Girls soccer countdown: No. 9 team runs it back with lethal offense and super sisters

Team: Waldwick

Coach: Julia Cuddy

Last year's record: 21-3-1

2022 final ranking: No. 14

Rearview mirror

For a while, Waldwick was a dominant regular-season team that was burned by close calls in November.

In 2022, Ava Incorvaia kicked that narrative to the curb.

The Warriors brought home their first sectional title in a decade by beating Glen Rock, in overtime, on a Golden Goal by Incorvaia. It capped a magical season for the Warriors, who repeated as the NJIC Patriot champs and ranked No. 1 in North Jersey in offense.

The buzz around the borough has not worn off. Coach Julia Cuddy raves about the commitment level and determination this summer.

"I think this year, we're trying to step it up even more," Cuddy said. "I think the energy is in the right place and everyone's minds are really positive. These girls are definitely ready to work."

Best assets

The Warriors bring back most of the lineup from their title run, including a special set of sisters: senior Ava Incorvaia (32 goals) and junior Abby Incorvaia (34 goals). They buried more shots last season than any Bergen County player not named Alex Barry. One will often set up the other.

"They have such a strong connection both on and off the field," Cuddy said. "Sometimes when you're watching them play, they don't even look. They know the other one will be there."

What makes Waldwick so dangerous is the level of talent behind its 1-2 punch. One of the most fascinating players is Kyra Rahulatharan, who chipped in seven goals and 21 assists last year as a freshman. Cuddy has deployed her all over the lineup and said her "strong positional awareness" allows her to thrive anywhere.

The Warriors will also benefit from the return of four other starters: centerback Elizabeth Davis, right back Anna Gramuglia and midfielders Jenna Haroutunian and Mayu Nakano. A newcomer takes over in net with sophomore Carleigh Nocito moving up after a year as the backup.

FROM 10 TO ONE: Counting down North Jersey's best girls and boys soccer teams entering the 2023 season

Expectations

The Warriors will be a fun team to watch with more goal-scoring back than anyone in North Jersey. How well they handle some change on defense and some overall youth (with only five seniors) will shape the course of the season. Not much is out of their reach after falling by a goal to eventual champ Mountain Lakes in the Group 1 semifinal.

"I think everyone is determined," Cuddy said, "especially the upperclassmen to go all the way this year."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Waldwick NJ girls soccer runs with Ava Incorvaia and Abby Incorvaia