Chautauqua Lake girls soccer starts new chapter under Brian Pender

Overview

• Brian Pender begins his first season coaching Chautauqua Lake after a playing career that included Fairport, John Carroll and two NCAA Tournament teams.
• Pender sees Chautauqua Lake as an emerging team with returning players and starters back from last season's 4-12 group.
• Avery Cannon and Chloe Stroth are listed as captains, with Cannon expected to help organize the midfield.
• Addison Chess is expected to start in goal, while Eliana Ludwig and Abigal Rizzo are highlighted as players who could take larger roles.

Outlook

Chautauqua Lake enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a new head coach and a roster trying to turn experience into a step forward.

Brian Pender is in his first season coaching at Chautauqua Lake. His background includes playing at Fairport in Section V, where he was a three-time first-team all-county selection, and at John Carroll University, where he was part of two NCAA Tournament teams and captained the 2006 team.

Pender described Chautauqua Lake as an emerging team with a number of returning players and starters. The team is coming off a 4-12 season, and Pender said there is "a lot of upside" if several players can increase their production.

The identity he wants is not built around one finisher. Pender said Chautauqua Lake wants to attack from both flanks and through the center, with a variety of players contributing to the scoring.

Players to Watch

Avery Cannon and Chloe Stroth are listed as captains, and Cannon is also the player Pender expects to organize the midfield. Cannon had two goals and two assists in 2025-26.

Eliana Ludwig is the returning player named as a likely breakout candidate, and she scored four goals in 2025-26. Abigal Rizzo, listed as a striker in the Class of 2031, is the incoming or newly featured player Pender identified as a potential contributor.

Addison Chess is expected to start at goalkeeper. Pender said she brings size and athletic ability to the position while continuing to build experience. She played 160 goalkeeper minutes and made 17 saves in 2025-26.

Aubrey Giles is noted as a set-piece threat. Pender also pointed to the Tarr triplets for positional versatility and athleticism, saying they are willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team.

Schedule

Chautauqua Lake's schedule opens Sept. 1 against Ellicottville and continues through a local-heavy slate that includes Fredonia, Westfield/Brocton, Salamanca, Dunkirk, Silver Creek/Forestville, Frewsburg and North Collins.

The home schedule includes Dunkirk on Sept. 15, Silver Creek/Forestville on Sept. 17, Fredonia on Sept. 26, Westfield/Brocton on Sept. 29 and North Collins on Oct. 15. The regular-season schedule also includes trips to North Collins, Dunkirk, Silver Creek/Forestville, Frewsburg and Salamanca.