One in a series of HS previews for the 2026 season
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/20/26
Pleasant Valley
League: EPC (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference)
Head Coach: Hanna Doerner (1st year HC) (Assistant for 3 years prior); Alyssa Grieco (4th year as Assistant)
2025 Record: 22-3
2025 Team Honors: EPC, District 11 3A champion
Key returners: Rylee Rath, Gabby Kutzler, Brielle Halamar, Samantha Miller,
Key newcomers: Alyzah Borger, Lexi Green, Peyton Knecht, Taylor Filippo
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “With the loss of 10 seniors, and most of them being starters, the team has been working hard to find and succeed in their new roles. This group has already started to show great chemistry and team culture. We are excited to see how some younger players step up and take leadership.”
Nazareth High
League: East Penn Conference
Head Coach: Michelle Mihalko, 4th year at Nazareth- 14 years; prior head coach of Easton; Assistants- Scot Engler, Kaity Wiltraut, Patrick O’Kane, Katie Flynn
2025 Record: 15-5
2025 Team Honors: District XI Runner up
Key returners: Senior Mia Pulliam (midfield), Senior Parker Golden (attack), Junior Morgan Koch (midfield), Junior Keeley Kershner (midfield), Junior Kherington Smith (draw/attack), Sophomore Ashley Stouffer (midfield), Junior Braygan Bender (defense), Junior Kate Engler (defense)
Key newcomers: Freshman Natalie Mihalko (attack) Macey Tonkay (goalie)
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “We have been rebuilding the program for the last 4 years, going farther in the playoffs each year. We are looking to continue building on our success from last season. We have a lot of talent within our offense and speed in our midfield. We are rebuilding our defense this season and are looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.”
Abington Heights
League: Wyoming Valley Conference
Head Coach: Becky Davis: Head Coach
2025 Record: 22-1, District 2 AA champion; state semifinalist
2025 Team Honors: District 2 Champions
Key returners: Allie Rothenberger, Morgan Davis, Rylee Yankow, Olivia Kim, Brielle Crowell, Harper Pallman, Lauren Bartell
Key newcomers: Brooklyn Yankow, Hawley Lynott
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “After our most successful season as a program, we are looking forward to compete for another District 2 title and return to states.”
