After a tough shootout loss in the playoffs last fall, the Bishop Hendricken soccer team is ready to return and make a deeper run this time around.

The Hawks return a handful of impact players and have a few new faces ready to step up. Kyler DeBont, Michael Paquette and Landon Picillo return as team captains, while Xavier Wilkens, Jacob Coates and Brandan Sisson are set to play significant minutes as well.

“The good news is that we have quite a few people returning.  That made it a lot easier. We’re cautiously optimistic this year for us. Now that we have the (roster) selections down, we are working on conditioning and tactics. We’re on schedule, we have some things to go over but I’m happy with the progress,” said Hendricken coach Mickey Rooney. “We lost on a shootout which is a cruel way to lose. It’s great when you win but tough when you don’t. They’ve got some playoff experience so I think as long as they stay healthy, then we’re in for a good season.”

The Hawks had an up-and-down season last year, finishing with a 2-8-4 league record. Division I looks to be a grind once again in 2022, so Rooney and his staff hope to see the team get off to a fast start out the gate.

“Being in Division I, there’s really not a bad team there. There is good quality all the way around. In Division I, most games are decided by one goal, there aren’t many blowouts and there are no easy games. What we have to do is start off on the right foot and grab as many wins as we possibly can. That’s what you want, you want the best teams in the top division,” said Rooney.

With more experience and an aggressive game plan, the Hawks are looking to be sharp mentally each game and be willing to put in the extra work to take the next step toward becoming a contender in the division.

“Focusing during the game is going to be a major part. We’re going to be playing a system that involves high pressure, and if everyone does their job, then we’ll be fine,” said Rooney. “Sometimes what happens is when the fatigue sets in, the fundamentals go and people stop making the right runs and it makes it difficult to win. I think focusing and working hard will be important.”

The Hawks will open their season with three road games, with opening day being next Wednesday at Barrington. The team’s home opener will be on Sept. 17 against Central.