Lehighton won’t be sneaking up on any teams this season.

With a 6-1 record and most of their wrestlers returning, the Indian girls will be more the hunted instead of the hunters.

In their first season a year ago, the Tribe shocked many when they took down Southern Lehigh in their opening match. Lehighton’s only loss came against a Palisades squad that featured plenty of quality wrestlers that graduated.

“We have a number of girls back from last year,” said George Ebbert, who is taking over for Jennifer Lobasso after assisting her last year. “They’re a close bunch and they get along really well. I’m excited for the season, and so are the kids.

“We’re hoping to go undefeated ... With all the kids we have back anything less would be disappointing, honestly. Not to put pressure on them, but I think we’ll be pretty good.”

Leading the way for Lehighton will be Cassidy Litts, a junior who went 20-6 with 15 pins at 155 pounds last season.

Litts finished third at districts and qualified for regionals. Classmate Lilly Klotz also returns after a solid 17-9 campaign at 124 with 14 falls.

Also putting up 17 wins — 13 of them pins — was Claudia Pagotto, who will be a sophomore this season.

“Cassidy Litts made regionals last year, but we’re looking for big things from a number of girls,” said Ebbert. “Pretty much the whole team is back.

“I think just three girls had wrestled (before last year). They’re quick learners. They pick things up quickly, and they work hard. They listen to what you say. As of right now, we have a full lineup. They’re a great bunch of kids.”

The only senior on this year’s squad that saw action in 2024-25 is Caeley Hinkson, who posted a 12-10 mark with seven falls at 142. Ebbert is also expecting good things from sophomore Kennedy Quinn, who returns after turning in a 12-12 record with 10 falls. Charlotte Griffiths, a junior, also had a winning mark (9-7).

Others back to contribute include sophomores Blayr Strawser, Kailey Evans and Alivia Reed while a number of incoming freshmen — as well as some first-time wrestlers in the other classes — provide depth.

Ebbert was especially pleased with the commitment the girls had during the offseason, especially those making the jump to the varsity level.

“In the spring, in the summer, and in October we came in one or two days of week, and a lot of the younger kids came,” said Ebbert. “Many of the older kids ... were involved in soccer, field hockey and cross country. The younger kids came to the workouts, so we don’t have to start with the position to start with and the basic things like that. So we’re a little ahead of the game that way.

“They’re picking up moves and they have some wrestling knowledge. A lot of the girls that are freshmen wrestled junior high last year. It seems like a really good freshman class.”

The Indians kick off their season against Panther Valley and Wilson on back-to-back days. It’s the start of a busy winter season, one that includes multiple matches with the boys team.

“We’re going to be at the Beast of the East tournament in Delaware in December,” said Ebbert. “We have a full schedule. We’re also at the Coal Cracker, and we’re at the Upper Dauphin tournament at the end of the season.

“We have a number of double duals where the girls varsity go out first before the boys varsity. That’s great because the gym’s packed and you’re wrestling another local team like a Jim Thorpe or a Palmerton.”