Seniors on the Upper Perkiomen girls soccer team laid the groundwork for a successful season during the summer, according to Taylor Kearney.

            She said the incoming 12^th graders organized practice sessions designed to 

untie the team and improve the players' skills and conditioning. With the beginning of practice Monday, everyone is on the same page, according to the midfielder.

            A solid showing in summer league at Pennridge High School, against opponents from large-population high school in District One such as Central Bucks West, Central Bucks East and North Penn showed Kearney that the team is ready to take the next step in its development.

            "Keeping up with those teams really helped out confidence level," she said.

            Kearney described a return trip to the District One Class 3A playoffs as a realistic goal. She said the Indians, who went 8-9-2 overall and posted a 7-6 record in the Pioneer Athletic Conference last season, can qualify for the conference playoffs if they can generate some offense.

            "Our defense is sound, and our midfield is strong," Kearney said. "We just need some people to step up and score."

            The midfield will be the team's strength on the field, according to head coach Mike Freed. He said Kearney and Kayleigh Durning, a pair of seniors who earned second team all-league honors, are expected to anchor the central midfield positions. Kaitlyn Mundy, a junior, and senior Jess Schaut, will fill key positions on the outside.

            Emma Long and Casey Smoll, a pair of seniors who played in every game last season, will play crucial roles on defense. Natasha Carpenter, a senior, is expected to get time in the middle of the field and on defense.

            Freed described sophomore Hannah Landis, who appeared in 18 games as a ninth grader and registered 61 saves, as one of the top goalkeepers in the conference.

            Hannah Ang and Hannah Leight, a pair of seniors, will be required to play significant offensive roles.  Finding players to fill the roles of goal scorers will be key to the team's success, according to Freed, who pointed out that graduated or departed players accounted for 26 of its 37 goals during the 2016 season.

            "In past years, our style has been more defensive minded," Kearney said. "This year, I think our ball skills have improved enough for our players to make their own offensive opportunities instead of waiting for the counter attack."

            According to Freed, multiple players will be required to carry the offensive load. He said the goal scoring won't be expected to come from one or two players.

            Kearney expressed confidence in the returning players to fill the offensive void. She said that success will be facilitated by leadership displayed by the entire senior class.

            "Getting the team to unite on the field is the best part of my game," Kearney said.

            A strong incoming freshman class, featuring six players who could push for varsity spots, as well as one or two newcomers, could also play key roles, according to Freed. Kearney called the ninth graders strong players.

            "The team's success will depend on how quickly the new players can acclimate to playing high school soccer," Freed wrote in an email. "Getting off to a good start is vital for the team to be successful. "