Northern Lehigh’s fall sports teams will feature a mix of experienced returnees and new faces as they look to make their mark this season.

Veteran leadership should provide a foundation for the Bulldogs in field hockey and cross country, while the boys and girls soccer programs will enter new eras under first-year head coaches.

FIELD HOCKEY

Head coach: Allison Chruscial

2025 record: 2-16

League: Colonial League

Key losses: Ariana Williams.

Key returnees: Senior forward McKenzie Chruscial, the Bulldogs’ leading scorer in 2025, has the ability to see the field, set up teammates and draw penalties; senior forward Ada Porobenski has the ability to move the ball quickly; senior Fiona Jones is a force defensively and can quickly move the ball up the field; senior Gracie Frederick returns as a key defender in the circle; and senior goalie Madilyn Husack provides a strong presence in the cage with her quickness and agility.

Top newcomers: Junior forward/midfielder Alexia Heffelfinger; junior defender Zaydra Martinez; senior defender Lilliana Ayala-Barreto; freshman midfielder Addison Overholt; and sophomore midfielder Kiley Slattery.

Season outlook: The Bulldogs’ strength will come from their seven returning seniors. Having played together since their youth, they will be counted on for leadership and experience. A strong returning core should help Northern Lehigh make significant strides this season.

Quotable: “We have talented incoming freshmen and sophomores that will fill in the holes and complete a strong, competitive lineup. We have 22 committed girls who are hungry to play and compete, which is a strong advantage for us. We expect to improve on our record last year and start making a mark in the Colonial League. Staying consistent, trusting the process and applying what we are working on in practice to the game is something we continue to instill in our team.” — Head coach Allison Chruscial

CROSS COUNTRY

Head coach: Michael Lehtonen

League: Colonial League

Key losses: Two-time state championship meet qualifier Emma Heil and Savannah Biechy.

Key returnees: Girls — senior Emily Gad. Boys — seniors Edward Benedict and Zach Gosart, and sophomores Landon Rentschler and Adrian Hassold.

Top newcomers: Freshmen Mackenzie Maikitis, Vivian Mayak and Sophia Diehl, and senior Gabriella Gentile.

Season outlook: The Bulldogs will look to seniors and top returnees Emily Gad and Edward Benedict for experience and leadership. On the girls side, Maikitis, Mayak and Diehl all bring promising talent from the middle school program. For the boys, Rentschler is coming off a strong track season in which he posted competitive times as a freshman.

Quotable: “The team showed good consistency with offseason runs and is excited to begin the official season. Our first early test will be at the Moravian Academy Invitational on Aug. 29. A lot of our kids seemed to continually post better and better times as the season progressed last year, and we aim to keep that momentum going this year.” — Head coach Michael Lehtonen

GIRLS SOCCER

Head coach: Alexandra Rentschler (first season)

2025 record: 3-15

League: Colonial League

Key losses: Natalie Moffett, Ella Tosh, Marley Edwards and Cassidy Snyder, who provided leadership and experience. Veteran head coach Jason Reinhard also stepped down after guiding the program for 15 seasons. Former lead assistant and JV head coach Alexandra Rentschler takes over the program.

Key returnees: Senior captain Alexa O’Connell leads the defense alongside senior Karina Wisocky. Junior Yana Holva and senior Emily Gad return in goal, while sophomore Madelyn Williams and juniors Stella Regan and Mya DeSousa will lead the midfield.

Top newcomers: Freshmen Kensley Rodney and Lyla Guth are both expected to make an impact.

Season outlook: Rentschler is confident the Bulldogs can be a competitive and disciplined team that continues to improve throughout the season. With a strong work ethic already established, Northern Lehigh will focus on effort, preparation, communication and playing together while competing in a challenging Colonial League.

Quotable: “I don’t want us to measure our success only by wins and losses. I want us to be known as a team that works hard, competes for each other and makes it difficult for anyone to play against us. If we can establish that identity, I believe the results will take care of themselves. While my goal and focus is to build a successful soccer program, I believe the foundation we are building goes far beyond the field. We want our athletes to learn the value of hard work, accountability, perseverance and being there for one another. They are developing qualities that will serve them well not only as athletes, but throughout their lives.” — Head coach Alexandra Rentschler

BOYS SOCCER

Head coach: Jay Ohland (first season)

2025 record: 7-11 (3-11 Colonial League)

League: Colonial League

Key losses: Ethan Moore and Dregan Millroy.

Key returnees: Seniors Kellen Bauer, Onsard Charles and Landon King; junior Kyle O’Connell; and sophomores Michael Bauer, Keelin Moore and Chase Moyer.

Top newcomers: Freshman Ryan Barchini.

Season outlook: With a skilled core of returning players, the Bulldogs are looking to play a solid brand of soccer while increasing their overall competitiveness. Northern Lehigh hopes to put itself in position to compete for a playoff spot.

Quotable: “The players have been putting in a lot of hard work over the summer. We have a solid group of returning players that provide much-needed varsity-level experience. This will hopefully allow us to be more competitive and compete for a playoff spot.” — Head coach Jay Ohland