Bishop Guertin's Abby Lynn is harassed from behind by Souhegan's Izzy Stevenson during last year's Division I quarterfinal in Amherst. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

Ahh, memories.

They lost in the finals to rival Porsmouth last June, giving the now two-time defending Division I champions a game in a tough 12-7 loss.

“I told them to remember this,” Sabes coach Mckinley Curro Sbordone said that night, “because we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Bishop Guertin might remember their loss to the Sabers in the quarterfinals, so they’ll have motivation as well. These were two of the area’s most successful teams last season. In Division II, Merrimack also has a memory to try to overcome, as the Tomahawks fell in the semis to Merrimack Valley.

Here’s a look at all the locals:

DIVISION I

The Cardinals are hungry to get back to at least the semis, missing them for the first time in several years. Six key returners include senior midfielder Abby Lynn, senior defender Sydney Brophy, senior attack-midfielder Bella Dawson, junior midfielder Lola Dumont, junior defender Sophia Harrington, and junior middie Charlotte Accomando.

It will be interesting to see how Nashua South does, as the Panthers, who have had success making the tournament, may lack some experience.

“We are a young team this spring so we will be looking for some younger playes to step up and fill big roles,” Panthers coach Ciki McIntire said. “The team had a successful off season and we’re starting to put the puzzle pieces together.”

Wylie Hart on attack is a key senior among a group of other key players that are juniors and sophomores. The former: Nitzann Alkalay and Karin Santana; the latter are midfielders Carly Benekri, Lexi McGuire and Briley Landsteiner, plus defender Maddie Langer.

Nashua North, meanwhile, has a new head coach, former assistant Mike Seo. Once again the Titans are playing a reduced schedule – the minimum 12 games needed to qualify for the postseason – so as to allow for more teaching/practice time. But they do have some key returners in seniors Anya Seo, Savanna Basford, Kate Munroe, and Alexa Farrell, plus junior Lily Small and sophomore Devin Brown.

The Sabers were blessed with young talent that took them to the finals and a lot of it was expected back, and that would include the key junior trio of midfielders Libby Kennedy – the Telegraph Player of the Year last year and an All-American – Izzy Stevenson and defender Sophie Jacobs.

DIVISION II”

Merrimack coach Katie Todd likes what she has back despite graduation losses.

“Big shoes to fill from the graduating seniors from last year,” she said, “but I feel good about making another playoff run again this year.”

The ‘Hawks are led by senior midfielders Jackie Hayes and Liv Mitchell, plus four key sophomores: midfielder Riley Taylor, attacks Lyla Carls and Ava Woods, plus goalie Sophia Richard.

Hollis Brookline graduated nine from a team that finished 9-8 and lost in the first round. They had a good young player in midfielder Olivia Langenfeld, and potential seniors would be defender Elise Broadhurst plus possible attackers Olivia Laub and Hayden McElveen. In other words, it’s a young Cavaliers team as the nucleus from the title of 2023 has basically moved on.

Alvirne hasn’t had that glorious history, unfortunatley, and the Broncos continue to rebuild under coach Molly Norton.

DIVISION III

Milford struggled last year but has 10 of 12 starters back plus 12 other returners, so things are looking up.

Key returners include junior attack Payton Gaj, junior defender Lily Parsons, plus seniors Olivia Lochhead (attack), Shea Hansen (midfield), Violet Renda (goalie) and Quinn Cotsifas (midfield).

“Led by a strong group of upperclassmen, the team brings leadership, chemistry, and game knowledge into the season,” Spartans third-year head coach Shannon Finnegan said. “With a mix of veteran experience and new talent, this team forms a well-balanced and competitive roster.”

Campbell will have to overcome a couple of obstacles. One, there are only 15 on the roster, according to head coach Mike Theriault, and there are no seniors and 12 of the 15 are underclassmen.

“We should be very competitive, but again young and less experienced from a lacrosse IQ,” Theriault said.

Three junior keys are midfielder Lili Wilson, attacker Melina Girgis and defender Tyler Borst. Four sophomores to watch are midfielders Lilyuana Vacon and Zoe Bourque plus attacker Reagan Cutter and defender Liyah Mahoney.