Rachel Hill, who has scored 119 career goals for Somersworth when not competing in regional and nation pool play, returns for a shot at setting an NHIAA scoring record.

And, Lydia Simmons, who is in the U17 team player pool, opted to transfer from Brewster Academy and back to Londonderry for her senior season.

“We don’t have the problem that the boys do. Well, not yet anyway,” said Exeter coach Meghan Young. Her Blue Hawks have captured five of the last six Division I titles. With seven seniors back from last season’s title team, they are in the running again this season.

A trio of first team all-state senior classmates — sweeper Kanoe Eichholz, center midfielder Allie Day and striker Abby Short — will lead Exeter’s attack. With 102 players in the program, the Blue Hawks also own some depth.

In addition to the return of Simmons, Maeve Holland, a midfield starter as a freshman before transferring to Central Catholic in Mass. last season, has returned her talents to Londonderry. When combining efforts with Aliza Simpson, the leading scorer from last season’s semifinal squad, Londonderry should score plenty of goals.

Pinkerton of Derry lost a quarterfinal heartbreaker to rival Londonderry. Eight starters return looking for redemption including junior keeper Katherine Harris. The goalie has verbally committed to attend Villanova.

Though Concord graduated 10 players from the school’s first-ever squad to reach the title game, they should field a strong team. As usual, Manchester Central fields a speedy quick and competitive team. Winnacunnet of Hampton owns the potential to contend, returning plenty of players from a squad that lost a semifinal to Exeter in a shootout.

Bedford moves up to Division I. The Bulldogs graduated just five seniors from a semifinal finisher in Division II. Bishop Guertin of Nashua returns eight starters, including senior captain Sarah Welch, a quality keeper. Keene came on strong late in the year last year and could continue that trend this fall.

Division II

Defending champion Souhegan of Amherst returns six starters from the squad that secured the program’s 11th title plaque in 2011, including first team all-state choice Peyton Kent.

Kent, a sophomore then, booted the winning goal in the semifinal and championship matches. She netted a score in each of the club’s victories. Other returners include Agnes Chretien, Korina Hahn, Mikaela Sullivan, Shannon Disco and Sara Christensen.

Runner-up Hanover lost 10 starters to graduation. The program has depth and tradition. The Marauders should reload and contend with help from returning seniors Katherine Bradley, Georgia Lubrano and sophomore Alexi Kim.

Hollis/Brookline opens the season at Souhegan on Friday. The Cavaliers dropped down to Division II this season. They return eight veterans that should start this season, including Lindsey Vazquez and Hannah Modelski. Each tallied eight goals on last season’s tourney team.

Lebanon, the 2010 champ, perennial power Oyster River of Durham, Portsmouth and Milford will field contending squads.

Division III

Sixteen players return from Bow’s championship squad, including all-state players Brooke Fortin, a midfielder, and Jane Leven, a defender.

The Falcons can contend again, but coach Jay Vogt believes the division is full of talented teams.

Take Somersworth for instance. The Hilltoppers return Hill and nine other potential returning starters. Alyss Dalesio and Alexis Gray are expected to make key contributions.

Though player numbers are down, Campbell of Litchfield owns a winning tradition. The Cougars won the 2010 title and returned to the championship game last fall. Three of the five returning starters roam the midfield, including senior captain Casey Mellen, a first team all-state selection last season.

Also, look for Hopkinton and Raymond to experience good seasons.

Division IV

Sunapee graduated its top goal scorer, but started seven underclassmen against Littleton in the title game and should make a strong bid to defend.

The Crusaders started only five seniors in the same game, and expect to post a strong challenge.

Derryfield of Manchester returns a strong defensive unit with keeper Cam Huftalen and defenders Brynn Polgrean and Stephanie Tonneson back. Amy Trinh will support the defense from the midfield while Hannah Menakaya — injured most of last season — should provide firepower up front along with Chloe Warner.

Pittsfield and Woodsville look like contenders.

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Eric Emmerling may be reached at eemmerling@unionleader.com.