Challengers Inch Closer to Top Teams in High School Girls' Regional Top 10s

Every Tuesday during the high school lacrosse season, USA Lacrosse updates Regional Top 10 and National Top 25 rankings to reflect the results of the previous week. Below are the USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ Regional Top 10 updates through games played March 17.

The Northeast springs into action this week. Not one of the top 10 teams has played yet, but there are some strong pedigrees that will start being tested soon.

McDonogh (Md.) remains atop a Mid-Atlantic Region that saw the domino effect shake up the rankings otherwise. Archbishop Spalding (Md.) slides up a spot to No. 2 after a seismic win by Stone Ridge (Md.). Stone Ridge won the battle of the Gators, taking down then-No. 2 St. Paul’s (Md.) for the first time in program history. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), which came on strong through last season, then turned around for an eye-opening win over Stone Ridge to vault to No. 3.

The South Region looks familiar at the top with American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) holding tightly to No. 1. Milton (Ga.) is still unbeaten and keeping pace, and Anderson (Texas) and Plant (Fla.) are also perfect thus far.

The Midwest Region has plenty of perennial powers at the top led by Loyola Academy (Ill.). New Trier remains at No. 2 despite a pair of losses to West Region teams. The next five Midwest teams are all unbeaten.

Colorado Academy (Colo.) is off to a 2-0 start to lead the West Region. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), Torrey Pines (Calif.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) are also still unbeaten to take the next three spots.

NORTHEAST

1. Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.), 0-0

Midfielders Julia Fusco (Stony Brook), Katherine Lemery (Hofstra) and Kayla Vazquez (Rider) and stud juniors Emma Brown (Stanford), Ava Meyn (Maryland) and Aubrie Eisfeld (Syracuse) are back for the defending New York State Class C champions, who open their season against Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.) on March 26. Previous: 1

2. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 0-0

Is a fifth consecutive CHSAA Class AA championship in the cards? With senior Tess Calabria (North Carolina) anchoring a deep attack line, Meg Kenny (North Carolina), Riley Zusi (Ohio State) and Jena Binkis (South Florida) in midfield, Amanda Paci (Duke) on defense and goaltender Lexi Zenk (North Carolina), the Friars are the favorite to do just that. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) hit the road to face Wantagh (N.Y.) March 26. Previous: 2

3. New Canaan (Conn.), 0-0

With Devon Russell (Boston College) and Lexi Tully (Cornell) in the midfield and junior Ceci Patterson (Notre Dame) in goal, there’s high expectations for New Canaan (Conn.) this year. The Rams head to Rye (N.Y.) to start the anticipated season on April 3. Previous: 3

4. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

The Blue Wave’s last loss came to New Canaan in the CIAC Class L state championship — two years ago! How do you build off the most successful season in the program’s rich history? That’s what senior goalie Hope Schoudel (Duke), senior midfielder Sadie Stafford (Duke) and defender Maggie Bellisimo (Yale) will attempt to do, beginning April 7 against St. Paul’s School for Girls (Md.). Previous: 4

5. Sacred Heart (Conn.), 0-0

With senior midfielders Payton Sfreddo (Virginia), Kaitlin Robinson (Duke) and Maggie Bacigalupo (Princeton), as well as defender Olivia Leahy (Stanford) back, the Tigers will be a strong contender to win a second straight Prep Invitational. Sacred Heart (Conn.) takes on Noble and Greenough (Mass.) to open the season March 22. Previous: 5

6. Victor (N.Y.), 0-0

Can the Blue Devils win a third straight New York State Class B championship? Senior midfielder Devin Livingston (Maryland), senior attack Libby Boland (New Hampshire) and juniors in midfielder Morgan Livingston (Arizona State), attack Maia Pronti (Georgetown) and defender Brin Gotham (Michigan) pace Victor (N.Y.), who takes on Penfield (N.Y.) in their curtain-raiser March 27. Previous: 6

7. Wilton (Conn.), 0-0

Senior attack Addison Pattillo (North Carolina), senior midfielder Ashleigh Masterson (California) and senior defenders Josie Goldman (UPenn) and Morgan Breakey (Bucknell) are back for Wilton, which meets Brien McMahon (Conn.) in their season opener April 2. Previous: 3

