By Sapna Pathak
Staff Writer

Central’s Kelly Funk splits two Memorial backs en route to netting her team’s third goal in a 4-0 win on Sept. 1. (Hooksett Banner/Matt Stout)

While West watched its legendary girls soccer coach, Jack Amero, retire at the end of last season, its Queen City rival Central prepared to add another chapter to the West-Central girls soccer saga.

After a 10-3-3 performance last season, which ended following a shootout loss in a preliminary-round Class L playoff game, Central looks to extend the success it’s had against the reigning Class L champs.

“We were the state champs in 2000, beat West in the semis in 2003,” said Little Green head coach Peter Lally. “We were the only team to beat them last season, so we’re not intimidated by them. It’s a great rivalry that’s built over 29 or 30 years.”

During the preseason, Lally said he noticed his squad showing more speed and quickness to the ball. There is also a higher level of athleticism, as more of his players are multi-sport athletes.

The team graduated three starters last season but maintains a large group of returners.

Junior Lindsey Jarnutowski, sophomore Liz Belanger, senior Kelly Duguay and Paige Franco played on last year’s squad and will start this year. Junior Jillian St. Pierre and freshman Lindsey Johnson will join this year’s starters.

Lally said his team is still young, but most of his players will be able to contribute and pick up varsity skills quickly.

“We had 10 kids under 15 last year,” said Lally. “There were four freshman starters, but now they’re experienced in the playoffs and can let that guide them this year.”