The Valley Central girls’ soccer team’s season is off to a strong start as the Vikings posted a 1-0 shutout victory over the Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders on Wednesday at Monroe-Woodbury High School.

MacKenzie Lennon scored the Vikings’ lone goal, and Adrianna Ferraro made 10 saves to lead the Vikings.

Reese Dolan had two saves for the Crusaders.

The girls’ soccer landscape looks a bit different for area teams, as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has increased to six classifications. The Vikings will remain in Class AA, however, no longer among Section 9’s largest schools.

The Crusaders, a frequent foe of the Vikings’ in the Section 9 tournament, has joined the new Class AAA, while the Warwick Wildcats will remain in Class AA with the Vikings. Other teams such as Cornwall, Goshen, Wallkill and others will play in the new Class AA.

That doesn’t change Valley Central’s goal of returning to the Section 9 championship game and earning another title. They last won the Section 9 championship during the Spring 2021 COVID season.

The Vikings, who had a strong season last year with a 12-2-1 record, earning a trip to the Section 9 Class AA championship where they were defeated, have lost key players including forward Mackenzie Delmonico and goalkeeper Grace Suchy. The Vikings also have lost Riley Schmidt, Riley Lewis, Bianca Ricciuto, Rosalyn Rubio, Peyton Stadler and Kate Shust.

However, there is plenty coming back with not only Lennon, but also Grace Del Pilar, Sophia Stahl, Samantha Setteducato, Hannah Stahl, Ella Brown, Julia Capicchioni, Kelly Schmidt, Cailin Swart and Lorena Rivera.

Ferraro headlines a list of newcomers that also includes Ava Ronaldson, Val Nielson, Stefanie Espinoza and Nevaeh Sanchez.

“We are very excited to be playing this fall,” Valley Central coach Jon Walsh said. “We are looking forward to developing our team over the course of the season and competing for a section championship.”