Girls soccer preview: Preseason rankings and team-by-team storylines for the 4A SIC

By Zac Dean

August 18, 2022 2:18 PM

Bishop Kelly’s Lexi Chatterton, left, and Gracie Rhodes, right, return as two key players as the Knights seek their 14th straight district title this fall. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com

No girls soccer team has had more success in its conference than Bishop Kelly, which dominates the competition with all-state talent all over the field. And the 13-time defending district champs once again sit atop the preseason coaches’ poll for the 4A Southern Idaho Conference.

But that doesn’t mean opponents will shy away.

Vallivue, Ridgevue and Caldwell return plenty of goal-scoring threats, and their defenses can play toe-to-toe with any attack. Skyview returns to the mix as a dark-horse candidate to shake up the conference.

Check out each team’s storylines, including the top players to watch this fall.

1. BISHOP KELLY KNIGHTS

Last season: 15-6-1, 11-2-1 4A SIC

Coach: Dawn Hill, second season

Players to watch: Lexi Chatterton, sr., D; Sophie Schmautz, jr., F; Gracie Rhodes, jr., M

The Knights reload with eight returning starters and a bounty of all-conference talent, making them once again the team to beat in the SIC.

Boise State commit and first-team all-state center back Lexi Chatterton keeps the backline in check with her organization and communication. That makes more room in the attack for Schmautz, another all-state first-teamer. She led the Knights with 16 goals last year. And Rhodes (six goals, six assists) can chip in with her playmaking abilities.

2. VALLIVUE FALCONS

Last season: 15-6-1, 11-2-1 4A SIC

Coach: Mariah Castillo, second season

Players to watch: Alondra Osuna, sr., M/F; Amanda Soto, fr., F/M; Hailey Upson, so., D

The reigning state runner-up lost conference player of the year Lizabeth Soto to graduation. But the cupboard remains stocked with plenty of talent.

College of Idaho commit Alondra Osuna (18 goals, 11 assists) will be the go-to as a forward and attacking midfielder. And expect freshman Amanda Soto to contribute right away with her speed and goal-scoring ability.

3. RIDGEVUE WARHAWKS

Last season: 8-11-0, 6-8-0 4A SIC

Coach: Randy Fone, third season

Players to watch: Isis Villafane, sr., F/M; Avery Braun, sr., M/F; Mercedes Fernandez, sr., M; Katie Barton, sr., M

No team is returning more varsity experience than the Warhawks.

Villafane (17 goals, 16 assists) is the focal point and can win games with her speed, high motor and dominance in the air. Braun (eight goals, four assists), Fernandez (seven goals, eight assists) and Barton (three goals, four assists) add to the mix as one of the 4A’s most dangerous attacking groups.

4. CALDWELL COUGARS

Last season: 9-12-2, 5-7-2 4A SIC

Coach: Katelyn Benavidez, second season

Players to watch: Shae Olsen, sr., F; Grace Sams, so., D; Johanna Serrato, so., M

Caldwell returns all but one starter this fall, including its top scorer in College of Idaho commit Shae Olsen (23 goals).

Opposing forwards will also have to keep an eye out for Sams, who was the only freshman to make first-team all-state. Benavidez said her physicality, work rate and ability to add to the offense make her a constant threat. The Cougars also bring back Serrato, a center midfielder with plenty of upside.

5. SKYVIEW HAWKS

Last season: 5-11-2, 2-7-2 5A SIC

Coach: Sam Lungren, second season

Players to watch: Maren Lungren, sr., D; Ruby Shroll, sr., M; Alina Hernandez, so., M/W; Alex Barrass, sr., GK

The Hawks started tryouts with just 19 girls and couldn’t field a JV team a year ago. Now they’re equipped with 29 players and eight returning starters as they drop back to the 4A level.

The duo of Maren Lungren and Barrass can direct traffic in the defensive third, while Shroll and Hernandez excel with the ball at their feet in the midfield. Coach Lungren said the Hawks’ experience and hunger make them a contender in the conference race.

6. COLUMBIA WILDCATS

Last season: 9-10-1, 7-6-1 4A SIC

Coach: Roxanne Mouw, first season

Players to watch: Kaitlyn Lundergan, jr., D; Kiley Jones, jr., GK; Violet Soto, jr., M; Aubrey Coleman, sr., D

The bulk of the Wildcats’ defense returns, including first-team all conference outside back Kaitlyn Lundergan, whom Mouw described as “one of the fastest girls in the conference.”

They also bring back a two-way playmaker in Coleman, who missed half of last season due to injury. The offensive attack is a concern, but Soto can lead the way with her excellent distribution skills. And don’t be surprised to see starting goalkeeper Kiley Jones contribute up top as a striker as well.

7. EMMETT HUSKIES

Last season: 0-18-0, 0-14-0 4A SIC

Coach: Brandon Jenkins, second season

Players to watch: Elena Henry, D/M; Bayleigh Putnam, jr., W/F; Hailey Minton, sr., D

Last year’s weakness in the Huskies’ defense looks to be a strength in Jenkins’ second season. And returners in key positions can make impacts at various spots on the field.

Henry is the primary center back, and can also play the defensive and central midfielder positions, while Minton will organize the backline at either outside back or center back. Putnam, a transfer, provides versatility and aggressiveness as a winger or center forward.