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Pinkerton Academy Girls Soccer Preview

2006 record: 13-2-4, lost Class L semis

Returning starters (3): Lauren Mueser, Jr., defense; Stephanie Sayward, Jr., forward; Bree Robinson, Sr., forward

Returning lettermen: Sarah Davidson, Jr., defense; Molly Hanlon, Jr., defense; Meghan Hickey, Sr., defense; Suzanne Najem, Sr., midfield

Newcomers: Nicole Cuerdon, Jr., midfield; Elena Dauphinais, Frosh., midfield; Rory Fawcett, Frosh., forward; Katie Miller, Jr., goalie; Kelsey Porter, Frosh., midfield; Allie Ucich, Soph., defense; Kate Ward, Soph., forward Candidates in all grades: 75

Captains: Bree Robinson, Meghan Hickey, Suzanne Najem Returning leaders: Bree Robinson, Sr., forward (18 goals); Stephanie Sayward, Jr., forward (8 goals) Returning honorees: Robinson (two-time E-T All-Star, second in area scoring); Sayward (E-T honorable mention)

Assistants: Nicole Vaccarezza JV, Gina Santos Frosh.

Opener: Tuesday Aug. 28 at Spaulding, 4:30 p.m.

Odds and ends: Graduated nine from a club that fell to Exeter 3-0 in the Class L semis. Super striker Bree Robinson | 37 combined goals in 2006 and 2007 | plans on studying criminal justice and playing soccer in college. She hasn't picked a school yet. ... Group of underclassmen that led JV team to undefeated regular season in 2006 should give varsity club a big boost. ... Coach Ken Najem expects big things from goalie Katie Miller, who served as Shannon Alderfer's backup last year.

Coach: Ken Najem (6th year, 41-30-3): "We're young with a lot of skill. If the freshmen can pick up their game, we're going to be in the hunt. ... Bree is good for a goal a game. If they double team her, she's done her job by drawing another defender. ... We're just going to have to wait and see until we're battle tested. ... Lauren (Mueser's) going to anchor the defense. ... We're not as strong on paper as we've been in the past, but don't underestimate us. We're going to be there."