NEB girls soccer is looking to have a bounce back year in 2026 fueled by a strong senior class.

"We have seven returning seniors so we're going to be losing seven, which hurts us of next year, but for hit year it really helps out," said NEB coach Joel Howland. "The older girls have really stepped up into a leadership role - all seven of them. It's nice to see they're welcoming the younger girls with open arms."

The seniors say they just aren't teammates, they're friends.

"So the chemistry will be very good," Katrina Russell said. 

They've working on passing a lot early this season as they develop a rapport with the younger girls, and work on ball control.

"It'll help us advance the ball, and keep possession of it a lot more," said Sara Gray. "We try and do that against our competitors. We just want the ball the majority of the time, and that's our big goal this year."

They spent a lot of time chasing on defense last year, and, with a smaller team of 13 players, they know they can't afford to get worn out like that.

"We're doing a lot of running," Russell said. "But a smaller team makes it easier to get to know everybody."

Though, they think having a smaller team will help since many of them got a lot of playing time last year.

"We have a lot of girls that have worked together in prior years," said Maggie Chappell. 

Last year's team went through a lot of trial and error before they found their groove near the end of the season.

"Towards the end of the year we completed switched up what we were doing, and we went more midfield and striker heavy," said Howland. "We started getting more attacks on goal, and it really paid off. We're hoping to do the same thing this year."

Howland's going to looking for his underclassmen to grow up quickly.

"All of the younger girls that are coming out of ninth and 10th grade are taking over the responsibility because they're going to have to with seven seniors leaving," he said. 

One big hole they need filled is goalie. Outgoing senior Leah Beebe was one of the top goalies in the league for the past four years.

"That's a big challenge," said Howland. "Last year we were trying to figure out who we were going to fill that spot with. Everybody knows Leah Beebe is unreplaceable. Maggie Chappell said 'I want to accept that challenge.' I said, 'I love it.' She played a little bit last year - did good but she got a real eye opener to see what it was like to goalie at the varsity level. It has really paid off. I think she is going to accept the role of Leah very well."

Chappell, for her part, can't wait to start manning the line.

"I'm really excited," she said. "Last year was a rough year, and I'm a lot more confident here."

Russell will be returning in front of Chappell this year.

"I do like it back there," she said about playing defense. "I like being able to get the ball, and keep my goal safe."

Gray will be taking over the center-mid role, something she's excited for.

"I love that I can communicate with everyone around me, and try and advise the younger people," she said. "I can see them progress through the season."

Mackenzie Clark, Kara Dughi, Aurelia Kolesar, and Mallorie Maynard have been regular starters for the past few seasons. 

They're hoping this adds up to a better season this year as they work to get the program back to where it was a few years ago.

"As a team we just want to do better than we did last year," Howland said. "We would like to make a run at districts if we can."

ROSTER

Mackenzie Clark (12)

Kara Dughi (12)

Sarah Gray (12)

Aurelia Kolesar (12)

Stephanie Lambert (12)

Mallorie Maynard (12)

Anyely Reyes-Fajardo (12)

Katrina Russell (12)

Emma Warren (11)

Maggie Chappell (10)

Delsie Ramires-Sanchez (10)

Trinity Fick (9)

Emilie Maynard (9)

SCHEDULE

Sep. 2 vs Athens, 4 p.m.

Sep. 5 at Wyalusing, 4 p.m.

Sep. 9 vs Wellsboro, 4 p.m.

Sep. 12 vs Williamson, 10 a.m.

Sep. 14 at Towanda, 4 p.m.

Sep. 16 vs NPM, 4 p.m.

Sep. 19 at Elk Lake, 10 a.m.

Sep. 22 at Troy, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Athens, 4 p.m.

Sep. 26 hosts Tournament

Sep. 29 vs Wyalusing, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Wellsboro, 4 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs Blue Ridge, 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Williamson, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 vs Towanda, 4 p.m.

Oct. 13 at NPM, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs Troy, 4 p.m.