8. Garden City (N.Y.), 0-0

The Trojans have reason to be confident a repeat trip to the New York State Class B championship could be in the cards, with a different result this time. That’s because the Trojans, who open the season against Radnor (Pa.) on March 23, return seniors Maureen Arendt (Colgate) on attack, Kendal Morris (Arizona State) in the midfield, Mabel Overbeck (Duke) on defense and Niamh Pfaff (Yale) in goal as well as junior attack Kyle Finnell (Northwestern). Previous: 8

9. Fairport (N.Y.), 0-0

Senior Katie Mallaber (Notre Dame) and juniors Lilly Kondas (Boston College) and Ella Peers (Syracuse) are back to prove the Red Raiders’ first-ever New York State Class A title was no fluke. That starts with a season-opener against Brighton (N.Y.) on March 27. Previous: 9

10. Skaneateles (N.Y.), 0-0

Senior attack Anasofia Cirincione (Albany), junior Paige Willard (Johns Hopkins) and junior attack Mara Stanton (Albany) are back in the Lakers’ quest for a sixth New York State title. That journey begins against Shaker (N.Y.) March 30. Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

1. McDonogh (Md.), 1-0

The Eagles made new head coach Megan Nicotra a winner in her debut. Sophia Trahan scored four goals, Remi Schaller had a goal and three assists, and Kate Levy scored once and won four draw controls in a 7-5 win over Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). Visi was the only team to beat McDonogh last year. It’s a big week for McDonogh with Glenelg Country Day (Md.), Notre Dame Prep (Md.) and Episcopal (Pa.) on the schedule. Previous: 1

2. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 2-0

The Cavaliers took care of their first two opponents of the year, doubling up both of them on the scoreboard. Spalding topped Mount de Sales (Md.) 15-7 and then rolled over Mercy (Md.) 13-6 the next day. The Cavaliers face their first significant test yet this season against Maryvale Prep (Md.) on March 20. They also play John Carroll on March 22. Previous: 3

3. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), 4-0

Carrington King’s squad made a big move in the rankings with a 9-7 win over a previously unbeaten Stone Ridge (Md.) team that knocked off St. Paul’s (Md.) earlier in the week. Penn-bound Lellie King scored four goals and Michigan commit Lee Kestner had a hat trick. The win puts the Saints perfect after four games. They also topped a strong South Region team, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) earlier this year. Their biggest test this week likely comes from Paul VI (Va.). Previous: NR

4. Episcopal (Pa.), 3-0

Quinn Whitaker scored her 100th career point as the Churchwomen remained unbeaten with an 8-4 win over Notre Dame (Md.). Whitaker had two goals as did Sydney Richter and Sofia Gagliardi. Kate Dente scooped four ground balls and Maura Irish won four draw controls. Episcopal also held off John Carroll (Md.) 10-8. Irish and Whitaker each had two goals apiece. Abby Schwartz caused three turnovers and had four ground balls. Whitaker also won four draws. Episcopal faces Conestoga (Pa.) and Penn Charter (Pa.) before taking a crack at McDonogh (Md.) on March 24. Previous: 4

5. Stone Ridge (Md.), 2-1

The Gators defeated St. Paul’s (Md.) for the first time in school history, 12-7. Freshmen Chloe Cassidy had 3 goals and 2 assists in the win and continues to pace the offense. She also had a hat trick in an 11-7 win over St. John’s College (D.C.). Stone Ridge lost for the first time this year when St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) topped them 9-7. They face Bullis (Md.), Notre Dame (Md.) and American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) this week. Previous: 6

6. Good Counsel (Md.), 4-0

Another team on the climb, the Falcons defeated two strong region teams, Georgetown Visitation (D.C.) and Agnes Irwin on March 15 to move up. They were 14-10 winners over Visi behind four goals and three assists from Hannah Rudolph, five assists from Dani Serrano, 11 draw controls from Carys Volley and freshman goalie Clare Hansen’s eight saves. Eight different players scored in a 13-10 win over Agnes Irwin, and eight players again gave them a balanced attack in a 15-9 win over Penn Charter (Pa.). The Falcons go out of state for Milton (Ga.), Hockaday (Texas) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) this week. Previous: 9

