The Mars girls soccer team never fails to have an attack that is potent, balanced and often times, overwhelming for opponents.

This year is no different.

Through seven games, the Planets (6-0-1) have scored 42 goals. A number of players have contributed to the onslaught, including forwards Taylor Hamlett and Caroline Wroblewski and midfielder Ellie Coffield.

The trio combined for 69 goals and 62 assists a year ago with each one being named All-WPIAL. Those efforts helped Mars reach the WPIAL Class 3A title game and the state quarterfinals.

Their play comes as no surprise to Mars coach Blair Gerlach.

“We like our attack against anybody,” he said. “We can play a possession game or run and gun and are able to come at a team from different angles.”

Hamlett, a senior, is the leader of the group.

“Taylor has a very competitive nature,” he said. “No matter what the activity is, she is driven to compete. She has size, speed and strength.”

Throw in junior defender Gracie Dunaway, who has also shown the ability to score often when called upon, and the Planets' knack for finding the net is a big reason why the team, once again, is a strong candidate to play deep into November.

“Defensively, Gracie is relentless. She takes those 1-on-1 situations personally,” said Gerlach. “She started up front a few times last year (scoring 15 goals).”

Mars isn't the only team with players in the process of building on great efforts from a year ago. Seneca Valley features senior midfielder Breana Valentovish, the reining Butler Eagle Girls Soccer Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals and adding nine assists to help the Raiders claim the WPIAL 4A title in 2018.

“She's our biggest threat and everybody knows it, but she handles the pressure well,” said SV coach Mark Perry. “She has a big shot from basically anywhere with either foot.”

SV has no juniors on this year's team, but Valentovish has helped the underclassmen step up their game.

“She's a born leader and the other players look up to her,” added Perry.

Slippery Rock senior midfielder Kayla Daugherty has had a similar effect on the Rockets. The team's leading goal scorer from last year with 24 tallies, she helps her team switch pace when needed.

“She's a dangerous player and we can consistently count on her,” said Slippery Rock coach Sarah Cessar. “When we need to maintain possession, she calms us down.”

The defenses for both Butler and North Catholic have a player to rally around in Maci Lineman and Lindsey Pawlawski, respectively. Both earned All-Section honors last season as underclassmen.

“Maci (now a junior) became one of our staples last year,” said Golden Tornado coach Steve Perri. “As a cover player, she can come up with a big stop. It's like having a security blanket back there.”

Pawlawski, a center back, exhibited play rare from a freshman last year.

“She's fearless,” said North Catholic coach Emily Karr. “She has speed, but is also very determined. When she does make a mistake, she fixes it as soon as she can.

“We don't rely on leadership coming from just our upperclassmen. We expect Lindsey to be a leader.”

Morgan Sinan had her mettle tested last year — and passed with flying colors.

Now a senior goalie at Seneca Valley, she was kicked in the head during a state playoff game against Central Dauphin. After briefly sitting on the bench, she returned to make three saves on penalty kicks and also scored the clinching goal that sent the Raiders to the PIAA quarterfinals.

“Morgan rarely gives up what we would call a bad goal,” said Perry. “She's into every game and is ready for anything.

“Our defense is a work in progress, but she's a leader back there.”

Other Butler County girls soccer players in the process of building on solid efforts last year include:ForwardsGabby Boden (Butler), Brooke Stahlman (Karns City), Alexis Wateska (North Catholic), Chloe Weiland (Butler)MidfieldersEmma Check (Freeport), Tori Michalski (North Catholic), Sidney Shemanski (Freeport)DefendersCameron Roofner (Karns City), Ashley Shea (Slippery Rock)GoalkeepersJulia Hart (Slippery Rock)