Southwest Wake Athletic Conference girls soccer preview

This year’s senior class – and all the underclassmen as well – can’t remember a time when the Southwest Wake Athletic Conference champ didn’t play for the state championship.

Green Hope was runner-up in 2012 then won it all in 2013.

Panther Creek was runner-up in 2014 then won it all last year.

That’s quite a tradition being built.

Panther Creek (20-0-2, 13-0-1): The Catamounts were hit hard by graduation after incredible 43-1-3 run over the last two years. However, returners like junior Meredith Hamby and seniors Lindsey Haney and Brittany Matsinger played a big role in that success.

Fuquay-Varina (17-4, 11-3): The Bengals had their best season at the 4A level, giving Panther Creek some tough games including the fourth round of the playoffs. Seniors Kelley Suggs and Megan Greene (22 goals, 11 assists), each a two-time all-conference pick, are back.

Green Hope (11-6-1, 9-3-1): The Falcons were young last year. Sophomore Grace Wagner and juniors Taylor Cammarata, Bailey Petersen and Audrey Cooke were all-conference picks.

Holly Springs (10-8-2, 6-6-2): The Golden Hawks made a run to the third round of the playoffs. Senior Sierra Raynor, juniors Kelli Hays and Alyssa Poth are returning all-conference picks.

Athens Drive (6-9-1, 5-8-1): Senior Rachel Snyder returns after a first-team all-conference performance. Rachel Snyder also gives the Jaguars experience.

Cary (4-11-1, 3-10-1): The Imps lose leading scorer Kyra Kandel but sophomore Mia Ziade was a second-team all-conference selection.

Apex (3-13, 3-11): Apex senior Madeline Uenking is a two-time all-conference pick for the Cougars.

Middle Creek (7-13, 2-12): The Mustangs rolled through nonconference but a drop-off in SWAC play kept Middle Creek out of the playoffs. Junior Katherine Turner is the only all-conference player returning for first-year coach Guy Coleman.

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Southwest Wake Athletic Conference girls soccer preview."