South Carroll wrestling, Francis Scott Key softball, Manchester Valley girls lacrosse and last but not least: Manchester Valley field hockey.
Few teams have been as dominant against county competition the past couple of years and Denean Koontz’s program is no exception. Entering her 31st season, Koontz once again enjoys an embarrassment of riches as she glances at her roster. Now a sophomore, Taylor Fique is back along with fellow Player of the Year candidates Sophie Baer and Amanda Herrold to lead one of the county’s deepest lineups. The Mavericks are back and ready defend their undefeated county championship.
After a 15-1 campaign, but a 2A state semifinal finish, the Mavericks look to take things a step further and raise a state championship trophy in the air at the end of the season, something only one team in Carroll County was able to do a year ago.
That team, the South Carroll Cavaliers, is led by returning Player of the Year Alana Enoff, who turned heads after one of the best playoff runs in recent memory last season en route to winning the Class 1A state title. With Danielle Gabrish taking over as coach, can the Cavaliers return to the state title game, but this time as a county champion?
Francis Scott Key and Westminster will surely have a say in the matter as both are coming off good seasons of their own. The Owls are not to be overlooked after winning their region and reaching the state semifinals in impressive fashion. Like Koontz, coach Laurie Nail boasts a deep roster of her own as Westminster once against appears to be one of the top teams in their region.
Here’s a preview of teams heading into the season: Editor’s note: Not all teams responded to requests for information.
Century
Coach: Terry Duryea, 17th season
Last season: 7-7
Top returners: Natalie Opatovsky (Shenandoah University commit), Aubrey Geist, Azhuh Ponte (St Mary’s) and Abby Kristian.
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to a great season with 11 seniors who have experience and love the game.”
Francis Scott Key
Coach: Becky Bachtel, second season
Last season: 9-3, regional finalist
Coach’s outlook: “The team is looking really good right now. The girls are gelling and are extremely focused. This is a wonderful group of girls who are coachable, smart, and enjoyable to be around.”
Liberty
Coach: Brenda Strohmer, 14th season
Last season: 3-12
Top returners: Elena Cucci, Claire Kim, Tori Schmitz and Hannah Schmitz.
Newcomers to watch: Gwen Yeager, Clara Robbins and Taylor Trudden.
Coach’s outlook: “We are a mix of young and experienced players. We should be competitive in this very tough county.”
Manchester Valley
Coach: Denean Koontz, 31st season
Last season: 15-1, county champions, regional champions, state semifinalists
Top returners: Sophie Baer, Liz Syzbalski, Shelly Wurzburger, Amanda Herrold and Taylor Fique.
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Lily Brookhart
Coach’s outlook: “Trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together to best suit our personnel. Carroll County is one of the best in the state, any team could emerge as champions.”
South Carroll
Coach: Danielle Gabrish, first season
Last season: 14-3, regional champion, Class 1A state champions
Top returners: Alayna Enoff (2023 Player of the Year), Caelin Lopes, Megan Maynard and Rowan Miller.
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Cat Yankle, Dakota Clemens and Afton Miller.
Coach’s outlook: “With the majority of last year’s championship squad back, we are determined to defend our title and secure back-to-back championships. This year’s roster is packed with seasoned veterans and a few promising newcomers, all united in their pursuit of maintaining the team’s dominance.”
Westminster
Coach: Laure Naill, sixth season
Last season: 7-7, regional champion, state semifinalist
Top returners: Stevie Schultz, Natalie Schultz, Vivian Dunn, Gabi Thomas and Kylah Nowosielski.
Newcomer to watch: Camilla Dunn
Coach’s outlook: “This year, our team is focused on building consistency and making a strong push in the league. We’ve got a mix of seasoned players and rising stars who are ready to step up and make a significant impact.”
Winters Mill
Coach: Christine Bradley, ninth season
Last season: 4-8
Top returners: Olivia Pollard, Cici Coco, Addison Vanlandingham and Sydney Schertz.
Newcomers to watch: Kiera Youngling and Kennedy Ellis.
Coach’s outlook: “This year is going to be a rebuilding year for us. All my seniors were strong and held the team. I think we have some good communication and we have good ball movement working together. And we’ll have good defense; we’ve always had strong defense.”
