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Salem Girls Soccer Preview

2006 record: 4-12-1, lost in Class L first round

Returning starters (8): Melissa Courtemanche, Sr., goalie; Nicole Ogin, Sr., defense; Caitlin Peters, Jr., center/defense; Liz Merriken, Sr., midfield; Jackie Zani, Sr., midfielder; Liz Edgerton, Jr., midfield; Abby Tomasi, Sr., left midfield; Sarah Raye, Soph., forward

Returning lettermen: Sarah Viehl, Jr., midfield; Sarah McCook, Jr., midfield; Kayla Provenzano, Jr., midfielder

Newcomers: Mackenzie Miller, Frosh., defense; Kristine Gosson, Soph., forward; Casey Smith, Jr., forward; Olivia Connors, Soph., forward; Gina Righini, Frosh., forward; Hanna LaRochelle, Frosh., defense; Belinda Overdeput, Jr., midfielder; Sarah Snyder Soph., goalie; Katie Conway, Soph., defense/goalie

Candidates in all grades: 50; Captains: TBA

Returning leaders: None

Returning honorees: Caitlin Peters, Eagle-Tribune honorable mention; Sarah Raye, Eagle-Tribune honorable mention

Assistants: Greg Paris, JV

Odds and ends: Standout Jackie Zani is home-schooled. ... Salem graduated only four seniors from last season. ... Eight more players tried out this season than last. ... Senior Liz Merriken's brother, Andrew Merriken, captained the Blue Devils boys team in 2004. ... Gina Righini was named Junior Teenager of the Year by the Derry-Salem Elks in the spring.

Coach Kendrick Whittle (2nd year, 4-12-1): "Last year we hardly had enough players to make a team, and this year we could hand-pick the group we wanted. Casey Smith and Kristine Gosson should both be standout players. We are expecting a lot out of our freshmen, Gina Rigini, Hanna LaRochelle and MacKenzie Miller. Sarah Raye was our leading scorer from a season ago and she is stronger and more fit. Caitlin Peters is one of the best centers in the state."