Yorktown looks to raise the bar

Updated as of Aug. 27, 2026 at 4:26 p.m.

Yorktown enjoyed a solid campaign in 2025, winning the League II-G title and making it as the No. 4 seed to the Section 1 Class AA semifinals, losing 4-1 at eventual state champion Albertus Magnus, finishing 10-6-3.  

“This year we expect to raise the bar and build off of last year,” said Yorktown fourth-year coach Ryan Langkafel. “We have some players that have been developing in the program and are primed to have a standout year. It is business as usual for this program, looking to compete for another league title and set ourselves up in the seeding to have a deep playoff run and compete for the section championship.” 

One of those players is senior center back Julia Sammon.  

“She will be a four-year starter who has been the backbone of our defense her entire career,” Langkafel said. “She will lead our defense again this year, giving our team a great chance to win each game by keeping the opponents' attack quiet.” 

Junior center midfielder Anna Walling is a creative two-way midfielder who can provide exactly what the team needs on both sides of the field.  

“She can create offense with her passing and score goals herself, as well as battle and defend opponents' best midfielders,” Langkafel said.  

A third key returnee is senior defender Kayleigh Hung.   

“Kayleigh is an excellent defender who uses her speed to squash any attack,” Langkafel said. “She will be a leader for us this year as she uses her experience and soccer IQ to keep other teams away from our goal.”  

Yorktown will open the season at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at home against Nyack.  

“This group has been working all summer to be prepared for Day 1,” Langkafel said. “At the beginning of the season, the key for us is to establish a winning style of play and build our confidence.” 

Lakeland  

Lakeland (8-9-1 in 2025) has League Goaltender of the Year, junior Amelia Calisi (All-League) returning.  

“She had an outstanding season last year,” said Lakeland third-year coach Greg Doell. “Her individual statistics were incredible. I expect she’ll be even better this season. She is the best goalkeeper in Section 1.” 

Senior striker Gianna Pace (All-Section, All-League, 22 goals) is an offensive force.  

“In addition to scoring goals, she also sees the field very well,” Doell said. “With the growth of some of the younger girls I think her playmaking will be key for us this year.”

Senior midfielder Margaret Keating (All-Section Honorable Mention and All-League) has great technical ability and her work rate is unmatched.  

“She covers incredible amounts of ground and never seems to tire,” Doell said. “She shows a level of professionalism in her game-to-game consistency. Again, because of the growth of some of the younger players around her, I think she’ll add a few more goals to her game this season.” 

Seniors Emma Garretto, Mackenzie Latorre and junior Payton Sauer are expected to step up defensively and create a solid backline. Junior Alexa Marricco will be counted on to contribute offensively. 

Sophomore Sophia Gonzalez and freshman Hannah Kiers now have a year of experience under their belts.  

“Sophia will be an excellent partner with Margaret in the midfield and we’ll need Hannah to work with Gianna up front and get us some goals,” Doell said. 

Pace, Keating and Calisi are the captains.  

“We graduated a lot of talent and leadership last season,” Doell said. “Our season will depend on how different pieces come together to fill those voids. I think we may experience some growing pains, but I think by the end of the season we can become the type of team that no one wants to play.” 

Lakeland opens the season at Carmel at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. 

“The keys to starting off on the right foot are going to be our willingness to work and how quickly we settle into our roles,” Doell said. “I’m optimistic about both of those things. We have a great group of girls who enjoy playing and working together. That cohesiveness can take you a long way.”