The Hermon High School girls soccer team is poised to achieve a milestone that has eluded the program for decades: its first Class B state championship. Over the past six seasons the Hawks have reached the title game five times, a testament to sustained excellence under Coach M.J. Ball, who has guided the team to an 88‑10‑4 record since taking over in 2019.
A Season of Promise
Despite the loss of two career 100‑goal scorers—Madison Stewart, who netted 114 goals, and Natalie Tardie, who contributed 104—the roster retains a core of experienced players and a surge of fresh talent that could fill the scoring void.
Seven starters return from last season’s 17‑1 squad, including junior midfielder Payton Guerrette, an All‑Penobscot Valley Class B second‑team honoree, and senior tri‑captains goalkeeper Rebecca Balmas and center back Lila Ryan, whose leadership will be vital as the team reshapes its attack.
The freshman class, the largest Coach Ball has ever managed with 16 newcomers, adds depth and versatility; six of those freshmen are expected to post double‑digit goal totals, a target the program has not reached in recent memory.
Key contributors span the backline, midfield and forward positions: senior goalkeeper Rebecca Balmas and center backs Lila Ryan, Brooklynn Kelley, Devyn Stanley and Peyton Stevens anchor the defense, while midfielders Evelyn Mayhew, Elise Smith and Sophia Damien provide creativity and additional scoring options. Up front, freshman Ava DiFrederico will start alongside Elsa Ewer and Kyla McCannell, giving the attack a youthful edge.
After a preseason that saw the Hawks compete against tougher opponents and make timely adjustments, the team opens its campaign Saturday at 10 a.m. in Ellsworth, a match that will test their readiness and set the tone for a season aimed at turning long‑standing near‑misses into a championship celebration.