The girl's SWAC (Conference 5) had a clear pecking order last year. At the top of that order was been the Apex Cougars, who haven't lost a conference game since a 14-12 loss, to then conference opponent, Green Hope in 2013.
Team Previews
South Garner
The Titans we slated to play in the SWAC in 2019, but fell a little short on numbers. We are looking forward to seeing them in 2020.
Middle Creek
The Mustangs had a good run in 2018 before falling in the second round of the playoffs to eventual state champion Cardinal Gibbons. Middle Creek returns some offensive firepower including junior Alexis Ossi (80pts, 58 GB), sophomore Brigid Cardillo (116pts), senior Cailin Cardillo (47pts), and senior Ellie White (31pts). Defensively, the Mustangs return sophomore goalie Mackenzie Griffin (89 svs) to anchor the unit.
Garner
Garner is looking to build off their 2018 season. They lose seniors Kaylah Jones, Caroline Bridges and Jenna Tripp. Sophomore Olivia Verlinden (53pts, 33GB, 45CT) returns as the Trojan's leading scorer. Junior goalkeeper Charis Hatcher (127svs) will lead the defense again.
Holly Springs
Holly Springs starts the 2019 season under new coach LJ Hepp. The Golden Eagles return senior Sam Annetta (29 pts) and sophomore Jordan Ellerson (40 pts). Sophomore Hayley Calcavecchia and freshman Kayleen Favreau will be asked to step up their roles as well. Goalies Emma McCoy and Alli Juzaitis split time in cage in 2018 and will hold down the defensive end of the field.
Apex Friendship
Apex Friendship placed third in the conference in 2018. The Patriots will be without two 3-year captains in Grace Fleming (71pts, 53 GB, Air Force) and Olivia Blake (43pts, 126 GB, 132 DC, Meredith). Offensively, Friendship returns senior Bella Hererra (59 pts, VCU) and juniors Lauren Allen (13pts) and Parker Vaughn (16pts). Junior goalie Evelyn Kauserud (87 svs), senior defender Amber Petrusa, and junior defender Kate Fleming will anchor the defense.
Apex
Apex has dominated the SWAC for the past five seasons. Each year seeming to reload and prepare for a playoff run. This year looks like the Cougars are ready to do the same. Despite the loss of Tess Meurling (Old Dominion) and Emily Beckman (Woffard), Apex looks to defend its conference title. Senior, and reigning conference player of the year, Ellie Bromley (79g, 41a, ECU) will look to lead the team offensively in 2019. Sammie Diaz (38g 10a) returns at attack and 1st team all conference midfielder Tess Rodgers (28g, 33a). Goalie Chloe Larson and defender Ali Schuh look to make their senior year their best one. The cougars will be looking for Jess Dowdy to step into a midfield roll as a starter, along with midfielders Emily White and Renee Perkins. Avery King and freshmen Kaylen Adkins look to make an impact on Attack.
Fuquay-Varina
The Bengals are entering the 2019 season, the second in program history, still hunting for the program's first win. Fuquay-Varina is a team that learned much from its first season, and are looking forward to all the possibilities in year two. They will be anchored by the return of all-conference goalie Izzy Workman.
Conference Prediction
- Apex
- Middle Creek
- Apex Friendship
- Terry Sanford
- Holly Springs
- Garner
- Fuquay-Varina
- Cape Fear
Back to Previous Page