There won’t be a shortage of quality girls’ soccer teams in the KVAC this season, and just in case the league was lacking, two more have been added.

Lewiston and Edward Little join an already growing list of formidable teams among the Class A squads in the conference. Beyond those two new arrivals, Brunswick, Mt. Ararat, Cony, Waterville, Mt. Blue, Leavitt, Lawrence and Skowhegan could all field competitive teams this fall.

In Class B, Maranacook looks as strong as ever. Winslow should be a force while teams like Oak Hill and Camden should be teams to watch.

As usual, Brunswick and Mt. Ararat should be the elite of the conference. The Dragons reached the state final last year and have eight starters returning.

Mt. Ararat lost to Brunswick in the regional final but was a surprise team to some extent. The Eagles were a young team rebuilding from the state championship the year before. With that group back, led by All-State midfielder Erika Stupinski, the Eagles should be a threat.

Among the teams chasing those two are Oxford Hills. The Vikings have produced back-to-back years of unprecedented success. Though Oxford Hills lost some key talent, the Vikings should still be very solid.

Returnees like forwards Annie Foster and Darcy Herrick, midfielders Stephanie Piirainen and Abby Chouinard and defenders Mary Darcy and Caitlin Stauder could keep the Vikings in contention.

“This year’s team follows the two best seasons the Lady Vikes have put together,” said Oxford Hills coach Kyle Morey. “Our team is very young but extremely coachable and learns from our mistakes. We will improve during the season and make a strong playoff run.”

Mt. Blue may also be a team to watch with 10 seniors and 14 returning upperclassmen. After winning just two games last year, the Cougars have the bulk of the team back and are excited about taking their game to a new level.

The team was solid defensively last year. If the goals start coming, Mt. Blue could rise in the standings. “I kind of want to build on last year’s defensive effort and try to put the ball in the net a few more times,” said new coach David Ronald.

Leavitt is another team hoping to improve upon last year. The Hornets also won just twice last year but have a strong nucleus back. They were in some tight games last year and hope to turn those into wins. Goaltender Jordan Beall could be one of the best in the league and will certainly help the Hornets’ cause.

“If everyone stays healthy and some of the younger players develop throughout the season, we will be a playoff contender,” said Leavitt coach Mark Thibodeau.

Among the newcomers to the league, Edward Little joins after winning 10 games last year and losing to eventual state champion Greely in the quarterfinals. The Red Eddies lost some talent but return enough veterans to make them a threat.

Telma Rosquete, Elyse Conant and Rachel Barlion are all proven players. Lindsey Visbaras, Erin Cain and Ashley Pepin all played well last year and could be significant contributors this season.

“Entering our first season in the KVAC, we hope to be a contender among the outstanding competition,” said new EL coach Tom Grossman. “Concentrating one game at a time, our first goal is to make the playoffs and go from there.”

Lewiston also won 10 games last year and bowed out in the preliminary round. They return All-Conference talent in Katie Morin, Lindsey Foster and Laura Martel.

“We hope to be competitive in our move into the KVAC,” said new coach Rick Meyers. “We have a veteran team that needs to focus on playing strong defense against teams we have never faced before.”

From the rest of the Class A field, Cony and Waterville should both be improved teams. Both clubs only graduated a handful. Lawrence and Skowhegan each had young teams last year and should improve. Morse suffered some heavy losses but still could be a solid team.

In Class B, Maranacook won 13 games and was the top seed in Western B. They lost in the semifinals to Yarmouth, a plateau the Black Bears are aiming to reach again.

Offense is charged with the return of Toby Martin and Jackie Mrazik. Defense was a question mark but a young group of defenders has helped erase much doubt.

“If we keep away from injuries, we can do well,” said Maranacook coach Peter Poulin. “I think the potential is there. There are some quality players there. We have to continue to improve every game. It could be on the of the better teams I’ve had.”

Oak Hill enjoyed a significant turnaround, winning eight games and losing in the Western B quarterfinals. The Raiders have a solid group, led by All-Conference players Danielle Sargent and Hillary Goodhartt. “We would like to win 50 percent of our games and compete in the playoffs,” said Oak Hill coach Wendy Milliken.

Winslow should be strong after having 18 underclassmen on last year’s team. Camden Hills won eight games and could be a strong club, while MCI, Mt. View and Erskine are all replacing key personnel.

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