6. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 0-0
The Wildcats open their first season under new coach Rob Salmon on Thursday when they host Novato (Calif.). They are looking to bounce back from a tough season and the early test will be a good indicator of their strengths and weaknesses. Previous: 6
7. Lake Oswego (Ore.), 0-0
The Lakers get started Saturday in the “Battle of the Border” game at Eastside Catholic (Wash.) and open in-state play March 13 at Oregon Episcopal (Ore.). They are coming off their second straight OGLA championship. Previous: 7
8. Arapahoe (Colo.), 0-0
The Warriors look for a strong start in Brianna Huynh’s second season, as they open Friday against Kent Denver (Colo.). They lost just two starters from last year’s Final Four squad and will be led by a strong senior class of 13. Previous: 8
9. Eastside Catholic (Wash.), 0-0
The two-time defending state champion Crusaders open against two-time defending Oregon state champion Lake Oswego on Saturday. Their first game against in-state competition is March 14 against Roosevelt. Previous: 9
10. Mater Dei (Calif.), 2-0
Despite losing several top players from last year, the Monarchs had no trouble with their first two opponents, outscoring Newport Harbor (Calif.) and Tesoro (Calif.) 32-12. Tess Keiser tallied five goals and three assists against Newport Harbor, while Sydney Payne added four goals and three assists. Peyton Smith had five goals and two assists against Tesoro. Previous: 10
BRINE/US LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Gianna Danese, Mater Dei (Calif.)
Danese was an all-around workhorse the first two games of the season for Mater Dei, helping her team to 10-goal wins over Newport Harbor (Calif.) and Tesoro (Calif.). The junior captain led the Monarchs in draw controls and shut down the opponents’ top players, according to coach Cressita Bowman. She had four goals and one assist over the two games and totaled 13 draw wins, five ground balls and three takeaways.
Also notable: Rachel Leonardi, California High (Calif.); D.J.Wilmott, Novato (Calif.)