Greg Shaw didn’t have to worry about ensuring all 26 players on his roster saw action on the field.

During an undefeated season and Class M girls soccer championship, his Cawley Middle School team cruised to victories and gave him the chance to secure playing time for the majority of his squad.

On Oct. 20, the team completed its 14-0-1 season with a victory against Hampstead in the title game, winning 4-0. That lopsided outcome followed another laugher for the Hawks – an 8-0 victory over Weare in the semifinal contest. The squad’s lone blemish was a tie with Class L Derry.

Shaw’s roster included 13 eighth-graders, and 11 started during the season. Yet the coach, with an eye on the future, wanted to ensure playing time for all his athletes, including eight seventh- graders and five sixth-graders.

“I purposely took that many (younger athletes) because graduating 13 players, I would only have a few returning players next year,” said Shaw. “When we got big leads I could get them experience and start looking toward next year.”

The sixth-graders, all of whom watched – and helped – their older teammates dismantle Class M foes, were Sara Bartczak, Madison Bennett, Emily Crocetti, Lauren Scarpetti and Sarah Thompson.

“Between sixth grade and eighth grade the pace of the game is a lot faster, and a lot more physical. I pulled up eight seventh-graders so they could get that experience for next year,” said Shaw. “They’ll be the core starters for next year’s team.”

That group includes Chelsea Desmarais, Emily Duchesne, Emily Gregoire, Amber Hochstetler, Ashley Lodge, Alexandra Nelson, Montana Roberts and Lauren Shaw.

The elder Shaw coached the boys last year, and he said there wasn’t simply one reason for the girls’ success in 2008.

“Defense was a key. We allowed very few goals throughout the year,” he said. “If you looked up through the middle of the field, there wasn’t one area that jumped out. We were very well balanced. There were no glaring weaknesses on our team.”

Forward Nicole Rust led the offense with 42 goals on the year. She teamed with Lindsey Read to fuel a formidable attack. Sarah Vaillancourt, Colbie Cookson, Sam Somers and Alexandra Pellerin anchored the defense. In net, goalie Alexis Lievens combined with her defense to hold opposing teams in check. Tri-captains Corrine Auger, Meghan Menard and Catherine Power joined with Margaret Mc- Govern to control midfield play. Classmates Taylor Barker and Bryanna Pearson were first off the bench and completed the eighth-grade contribution.

“The girls (graduating) are one of the most talented groups of players I’ve ever coached, so I expect a lot of them to play at the high school level and play well,” said Shaw. “Previously you’d get four or five players and work around them, but we had an entire team.”