New Providence girls soccer leans on Cheung, Knight but needs more scoring

New Providence girls soccer returns eight starters for the 2026 season, with coach Scott Murphy citing experience, speed, and competitive spirit as team strengths, though he emphasizes the need for broader offensive contributions. Junior midfielder Abby Cheung, who led the team in goals and points, and junior defender Libby Knight, who led in assists, headline the returning group. The team scored only 31 goals in 21 games last season, and Phoebe Hu returns from an ACL injury to help expand the attack. The Pioneers must replace All-Mountain Division defender Addie Swetnam, who is recovering from a torn ACL, while sophomore goalkeeper Emily Print returns after recording 130 saves. Murphy ranked New Providence 10th in his preseason conference top 10, and the team opens Sept. 3 at Brearley.