Teams have already begun play, some picking up a few quality early outcomes but there's always a different feel to PCL play and with Monday's first slate of games, it will be back in full force.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD

"We are really looking forward to playing a full schedule this year. We had a good run in the state tournament last year but could have been more prepared with more games under our belt," Archbishop Wood coach Tom DeGeorge said. "The girls really thought we had a chance to win the PCL last year and with no PCL playoffs or finals last year girls are looking forward to fighting for it this year."

The Vikings have a nice core of players back including senior captains Alyssa DeGeorge, Emily Beck and Bella Diodato, plus junior captain Daryn Savage and Ava DeGeorge, Megan Hickey and Shaina Klos.

Of course, Wood's sentiment is one shared around the league, which will have a different look this fall. With Bishop McDevitt and Hallahan sadly closing their doors at the end of last school year, the PCL is down two teams but will be bolstered with Neumann-Goretti planning to field a team.

CONWELL-EGAN

C-E coach Andrzej Adamiec guided his team through a difficult 2020 season but like his fellow PCL counterparts, is quite happy to have had a normal preseason this fall and the chance to play opponents outside of the league.

The Eagles will lean on their defense led by keeper Jessica Gentile and backs Sami Terry, Connie Wojton and Bella Hamann plus midfielders and forwards Madison Stackhouse, Maxi Ellison and Rylee Joyce.

LANSDALE CATHOLIC

Crusaders coach Bree Benedict, who guided LC to a PIAA 2A state title in 2019, is just glad the schedule is spread back out and open for non-league opponents. Lansdale Catholic has already picked up a couple quality wins over SOL sides Souderton and North Penn ahead of its PCL opener and fellow Catholic League teams are stepping out of league constraints to prepare for the challenge of PCL play.

LC still has a few players from its state title team on the roster and is looking to Megan Steinbach, Ava Mercier, Nicole Mezzatesta, Casey Sabolsky, and Emily Simpson as leaders this fall.

Having an entire off-season to prepare is a huge factor as well. Many players in the PCL also play other sports for their schools and some kind of club or travel sport over the summer, but each soccer team has its own off-season programs that the athletes are dedicated to as well.

ARCHBISHOP RYAN

Archbishop Ryan coach Scarlett Walsh is seeing the benefits of her team's off-season program coming back in full force, bolstered by the opening of the school's new John Quinn Athletic Facility. The Ragdolls are annual contenders for the PCL title and often make their way to states, two expectations that haven't changed this fall.

Chelsea Ritter, Kerri Gontz, and Gianna Rivera will lead Ryan toward those ambitions.

“The girls and I are excited to be playing against our rivals again. The girls get very excited playing against the PCL teams and having time off has only made the anticipation greater," Walsh, a Ryan graduate, said. "I expect the return to the PCL to be very exciting. I think there will be some surprises in terms of teams having breakout years with their younger players finally being able to experience the competition, while teams who have been eager to play will be hungrier than ever.

"Our captains have come up with five words that explain our team's outlook and attitude leading into the season: Hard Work, Accountability, Trust, Respect, Commitment."

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL

2020 wasn't all bad for PCL teams. Archbishop Carroll went 6-1 against fellow PCL competition, tied for the best mark in the league and compiled an 8-4 overall record while qualifying for the PIAA playoffs for the first time in program history.

Coach Tom Quintois, who enters his fourth season, has to replace a handful of All-PCL performers, but is looking for a strong returning core to keep up the new standard. The Patriots are also stepping up their non-league slate, but know their fortunes truly rest on whether or not they can build on last year's success in PCL competition.

Carroll likewise has a strong nucleus including Olivia Stout, Bella Stout, Regan Duzy, Oliva Hoffman, Amanda Armstrong, Ella Wright, Emma Tolaga, Julia Curran, Molly Friel and Maura Kane and hopefully Kiley Mottice once the senior lacrosse standout finishes her obligations with the US National Girls Lacrosse team next month.

"We look forward to the challenge of playing in the PCL and a very difficult non-league schedule.  Our girls are eager to build on last year’s successes.  This is a talented and resilient group that has high expectations," Quintois said. “Last year taught all of us how to prepare and think differently.  Having a “normal” preseason is going to make the entire experience better for each player and team.”

ST.  HUBERT

Grassifulli, Emma Drum, Alex McGonigle, Mia Tobin, Keara Pizzaro and the rest of their teammates at Hubert's will take on the new look league under coach Jeanette Graziosi-Hibbs as they try to cement a top spot in the PCL table and playoffs.

"As much as we try to simulate the intensity and excitement of a game during training/practice, nothing is quite like the real thing.  I think our players are eager to be challenged, battle, and grow from the experience," Graziosi-Hibbs said. "The league will continue to be competitive!  The unfortunate closure of some local schools forced players to transfer -- some PCL teams have gained more experience/depth with transfers."

CARDINAL O'HARA

Cardinal O'Hara, the 2019 District 12 4A champion, is among the teams looking to get back in the mix after missing out on the postseason last year.

With fewer teams in the league, only the top six finishers in the final standings will qualify for the PCL playoffs, making each game all the more important for coach Dave Cornish and the Lions along with every other team.

O'Hara has important returners in Maddie Ellis and Ana Ciminera on defense, Kellie McCarthy and Lily Marquis as attackers, and all-around contributor Ellie Miller.

The Sentinels do have seniors Maura Kelly, Halley Cantz, Maura Carberry, Gabriella Turner, Shawna Durkin, Alexandra Farkas and Grace Burns to anchor the back while junior Bella Torre aims to control the middle and newcomer freshmen Olivia Bradley, Rylee Sundermeier, Hayden Johnston and Alexa Harr will round out in midfield and at forward.

"Not too much positive in sitting a whole year. Maybe a little more enthusiasm and appreciation for the game," Pittaoulis said. "There are a lot of changes (in the PCL) let’s hope they are going to make things better.
"I expect good things, the team is young, we have a lot of good freshmen coming in - we have a lot of work ahead, but we have a lot of potential."