On its way to the PIAA Class 3A title game last season, Upper Perkiomen's girls soccer team might have benefitted from a handful of higher-level opponents underestimating them, but new head coach Casey Lewis expressed certainty that no one will take the Indians for granted this season.

            "Right now, we are the target," said Lewis, who led his first official practice on Monday. "Teams will feel very good about beating us."

            The Tribe begins defense of its Pioneer Athletic Conference and District One titles in two weeks on the road against Frontier Division rival Phoenixville. Lewis realizes getting back to the state title game won't be easy after losing eight seniors -- including six starters -- to graduation won't be easy.

            "My goals are to get back to that game and have a fun season," said Lewis, who succeeds Mike Freed after serving on his coaching staff. "We can't rest on our laurels. This team has a lot of new players."

            The new coach expects to implement a system that relies on intelligent defense and the pressure of its offensive players to force turnovers that generate goals on the counterattack. Lewis said he would like midfielders and defenders to join in the attack.

            Sarah Fisher, a senior, will be relied on to provide most of the offensive damage for the Indians. The speedy senior attacker has emerged as one of the most accomplished players in the conference.

            Fisher earned First Team all-divisions each of the last two years. As a sophomore, she was selected for the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team. Last season, she received All-Southeastern Pennsylvania honors after registering 23 goals and a team-high 17 assists.

            Fisher will be joined by two classmates in the starting lineup. Megan Cairns will fill a pivotal role in the middle of the field. Elizabeth Proctor played defense last season but could move up to midfield, projected Lewis.

            "All three of those girls will be huge for this team on and off the field," the coach said.

            Goalkeeper Ava Long leads the junior class. Her emergence as a first-year player at the position helped the Tribe reach the state title game with an undefeated record.

            "Her confidence grew with every day last season," Lewis said. "She had the right mentality. I'm hoping she'll be as good, if not better, this season."

            Sarah Stroup, a junior, will provide significant scoring.  The new coach said he is expecting her to have a breakout season.

            "Sarah is very quick and has a great shot," Lewis said.

            Addison Fluckey and Morgan Sweed, a pair of juniors, could see significant time on defense. Katie Proctor, a sophomore, will likely log meaningful minutes at midfield.

            The coach said he could envision several ninth-graders earning significant playing time and said three could end up in the starting lineup.

            "We've got some solid players," the coach said. "This team is going to feature several age groups."

            The Indians are scheduled to host a pair of scrimmages against Quakertown (Aug. 21) and Palisades (Aug. 26). Their first home game is slated for Sept. 5 against Fleetwood.