Head coach Rick Babyak will return a balanced unit when the Salisbury girls soccer team opens its season on Monday against Pen Argyl. And there will be talent all over the field.

The main returning piece is leading goal-scorer Quinn Witman, a junior forward that punched in 23 goals and added 12 assists last fall. Her career totals are up to 31 goals and 19 assists through three seasons.

But that isn’t the only scoring threat that is back to cause havoc for opposing defenses. Junior midfielders Aaliyah M’Bail (8 goals, 2 assists) and Kathy Medina (7 goals) are also back, as are senior midfielders Kerry Seiler (6 goals, 6 assists), Caroline Kenyon (5 goals, 2 assists), Hannah Mamay (3 goals, 6 assists) and Ari Young.

“We have a group of high-quality players with strength in every position,” Babyak said. “We have proven goal-scorers and should be able to generate goals from multiple positions.”

That group will be relied upon heavily to replace the production from graduate Olivia Hoeing (8 goals, 14 assists).

The defense will also be without a number of key names. The Lady Falcons will need to replace goalie Lily Schimeneck, who recorded 164 saves and seven shutouts in 2019. The main keeper this fall figures to be sophomore Hannah Kamp.

Defenders Jenna Sartorius and Molly Foust have also moved on, leaving voids in the back line. But senior Kayla Trenge and junior Chase Watto are back to lead a unit that features a number of new faces. Senior Syrena Pope and freshman Katie Seiler are expected to play key roles on defense, too.

“We are still working out the formation to best balance out defending with this attack-minded team,” Babyak said. “We are also looking to bring up our young talent to add depth to this squad.”

Senior midfielder Lisa Ferrer and junior forward Mona Shields are also newcomers that figure to play a big role on offense this fall.

A few months back, it was unclear whether the Lady Falcons would even have a season. And while their upcoming campaign will be shortened due to COVID-19 and unlike any other prior seasons, Babyak is glad they’ll be able to take the field in 2020.

“I’m happy that this very talented group of girls gets the chance to play this season,” Babyak said. “Our first goal is to keep everyone healthy and playing. After that, we’ll see how far we can go in this unique season.

“It has not always been easy having to rethink nearly every aspect of how we do things, and dealing with the unknowns, delays and more. The school district athletic director (Monica Deeb) and our St. Luke’s training staff have been vital in helping us work through this.”

Game time for Salisbury’s home opener against Pen Argyl is set for 6:30 p.m.