GIRLS SOCCER: Hammond schools will get more familiar

With the dissolution of the Lake Athletic Conference, the four Hammond public schools -- Clark, Gavit, Hammond and Morton -- are scheduled to play each other two times apiece this season. Morton placed second in the LAC Blue last season at 5-1, and the Governors have 15 seniors on their roster. Senior forwards Crystal Torres and Brittany Moczynski each had 21 goals and nine assists last season; Torres, who had a school-record 28 goals as a sophomore, also could see time in the midfield. Senior Gabby Ramirez is among the area's top goalkeepers.

Roberto Reyes Jr. is East Chicago Central's new coach, after previously having coached at Hammond. Seniors midfielder Lesly Cuadra and midfielder/defender Olivia Martinez are among the key players.

Rensselaer is coached by Linda Kaufman, and the IHSAA lists West Side as the only team from Gary slated to participate in sectionals.