CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Megan Buescher
River Hill
It was a fitting end to a standout four-year career for the North Carolina State-bound Buescher, who had six goals and 16 assists and made an imprint in nearly every game. She was strong winning balls and a reliable one-on-one defender on a team that went almost a month without giving up a goal. The 6-foot senior was also always a threat to convert crosses and corner kicks and, of course, there was her trademark throw-ins. With them, she set up many scores, including overtime goals over Glenelg and John Carroll.
Hayley Siegel
Centennial
After spending her freshman season feeling out the high school game, Siegel used this year as her coming-out party, racking up 11 goals and four assists, while controlling the midfield. Relentless in her pursuit and possession of the ball, Siegel, one of the most talented players in the state, broke through or broke down opposing defenses with her dribbling and passing ability. Though she looked to set up her teammates first, Siegel wasn't shy taking the ball to the goal.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Joan Kelso Smedley
River Hill
Though blessed with a lot of talent, Kelso Smedley still had to keep her team focused and find the best roles for her players and she pushed all the right buttons, leading the Hawks to another stellar season, which included a county title and a 15-game winning streak. A 2-1 regional final loss to Severna Park spoiled the Hawks' bid for a fourth straight title, but didn't diminish what the team accomplished this season. Kelso Smedley's five-year record at the helm of the Hawks is 78-8-3.
FIRST TEAM
Lynlea Cronin
Wilde Lake
One of the toughest marks in the county, Cronin, a senior, used speed and skill to register 14 goals and four assists, often against a double-team. Surrounded by inexperience, Cronin, who will play lacrosse at James Madison next year, put a lot on herself and scored in nine of 13 games.
Beth Foley
Centennial
A defender last year, Foley stepped into the midfield alongside Hayley Siegel, and stabilized the Eagles with an ability to control or distribute the ball, and play both ways effectively. A physical presence on both ends, the senior scored seven goals and added three assists.
Kelly Glacken
Glenelg
The junior stopper was often asked to guard some of the top offensive players in the county, and she responded. While three of her better games came while guarding Lynlea Cronin, Hayley Siegel and Jamie Goertler, Glacken was a model of consistency throughout.
Jamie Goertler
River Hill
A starter on three state title winners, the senior made River Hill go. An aggressive midfielder with tremendous skill, she finished with seven goals and two assists, saving many of the goals for big moments. She scored in overtime to beat Glenelg, and tallied in a 2-0 win over Centennial.
Rosie Goldberg
Centennial
The sophomore sweeper fought through an injury to become the backbone of the Eagles' defense. Quick to either sideline to help out the backs and armed with skills not usually found in defenders, Goldberg helped Centennial limit opponents to 14 goals.
EJ Goldman
Atholton
Goldman, a junior, was stellar throughout, notching six shutouts and allowing two goals or less in all but two of 16 games. Technically sound, aggressive off her line and quick from post-to-post, Goldman had double-digit save totals six times for the defensive-minded Raiders.
Stacy Grenier
Atholton
An Olympic Development player, Grenier gave the Raiders a true defender, who read the game well, communicated with her teammates and provided a big presence in the box. The play of the junior sweeper was so impressive, she was named a captain at midseason.
Kara Lewis
River Hill
Thanks to a nose for the ball and superb finishing ability inside the box, the junior led the county in scoring with 16 goals and nine assists. With a tireless work rate, she had the confidence to take on bigger defenders, and was a constant threat.
Shelley McDuff
River Hill
McDuff, a sweeper, was the anchor of a defense that surrendered only 10 goals in 16 games. Possessing a blend of skill, speed, smarts and aggressiveness that coaches crave, the junior rarely was beaten to a 50-50 ball and had no problem sacrificing her body.
Lauren Nuffer
Hammond
A standout in a rebuilding year for the Bears, Nuffer, a four-year varsity player, was either on the giving or receiving end of most of her team's scoring chances. Her output -- 13 goals and seven assists -- combined with her leadership made a difference.
Mandy Paizs
Centennial
Eagles coach Mike Senisi challenged someone on his team to perform as a go-to scorer, and the sophomore responded. At one point, the speedy forward, with a strong right foot and an unrelenting work ethic, scored in five straight games before finishing with 11 goals and five assists.
Chrissy Starcher
Glenelg
A true two-way midfielder, Starcher was strong all season, but truly came on in the second half, registering most of her eight goals and two assists in the last eight games. The four-year starter lifted her teammates with consistent, aggressive and intelligent play.
Jackie Stromberg
River Hill
On a Hawks team loaded with talent, Stromberg was the unsung hero, scoring 13 goals to go along with eight assists. Fast enough to play up front and plenty skilled to roam the midfield, the junior was a force wherever she played, and very dangerous in the air.