Bethlehem Catholic’s girls soccer team is returning nine starters from last season under relatively new head coach Brad Kratzer, who took over for Angelo Amato near the end of last season.

“The team had a great offseason,” Coach Kratzer said. “We were in the weight room two to three times a week and had open trainings at least once a week since January.”

Key returners for the Golden Hawks include seniors Teighan Boyle, Mary Locasio, and Julie Wright, juniors Emily Pepe and Ashley Zuniga, and sophomores Summer Hill, Gaby Amato, Gabby Mutis, Kenzie Davis, Maddie Nichelson, and Kim Zuniga.

Coach Kratzer said the Hawks also have an exciting group of incoming freshman led by Sarah Gowell, Tealyn Boyle, and Molly Ludwig.

“Our biggest strength will be our midfield,” said Kratzer. “Our biggest weakness is depth. We are a small school playing all big schools. Our current roster for j.v. and varsity is only 29. To overcome that we will need to be fit. The girls know that most of the time they will be playing all or most of the 80 minutes in every game, so fitness levels are extremely important.”