7. St. Paul's (Md.), 1-1

Last year's IAAM runner-up followed up their loss to Stone Ridge (Md.) on March 13 with a 13-7 win over North Carolina power Cardinal Gibbons on March 16. The Gators are a team that traditionally improves through their seasons. They face Valor Christian (Colo.) on March 18 before getting back into league play against Garrison Forest (Md.) and Mercy (Md.). Previous: 2

8. Glenelg Country (Md.), 1-0

Another new IAAM head coach, Chrissy Adair, opened her era with an impressive 18-6 win over Colorado power Valor Christian on March 16. Lilly Fortin had a monster game with a hat trick, four assists and seven draw controls. Glenelg faces McDonogh on March 20 before taking on Roland Park (Md.) on March 22. Previous: 8

9. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 0-1

Agnes Irwin fell in their season opener to Good Counsel (Md.) 13-10. The Owls look to bounce back against Pennsylvania public power Manheim Township on March 19. They then face a long break before playing April 3 against Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.). Previous: 5

10. Summit (N.J.), 0-0

Summit doesn’t open until April 4 against Immaculate Heart (N.J.). Last year's leading scorer Lily Spinner (Yale) and third-leading scorer Jane Freeman (Hopkins) and defender Cece Webb (UVa) graduated, but the Hilltoppers still have plenty back with the likes of Lauren and Kate Riley (both Dartmouth) and Anya Wardle (Richmond). Previous: 7

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 10-0

The Stallions remained undefeated following their most challenging week of the season to date. American Heritage-Delray got the week started with a 16-5 win over Bartram Trail (Fla.). The Stallions then defeated St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 21-3. The week wrapped up with a 10-5 win over Bryn Mawr (Md.). Previous: 1

2. Milton (Ga.), 9-0

The Eagles kept their undefeated season intact, narrowly defeating Lassiter (Ga.) 12-10. Milton also picked up a 14-6 win over Lambert (Ga.). Milton has three straight challenging out-of-state contests ahead, including matchups against Good Counsel (Md.), Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) and Hockaday (Texas). Previous: 3

3. Anderson (Texas), 4-0

The Trojans had a week off after their 20-2 win over Lake Travis (Texas) on March 7. Anderson’s next game comes on March 20 against Dripping Springs (Texas). Previous: 4

4. Plant (Fla.), 10-0

The Panthers have been off since their 20-1 win over Alosno (Fla.) on March 8. Plant returns to play against Steinbrenner (Fla.). Mckenzey Craig has a team-leading 27 goals and 21 assists. Previous: 5

5. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 2-3

The Crusaders have lost three of their first five contests amid a challenging schedule. Cardinal Gibbons started off last week with an 18-1 win over Athens Drive (N.C.). The win was followed by a 13-10 loss to Maryvale Prep (Md.) and a 13-7 defeat against St. Paul’s (Md.). Previous: 3

6. Hockaday (Texas), 4-2

The Daisies are coming off an off week after their 14-13 loss to San Ramon Valley (Calif.) on March 9. Hockaday’s return to play comes March 22 versus Good Counsel (Md.). Previous: 6

7. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 5-2

The Bears picked up a dominating 14-1 win over St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) thanks to a four-goal, one-assist effort by Ryann Frechette. Bartram Trail then was blown out by American Heritage-Delray 16-5. Frechette managed a hat trick against the top team in the South. Previous: 8

8. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 9-1

The Titans improved to 9-1 after a 17-9 win over Charlotte Catholic (N.C.). Senior Clark Hamilton had a team-leading six goals while junior Morgan Handzel and sophomore Hannah Daley each had four goals. Previous: 9

9. Bishop England (S.C.), 7-0

A year after being deemed illegible for a state championship, South Carolina power Bishop England goes into its biggest game of the young season undefeated after seven dominating wins. The Battling Bishops handed Chapin (S.C.) its first loss of the year, winning 17-6. Seniors Henley Bredemann, Nini Clarke and Bo Rosato all have scored over 20 goals so far this year. Bishop England next faces Lucy Beckham (S.C.) in a showdown of the state’s top two programs. Previous: NR

10. Westlake (Texas), 4-0

The Chaparrals are in the midst of a 17-day layoff following their 11-10 win over St. Michael’s Academy. Westlake springs back to action March 23 against Eastern (Texas). Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

1. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 2-0

The Ramblers controlled their first two contests of the 2024 season, out-scoring in-state foes Mother McAuley and Fenwick by a combined margin of 36-1. Next up, Loyola travels to Upper Arlington (Ohio) for a must-watch battle of two of the Midwest's best March 24. Previous: 1

2. New Trier (Ill.), 1-2

The Trevians started their season with a trip to the Golden State, going 1-2 against three top California teams: Coronado, La Costa Canyon and Torrey Pines. Their next trip will be far shorter as they head several miles down Green Bay Rd. to face Evanston (Ill.). Previous: 2

3. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 1-0

The Patriots started their season with a 14-11 victory at Strongsville (Ohio), scoring the final four goals to rally from a fourth-quarter deficit. Both Isabelle and Madeline Pohmer had huge games for Liberty, which has its home opener March 20 against Hilliard Bradley before traveling to face 8-1 IMG (Fla.), 10-0 Plant (Fla.) and 3-0 Oakton (Va.). Previous: 3

4. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 1-0

After topping Jackson (Ohio) by a double-digit margin in their opener, the Golden Bears host Hill Academy (Ont.) and Loyola Academy (Ill.) this weekend. The Golden Bears seek revenge after the Ramblers won last year's matchup, 11-5. Previous: 4

5. New Albany (Ohio), 1-0

The Eagles started in fine form with a 16-5 victory over St. Francis DeSales (Ohio). March 22 brings an intriguing battle against another in-state foe in Mason, which finished an impressive 16-6 last year. Previous: 5

6. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 7-0

The Bearcats' resume includes a win over one of Indiana's best (Guerin Catholic) and two of Tennessee's best (Briarcrest Christian and Hutchison). Six KCD players have amassed double-digit goals, led by sophomores Ellie Beam (24 goals, 13 assists), Ceci Flowers (18 goals, 12 assists) and Christine Martin (16 goals, 6 assists). Previous: NR

7. Carmel (Ind.), 5-0

The Greyhounds are off to a scorching start, led by Berkeley commit Sophie Mock (19 goals, 28 draw controls) and Lindenwood commit Breckin Hare (17 goals, 6 assists). Carmel's defense also deserves credit as it has yet to surrender more than six goals in a game. Previous: 10

8. Guerin Catholic (Ind.), 6-1

The Golden Eagles are off to a strong start, led by their impressive defense, which has allowed four goals or fewer in all six of their wins. Unfortunately, Guerin Catholic's Hoosier State showdown with Carmel was postponed (due to poor weather) until May 2. Previous: 8

9. Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.), 0-0

Last year, the Red Knights won a pair of one-goal thrillers to emerge with the state championship. The 2024 season for Benilde-St. Margaret's doesn't start until April 11 when it opens with a road trip to Woodbury (Minn.). Previous: 6

10. Lake Forest (Ill.), 1-0

After finishing third in the state last year, the Scouts began the 2024 season with a highly impressive 9-7 victory over Hinsdale Central, long one of Illinois' top programs. Previous: NR

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 2-0

Affirming its spot as best in the West, Colorado Academy improved to 2-0 after defeating previously-ranked No. 10 ThunderRidge 18-3 on March 12. The Mustangs hit the road this week to take on Air Academy (Colo.) on March 20. Previous: 1

2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 5-0

The Wolves picked up two more wins this week against strong Northern California teams. San Ramon defeated Marin Catholic (Calif.) 17-9 on March 12 and Redwood (Calif.) 19-8 on March 14. This week the Wolves take on No. 8 Oak Ridge (Calif.) on March 19 and in-league opponent Livermore (Calif.) on March 22. Previous: 2

3. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 6-0

Torrey Pines snagged a close 13-11 win over New Trier (Ill.) on March 16 after defeating Scripps Ranch (Calif.) 18-8 on March 14. The Falcons aim to remain undefeated heading into matches against Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) on March 19 and No. 8 Oak Ridge (Calif.) on March 22. Previous: 3

4. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 5-0

The Gators upset previously-ranked No. 4 St. Ignatius (Calif.) 10-9 in an overtime nail-biter on March 13 to win their first league contest and kickstart a 3-game winning streak. