West Seneca Builds Around Kawalec, Defensive Spine in Third Combined Season

Overview

• West Seneca enters its third season as a combined program under head coach Justin DiLoro.
• Riley Kawalec, whom DiLoro identified as a Randolph-Macon commit, returns in goal after making 228 saves in 2025.
• Captains Ella Wackowski, Riley Kawalec and Emily Lawrence lead a group built around defense and central-field strength.
• DiLoro expects West Seneca to play as a direct, counterattacking team while it continues developing in possession.
• The schedule opens with Lancaster on Sept. 8, Buffalo Public Schools on Sept. 10 and Hamburg on Sept. 14.

West Seneca enters the 2026 girls soccer season in its third year as a combined program, and head coach Justin DiLoro sees a group trying to turn close margins into a step forward.

“This is our third year as a combined program,” DiLoro said. “I'm excited to help the program develop as we work as a team for the community.”

The foundation starts in goal with senior Riley Kawalec, a Randolph-Macon commit. DiLoro described Kawalec as “a standout goalie” and said West Seneca believes it has “one of the best goalies in Western New York.” Kawalec made 228 saves in 1,219 minutes in 2025 and was listed by DiLoro as a Section VI All-WNY honorable mention.

Kawalec is one of three captains, along with Ella Wackowski and Emily Lawrence. Lawrence anchors the central defense, where DiLoro praised her leadership and communication.

“She sees the game well; she is a high IQ player,” DiLoro said.

DiLoro also pointed to midfielders Siena Cartonia and Morgan Coia as part of the team’s returning spine. Cartonia is expected to organize the midfield and help control how West Seneca plays, while Coia gives the group another experienced central option. DiLoro identified Cartonia as a returning player who could take a significant step forward.

The team’s style is expected to be direct. DiLoro said West Seneca will “most likely play as a direct, counterattacking program” while continuing to grow as a possession-based team. He said the team needs to be efficient with its chances and continue improving with the ball and finishing.

Bella Pede is a player to watch on set pieces after scoring twice in 2025, and Kennedi Chiodo was identified as a younger player who could become an important contributor.

The schedule opens with Lancaster on Sept. 8 and Buffalo Public Schools on Sept. 10. West Seneca then meets Hamburg on Sept. 14, Williamsville North on Sept. 16, Frontier on Sept. 18, Clarence on Sept. 22 and Orchard Park on Sept. 24.

With Kawalec back in goal and a central group led by Lawrence, Cartonia and Coia, West Seneca’s 2026 outlook starts with defensive organization and the ability to counter quickly.