Freshmen, freshmen, freshmen.

Ninth-graders can be a boon or boondoggle to a program. They’ll make those “rookie” mistakes, but they also can make plays that can result in upset victories just because they do not know any better.

The west San Gabriel Valley is awash in top freshmen girls soccer talent this season. Some teams are going with three and four at a time.

Besides, by the time playoffs start, they’re not truly freshmen players anymore. And best of all, they’ll eventually be four-year starters. That could be very good news when it’s time to go out of the Valley to face other Southern California teams when it is playoff time.

No. 1 Alverno

The Jaguars lost only two players from a team that handily won a CIF-Southern Section Division VII title last season.

Alverno would like to prove to the naysayers the Jaguars are one of the area’s best.

“We have a much tougher schedule,” head coach Ken Berry said. “No one was sure about Division VII last season; it was a whole new division.”

The Jaguars, who outscored opponents 24-3 in the playoffs, opened the season No. 1 in the division.

Junior midfielder Maha Abdallah, senior forward Jessica Capra, sophomore forward Celina Minissian, junior defender Gabby Vasquez and senior midfielder Briana Alvarado give the Jaguars experience. Freshman Devny Osuna will play a top role on defense.

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No. 2 La Salle

The Lancers came very close to a CIF-SS title-game berth last season but lost in the quarterfinals on penalty kicks.

That, coupled with a CIF-SS title the seniors remember from their sophomore season, has La Salle itching for another long season.

“Our returning players are very good; our freshmen are very good,” head coach Edgar Manvelyan said. “We have high expectations.”

Samantha Whitehead, one of the Valley’s best players, is back for her junior season. Juniors Whitney Tashiro, Lori Cuerington and Taylor Mediano return. So does Erica Polanco, who sat out last season because of a torn knee ligament.

The Lancers’ problem last season was not having a true goalkeeper. Freshman Cassidy Rey steps into that role. Freshman forward Aly Puga also will see ample playing time.

No. 3 Flintridge Sacred Heart

The Tologs had five seniors with 17 years of varsity experience last season. Their seniors and juniors have a combined seven years of varsity experience this season.

The Tologs still will be one of the favorites to win their second consecutive Mission League title. Eight sophomores come back and five freshmen could see playing time this season.

“We are still learning everyone’s names,” Tologs co-head coach Frank Pace said. “Last year’s seniors spent as much time teaching the traditions and expectations of FSHA soccer to the younger players as they did playing. We will see how well those lessons took.”

Seniors Dominique Oro, a goalkeeper, and Danielle Molina have five of those seven years of varsity experience. Junior Natalie Zeenni and sophomores Alexia Montgomery, Kathleen Alameida and Lauren Torres are back. Freshman Sarah Teegarden will play on defense and freshmen Savanah Viola and Krista Meaglia will vie for starting midfield positions.

No. 4 Arcadia

The Apaches already are behind the eight-ball. That’s because five players, four who are seniors, will miss the season because of injuries.

“The seniors we have back must step up,” head coach Paul Miles said. “They have to provide that leadership.”

Miles and Ashley Fransden shared head coaching duties last season, but with Fransden having to take care of twins that are not quite a year old Miles will have the reins this season.

Amanda Papic and Tanya Honey return to the team. Freshman Shelby Dreves will play in goal.

No. 5 La Canada

Spartans head coach Louie Bilowitz has pieced together a team of club and former club players.

“We have very few girls playing club soccer and it shows,” he said. “They’re not there. But that’s what preseason is about. It’s to get the team ready so by the time January comes, we’ll be good enough to make the playoffs.”

Junior Megan Siepler is one of the top returnees and sophomore Haley Austin is one of the area’s top goalkeepers.

No. 6 San Marino

A mix of old and new should have the coach Jaime Acuna’s Titans going places.

The Titans played La Canada for the Rio Hondo League title in the season finale and reached the second round of the CIF-SS playoffs.

Junior Annie Wenzlau will be one of the team captains. Savannah DeSousa will lead the midfield and Lindsey Miller also is back. Senior Catherine Barth, who did not play last season, is expected to help DeSousa in the midfield.

Acuna is high on versatile freshman striker Quinta Addis. Also expected to make an impact is freshman Hope Welder.

No. 7 Westridge

The loss of eight seniors can be demoralizing. But Tigers head coach Jason Windass does not even consider this season a rebuilding one.

“Really, every year is a rebuilding year,” he said. “We have to count on our senior leadership.”

Oh, and the play of his freshmen, too. The Tigers have five freshmen and three – Claire Davis, Erica Stanislawski and midfielder Allie Schiffnan – will be making major impacts.

Seniors Brooke Davis, Paige O’Connor and Michele Stathos will provide that leadership.

No. 8 Ramona Convent

Coach Alma Garcia’s Tigers consistently have made the playoffs. They’re now ready for that last hurdle in taking the Sunshine League title from power Notre Dame Academy.

Juniors Celina Valencia and Nancy Nunez give the Tigers a 1-2 offensive punch. Junior Arielle Peraza returns in goal. Miranda Rivera is back for her senior season and junior Karina Garcia also must play well. Two freshmen, Yaneli Gutierrez and Sara Mojica, are expected to play key roles.

No. 9 Monrovia

It helps that forward Tyler Shirk has signed a letter of intent to play at Cal State Bakersfield next season.

“It’s one of those things where she can now concentrate on this season and not have other distractions,” head coach Jamie Payne said.

The Wildcats have experience at midfield with senior captain Vania Ovando and junior Riley Ward and senior goalkeeper Sarah Wallick. The Wildcats have eight seniors on their roster.

No. 10 Flintridge Prep

The Rebels have to wait.

Three returning players, including goalie Brooke Elby, won’t be available until January. Elby is doing an educational project and the other two have torn knee ligaments.

That leaves the Rebels, who lost eight seniors, with seven sophomores and seven freshmen to fill the gaps.

“What we’re really missing is that leadership,” head coach Esteban Chavez said.

Junior Alina Okamoto and sophomore Connell Studenmund are two of the Rebels’ top players. Casey Tousineau is one of the top newcomers.

keith.lair@sgvn.com