According to Julia Duemler, the effort the Upper Perkiomen showed in last year's season-ending loss will help propel the 2015 team to great things.

                Though the Indians lost 4-3 to New Hope–Solebury at Palisades High School in the District One Class AA playoffs, they rallied from a three-goal deficit to force double overtime.

                "That was the best game we played all season because we fought back," Duemler said. "I walked off the field with a real good feeling."

                She says that optimism remains among the Indians, who open their season with a non-league game on the road against Souderton at 10 a.m. on Sept. 4.

                The team travels to Gwynedd Mercy Academy on Sept. 9 before opening its home schedule against Pioneer Athletic Conference rival Pottstown on Friday, Sept. 11.

                The players are hungry to return to districts and compete for the PAC-10 championship, according to head coach Jamie Warren.

                The coach described the goal of qualifying for the PIAA Tournament as realistic.  "The girls want to do well," Warren said. "This is a good team. We've got leadership on the field at a lot of positions. They showed what they can do at the end of last season. We had a pretty good run at districts. They proved to me that they were willing to work hard, and that they would not give up."

                The Tribe returns a strong core from last year's team which reached the PAC-10 Final Four and qualified for the District One Class AA playoffs.  The players include seniors Duemler and Brooke Zappo, on defense, as well as forward Julia Rogers.  Juniors Michaela Swenk, Gabby Martin and Kathryn Lehman will anchor the defensive unit, while Kourtne Buck will get significant playing time as a forward.  Liz Fox, a forward, midfielder Hope Flack and goalkeeper Erika Boyer will lead a strong sophomore class.  Abriana Gatto, a freshman forward, could also contribute, according to Martin.

                "Our ninth grade class should be very consistent," the coach said.  The team lost four key players to graduation and a fifth chose not to participate, according to Martin.  "We need to be very dedicated," Duemler said. "The openings will allow some of our strong players to take advantage of an opportunity."

                On Aug. 27, the Indians got an opportunity to compete against players from opposing schools at their annual Play Day event. They scrimmaged against teams from Fleetwood, Council Rock South and Pennridge high schools.

                Duemler said she learned that the Indians need to make quicker passes and communicate better on the field.

                According to Warren, her team must improve their consistency and focus on teamwork.  "The competition here was good. I think this is going to be a fast team," the coach said. "We have to be more aggressive and play as much of a possession game as possible. The players worked on their individual skills during the offseason. Now we have to blend those skills."