Neuqua Valley returns four starters after winning the DuPage Valley Conference title. Benet and Waubonsie Valley are teams to watch.

Senior twin guards Maggie and Emilia Sularski are the new leaders on a young team that has just three seniors. The Hillsdale recruits aim to lead the defending state runner-up Redwings (25-8) to their third state trophy in as many seasons. Sophomore Bridget Rifenburg takes over at point guard. Junior guard Lindsay Harzich also returns.

The Mustangs (7-22) lack size and experience, but coach Keith McIntosh is hoping for double-digit wins. Senior guards Reese Valha and Lucy Burk, a Northern Michigan soccer recruit, and junior forward Sreehi Duggirala are returning starters. Sophomore guard Annie Burk and junior guard Arainna Hammons are the top newcomers.

The Redhawks (23-11) suffered two big losses when sophomore star Trinity Jones transferred to Bolingbrook and junior guard Callie Tumilty suffered a torn ACL. That leaves sophomore guard Erin Hackett and senior center Adrianna Villanova as the only players with meaningful varsity experience. But coach Andy Nussbaum thinks the team will surprise people.

The Huskies (20-12) are rebuilding under first-year coach Aly Miller and lack experience and size. Guard Sydni Fink, a Kentucky soccer commit, is the only returning starter but brings strong senior leadership along with post players Kendall Johnson and Lillie Bouska. Sophomore guard Natalie Frempong was a key reserve last season.

The defending DuPage Valley Conference champion Wildcats (21-11) return four starters, including a trio of four-year varsity players with guards Kylee Norkus (Evansville), Caitlin Washington and Zoe Navarro, plus sophomore guard Nalia Clifford. Sophomore center Michayla Stone could be primed to make a bigger impact.

The Warriors (24-8) welcome back three starters after reaching a sectional final. Sophomore guard Danyella Mporokoso has offers from Northwestern, Marquette, DePaul and SIU-Edwardsville. Also back are senior guard/forward Hannah Laub and junior guard/forward Lily Newton. Sophomore guards Arie Garcia-Evans and Maya Cobb provide tough defense.

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.