s offense. Senior Emma Shirk moves from wing to striker and is poised to elevate her goal scoring, while Anna Lim provides calm, accurate ball distribution from midfield. Junior Addy Sanchez and sophomore Abby Sperlich return as starting midfielders driving the offense. Anchoring the defensive line are newcomers Bella Pulaski and Rachel Folgelsanger, tasked with stepping into center back roles and strengthening the back line. While the Dutchmen must replace Section 4 MVP Rowan Ulrich, who led the league in goals, and first-team all-star center back Kya Missimer, the team’s solid core down the middle and rising talent on the wings and outside backs provide a foundation for success. With players like Emma Shirk ready to step up, Annville-Cleona has the potential to be an even bigger scoring threat this season.
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen Schedule
Cedar Crest Falcons
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1
Head Coach: Scott Steffen – 7th season
Key Returners: Carly Atkins (Sr.); Sam Fink (Sr.); Eliza Kase (Sr.); Emma Kline (Sr.); Addie Achenbach (Jr.); Cam Blouch (Jr.); Lily Harchuska (So.)
Key Newcomers: Eva Zimmerman (Jr.); Abbie Bucy (So.); Riley Frisinger (So.); Addie Fulkerson (So.); Jordan Ketner (So.); Emma Achenbach (Fr.); Addie Kline (Fr.)
Outlook: The Cedar Crest Falcons enter 2025 following a season that saw them reach the LL League finals and the District quarterfinals. Despite losing 16 players due to graduation and injuries, the team returns a talented core led by seniors Carly Atkins, Sam Fink, Eliza Kase, and Emma Kline, whose leadership and experience will be vital for a younger squad. Junior Addie Achenbach and Cam Blouch along with sophomore Lily Harchuska provide stability and skill in key midfield and defensive roles. Excitement surrounds newcomers Eva Zimmerman, Abbie Bucy, Riley Frisinger, Addie Fulkerson, Jordan Ketner, and freshmen Emma Achenbach and Addie Kline, all of whom are expected to contribute immediately. Looking ahead, the Falcons are a hardworking group focused on growth, development, and continuing the program’s tradition of competitiveness. With determination and emerging talent, Cedar Crest aims to remain a strong contender in both league and district play.
ELCO Raiders
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Josh Deck – 1st season
Key Returners: Caitlyn Andrews-Weber (Sr.), Kenzie Eckhart (Sr.), Bre Etherson (Sr.), Claire Jacoby (Sr.), Abby Nelson (Sr.), Ava Beck (Jr.), Hadyn Boyer (Jr.), Ava Seifert (Jr.), Olive Brubaker (So.), Kayla Edris (So.), Maddie Nelson (So.), Ava Stewart (So.)
Key Newcomers: Alexis Strasz (Fr.), Averie Stump (Fr.), Taylor Everhart (Fr.), Rileyanne Witmer (Fr.)
Outlook: ELCO enters the 2025 season with new head coach Josh Deck stepping in for the legendary Derek Fulk, who stepped away weeks before the season due to health concerns. Deck inherits a talented roster poised to uphold the winning tradition Fulk established during his 13 years at the helm. The return of key starters like juniors Ava Beck, Hadyn Boyer, and Ava Seifert, seniors Bre Etherson and Caitlyn Andrews-Weber, and sophomores Ava Stewart, Maddie Nelson, and Kayla Edris provides a strong foundation. Senior goalie Claire Jacoby anchors the defense with her leadership and experience, while forward Kenzie Eckhart adds firepower and pace up front. Freshmen newcomers Alexis Strasz, Averie Stump, Taylor Everhart, and Rileyanne Witmer bring fresh energy and potential, setting the stage for an exciting season. With determination and a blend of experience and youth, ELCO aims to remain a competitive force in league and district play.
Lebanon Cedars
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Heidi Evans – 5th season
Key Returners: Rayven Soliday (Jr.); Mya Pauleus (So.);
Key Newcomers: Marina Villa Riega (Jr.); Milana Boyer (Fr.); Arabella Ovierdier (Fr.)
Outlook:
The Lebanon Cedars girls’ soccer team enters the 2025 season with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. Last year, the team improved on past seasons, scoring more goals, earning more wins, and finishing 5th in the section—a step up from previous years. Mya Pauleus anchors the midfield with exceptional footwork and vision, allowing the offense to flow and creating opportunities for her teammates. Rayven Soliday provides stability in goal, bringing confidence and leadership to the back line. Almost the entire defensive unit returns, giving the team cohesion and a strong foundation for tight games.
Newcomers Marina Villa Riega, Milana Boyer, and Arabella Ovierdier add depth, skill, and energy. Ovierdier has shown promise communicating seamlessly with Pauleus and the offense, helping to drive the team’s attack, while Boyer and Villa Riega bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and coachable attitudes that strengthen the squad. With a mix of returning experience and talented newcomers, the Cedars are ready to compete in every matchup. Though often seen as underdogs, the team’s heart, determination, and commitment to giving 100% will allow them to challenge any opponent and continue the positive trajectory of Lebanon girls’ soccer.
New Covenant Flames
Commonwealth Christain Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Cody Kantner – 5th season
Key Returners: Ranea Kilmer (Sr.); Kai Hershey (Sr.); Lily Rohrer (Sr.); Qynne Delmer (Jr.); Moriah Siminikis (Jr.); Laney Zimmerman (So.)
Key Newcomers: Mahaley Gehman (Fr.); McKenna Kantner (Fr.); Emma Zintak (Fr.)
Key Losses: Miracle Hershey; Keira Kantner
Outlook: The New Covenant girls’ soccer program enters 2025 poised to build on a strong 2024 season, which included a CCAC League championship and a deep District playoff run. Leadership and firepower will come from senior Kai Hershey, last year’s leading goal scorer who also reached the 100-point milestone, along with fellow seniors Ranea Kilmer and Lily Rohrer. Juniors Qynne Delmer and Moriah Siminikis, as well as sophomore Laney Zimmerman, provide additional experience and stability. Freshmen Mahaley Gehman, McKenna Kantner, and Emma Zintak are expected to make immediate contributions and inject energy into the squad. With all defensive starters returning and a high-tempo, pressure-oriented style planned, the girls are ready to compete at a high level once again and continue the program’s momentum.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
At this point, we have not received information. It will be updated as soon as we are able to do so.
Northern Lebanon Vikings Schedule
Palmyra Cougars
Mid-Penn Conference – Keystone Division
Head Coach: Tim Grinstead – 7th season
Key Returners: Ellie Bauer (Sr.); Kenzie Long (Sr.); Elyse Ancharski (Jr.); Graceyn O’Brien (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Sammy Seager (Jr.); Alayna Pascale (So.); Alyse Lindenmuth (So.)
Outlook: The Palmyra Lady Cougars enter 2025 aiming to build on a strong 12-4-2 season that took them one game shy of States. Senior Kenzie Long, just 26 points shy of the 100-point milestone and committed to East Stroudsburg University, will be a focal point of the attack. The defensive unit is anchored by committed senior Ellie Bauer (Shenandoah), supported by juniors Elyse Ancharski and Graceyn O’Brien. At defensive midfield, junior Sammy Seager brings tenacity and stability, helping round out a stout back line. Sophomores Alayna Pascale (forward) and Alyse Lindenmuth (midfield) are poised to make a big impact as they step into varsity roles. With strong leadership and a core group committed to hard work, focus, and positivity, the Lady Cougars are primed for a return to Districts—and ready to finish what they started.
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