To lose one of the best soccer players in the state, regardless of classification, in Nicole Taylor, one might think that the Waterford soccer program might be entering a rebuilding process — it's not.

"Anytime you lose a player of Nicole's caliber, it is tough. You really can't replace her," said coach Tim Dolbin. "But we had a very young team. Eight of our players are ninth- and 10th-graders, and we have some other good freshmen that will join us next season. I think that we will be competitive no matter where we are playing."

After cruising to the 1A/2A state title — no team came within four goals of the Ravens on the way to the championship — Waterford would like nothing better than to not be favored entering next season. That is because the team does not want to defend its title, it wants to play in the 3A classification.

"We would rather come in fourth place in 3A than win it all in 2A," said standout forward Lanie Ward.

Dolbin felt the team did exactly what it needed to do to prove it should be in the upper levels. "We accomplished what was necessary," he said. "We did the job and showed that we belong in 3A."

That decision will be re-evaluated before the next season by the UHSAA. It denied the Ravens' petition to stay in the classification before this past season. Should the team lose the motion, it will again be the favorite to win a title.

With players like sophomore Ward, freshman Gina Soto, sophomore Kimi Miyashima, freshman Jackie Tillotson and freshman Cami Phillips, the Ravens will have a high-level offense regardless of where they play. Ward, who scored a hat trick in the championship, is capable of carrying the offense next season.

"It was good to see Lanie explode like that," said Dolbin of her performance in the title contest. "She is a player that can really be dominant. I think everyone knows that."

While Ward will be counted heavily upon, she isn't even the returning leading scorer. That distinction belonged to Soto — Ward had 18 goals on the year while Soto scored 19, both behind Taylor's 27.

"Gina is a terrific player," said Dolbin. "She is fast, has skills and knows how to put the ball in the net."