Girls Prep D2 Poll: Title road goes through Rivers

Girls Prep D2 Poll

With the bulk of last year’s New England champion club back in the fold, including both goaltenders, Rivers (19-8-1) will begin the 2015-2016 season as favorites to repeat.

The Red Wings get the pre-season #1 ranking in the HNIB News Girls Division 2 Prep poll. Sam Estes, Missy Segall and Kasey Cunningham will lead what should be a balanced scoring attack for coach Malcolm Spurling.

#2 Worcester Academy (18-8-2) has been a playoff club the past two winters, and the Hilltoppers should make it three in a row this winter. Can they challenge for the top spot? Yes,  Jennifer Manning, Micaela Sindoris and Timary Malley will power the team, with Hannah Lowe a rock on the blue line.

A championship game appearance was the result of Julie Pesta’s first season behind the bench at #3 Southfield (16-7-2). With one of the division’s best goalies in Kelly Lavelle, and UNH-bound Meghara McManus up front, expect Southfield to be a force.

If coach Peter LaVigne can replace the offensive production lost to graduation, then #4 Canterbury (15-7-1) will be right there. The Saints will get production from the likes of Maddie Blauth and Emily Martino.

#5 Berwick advanced all the way to the New England semifinals last winter and you can bet coach Patrick McNulty will have his Bobcats ready for another run this winter. Senior Alyssa Hulst is coming off a 50-point season.

Talented players at each position will keep #6 Proctor (15-9-2) involved all season and a probable playoff club. Alexis Fagan is a top forward and both goalies are back.

If #7 Gunnery is to challenge, it will do so with another new coach, as Kiernan Joyce takes over behind the bench.

With Harvard-bound goalie Beth Larcom between the pipes, expect #8 St. George’s (8-8-2) to make some noise in the ISL as the Dragons look to secure a post-season playoff berth.