Dock out to defend district title
Continental brimming with standouts
Dock heads into the 2020 season an experienced group with its eyes on another District 1-2A title.
“We have most of our top five back from last year and they are battle tested and show strong leadership,” coach Justin Feil said. “Every one of them is important. They have helped to set the tone for our newcomers who are enthusiastic learners.
“The uncertainty of the season is a difficult backdrop but these girls are looking for every chance to compete. They would love a chance to defend their district title and send the seniors out on top.”
The Suburban One League Continental Conference will once again be stacked.
“We have an interesting mix of experience and newcomers. Unfortunately, so do the other members of the SOL Continental Conference,” North Penn coach Jim Crawford Jr. said. “Thus, we could have a much improved team, but no one may notice because our opponents are so good. Plus, we don’t have as many meets as in past years to gain experience for the new members.”
Wissahickon and Upper Dublin should once again be battling in a strong SOL American.
Following is a team-by-team look at the area. Central Bucks West Coach: Kiki Bell.
Key performers lost: Piper Wilson; Grace Kolbe. Key returners: Julia Flood, Sr.; Emmi Simon, Sr.; Carlin McFadden. Outlook for the season: Led by Flood, the Bucks should again challenge for the top spot in the SOL Continental and be a force at the district race. Dock
Coach: Justin Feil (sixth season).
Last year’s record: 4-2 in the BAL. Key performers lost: Rachel Jin, Mirabel Fizzano. Key returners: Sara Kennel, Sr.; Lydia King, Sr.; Sydney Putera, Sr.; Isa Rodriguez, Sr.; Celeste Derstine, So. Key newcomers: Maddy Churches, Fr.; Paige Miller, Fr.; Toni Phillips, Fr. Outlook for the season: With a strong
returning group, the Pioneers should be in the thick of it for the league title.
North Penn Coach: Jim Crawford Jr. (48th season).
Last year’s record: 3-3 in the SOL Continental, 4-4 overall, fourth in the conference, 18th in District 1-3A. Key performers lost: Rachel Ahlmark, Kelley Selheimer. Key returners: Jaime Diedel, Sr.; Rachel Storm, Jr.; Julia Shin, Jr.; Katelyn Folweiler, Jr.; Rongrong Wang, Sr.; Jijee Dhinesh, So.; Abigail Holmberg, So. Others to watch: Claire Burcik, Jr.; Megan Gambogi, Sr.; Natalie Gordon, Fr.; Charlize Huang, So.; Laura Leibiger, Fr.; Zoe Morawski, Fr.; Zoe Silva, So.; Katie Tarlo, So. Pennridge Coach: Bill Smith (15th season).
Last year’s record: 3-3 in the SOL Continental.
Key performers lost: Sarah Towsend, Samantha Foster, Kayla Horn. Key returners: Bella Musgrove, Sr.; Delaney Denton, Sr.; Megan Lysek-Hagy, Sr.; Hayley Gurysh, Jr.; Emma Payne, Jr.; Ava Pultorak, So.
Others to watch: Ashley Gordon, Sr.; Maria Lera-Lozano, Fr.; Kendall Posey, Fr.; Nora Ritting, So.; Anna Teliska, So.
Coach Smith says of the team: “Competitive spirit, young talent.” Souderton Area Coach: David Klein (fourth season).
Last year’s record: 4-2 in the SOL Continental. Key performers lost: Kristine Kearns, Morgan Kelly, Campbell Bache, Jenny Sidarous, Allison Clemens.
Key returners: Gina Smyth, Sr.; Alli Malmquist, Jr. Others to watch: Franci Flores, Jr.; Rachel Schewe, So. Coach Klein says: “Looking to finish in the top half of the league.”
Upper Dublin Coach: Tony Giammarco. Key performers lost: Caleigh Trauger; Emma Kedziora. Key returners: Sarah Eskew, Sr.; Caitlin Burmester, Sr.; Lena Shaddinger, Jr.
Outlook for the season: The Cardinals, who finished second at the SOL American race a season ago, welcome back several returners as they try and challenge for the crown.
Wissahickon Coach: Heidi Butt.
Key performers lost: Ainsley Olszewski. Key returners: Lindsey Frenia, Sr.; Leah Dubin, Jr.; Natalie Drake, Sr.; Nora Cahill, Jr.; Mari Kleha, Sr.
Outlook for the season: The Trojans, who finished first at the SOL American race a year ago, have a huge group of returners and should be a major force in the conference.