While many teams around the East-West Conference bemoan the numbers lost from last fall, the Rangeley girls’ soccer team relishes in its significant group of returning players.

“It’s really a strong team for us to have up here,” said Rangeley coach Susan Hamilton. “I’m sure we’re going to be competitive in the league. I feel like the new girls already know the game. It’s just a matter of getting them all to play together.”

Rangeley lost goaltender Alicia-Frost Kolva and midfielder Crystal Frost to graduation. Between seniors Katie Drosdik and Amber Schinas and juniors Kelly Brooks, Justine Frost-Kolva and All-State forward Sarah Schrader, however, the Lakers could be a formidable team.

“We have a good group coming back that can really play well together,” said Hamilton.

The Lakers went 7-6-1 overall last year. It was their most wins in a season since 1992. After a quarterfinal win, they lost in the Western D semifinals, the farthest the team has been since 1993.

While Rangeley has plenty of talent back, two other EWC playoff teams are filling a lot of holes.

Richmond, which lost in the regional final to Waynflete, lost seven starters, including All-State players Danielle Duval, Missy Beckwith, Julie Russell and top scorer Sarah Johnston.

Buckfield finished third overall in Western D at 8-1-2 but lost in the semifinals to Richmond, and the Bucks bid farewell to virtually that whole team.

Sophomores Tiffany Dunn and Shayna Shackford saw the most playing time last year. The team has just three seniors in Shannon Boutin, Chelsea Allen and Leslie Workman along with experienced juniors Elise Boutin and Candace Allen.

“We’re very young,” said Buckfield coach Mike Jack. “I’m seeing a lot of kids for the first time. I told the freshmen that they’re going to have a grow up in a hurry.”

Jack has 10 freshmen on the club, but he’s not calling it a rebuilding year. Considering many other EWC clubs lost talent, the Bucks have the ability to rebound as well an any.

“Anything can happen,” he said. “I don’t believe in rebuilding years. With the athletes we have, I expect us to be very tough at the end of the year.”

Valley lost a number of veterans from a 3-9 team, including two All-State players in Jessica Fitzmaurice and Margo Malloy.

A strong sophomore class should continue to help the Cavaliers improve. Senior Melanie Vicneire was an All-State midfielder. She should bolster the offense, complimenting what could be a solid defensive club.

Windham Christian went 5-7 last year and lost in the preliminary round.

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