The ability to change is the operative word at Lewiston and Edward Little as they each enter the new world of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference. There will be new opponents, fields and travels. The Twin Cities teams played in the Southern Maine Activities Association for many years.

Edward Little was a surprise team, winning the Western Class A crown last fall before coming up short against Skowhegan in the state game.

Seven lettermen return, and that experience will help.

“We have a good group who are coming off a successful season,” EL coach Greg Perkins said. “Our scoring should be spread out. I don’t know much about the KVAC, but I assume Skowhegan and Cony will be strong, so we’ll see.”

Kristin Keene returns as the leading scorer. Katie Frank, Kathy Harder, Gina Gaetani, Heather Martineau, Katie Bonney and Jessica Donovan can also score. Jen Lever and Kellie Parent will need to control the ball in front of a new goalie, either Katie Ouellette or Mary Martin. The midfield, led by Katie Hughes and Brittany Roberge, will be a key.

Lewiston senior forwards include Allison Bleakney, Becky Boyle, Lauren St. Laurent, Ashley Scott and Edwina Jones. The line has to shoot early and often. On the other end of the field, goalie Angie St. Hilaire and back Marina MacDonald are solid, while Nicole Willey, Sam Leeman and Meg Harris will be counted on to advance the ball.

“Going into a new league, we are all a little nervous, not knowing what to expect,” Lewiston coach Norma Gardner said. “We really haven’t seen these teams play, but we know that there are some very strong teams and that we have our work cut out for us.”

KVAC has the usual mix at the top with Skowhegan, Cony, Messalonskee and Gardiner setting the pace.

Oxford Hills welcomes back a few veterans. Stacy McConkey and Abby Brunnell will be in the midfield and will need to corral loose balls in that neutral area. There is plenty of help on the forward line with Bailey Holloway, Ellie Schwaner, Vanna Brackett, Alicia Flick and leading scorer Brianna Thompson.

“I feel we have good depth,” Oxford Hills coach Cindy Goddard said. “There are some good players in the offensive end and solid players in key spots. The younger players are lacking game experience, but they are athletic.”

The Vikings’ defense may be suspect, because the lone returning starter is senior back Annette Fuller. The new goalie will be Val Seams. Freshman sweeper Liza Chase also will be tested.

A quick transition from defense to offense will be a key for Mount Blue. The offense will be strong with a trio of veterans. Sarah Pluck is a go-getter, while Heather Groder and Heidi Judkins lend support. Midfielders Megan Ladd and Ashley Weeks must control the ball and advance it into the zone.

In Class B, Leavitt compiled a 12-2 record and won the KVAC championship. Senior forward Sam St. Hilaire is expected to contribute on offense. Jen Gondeck could also score. The midfield is strong with Beth Ellis and Erica Bartlett.

“We have a good mix of experienced players and some talented young players,” Leavitt coach Wanda Ward-MacLean said. “They will step up as they gain confidence and playing time at the varsity level. We will have to blend quickly to stay competitive in the league.”

Defensively, a new goalie must emerge. Sophomore Kristin Schrepper played on the Maine Events team this summer. A trio of veteran backs should help, including Laura Pratt, Jessica Ames and Nicole Gilbert.

Winslow won the state game and graduated one senior. Beth LaFountain is the leader. Belfast, Waterville and Mount View also will be in the hunt.

Maranacook finished 5-6-2 last fall but returns a dozen letter winners. That experience could prove invaluable. Leading scoring Kim Anderson plays along side Erin Harger and Nicole Mace. Sophomore Haley Schwartz should be strong in goal.

Oak Hill needs to get a few wins for confidence’s sake. Several solid veterans return including leading scorers Lena Dietrich, Jill Lizotte and Elyse Emery. Defensive breakdowns need to be addressed. A dozen freshmen players will help add depth.

“Our weaknesses still focus around having to play so defensively in many games,”Oak Hill coach Julie Boucher said. “We need to build that aggressive forward line and (create) goal-scoring chances. We have an extremely quick forward line. We just need to have to confidence to score more goals.”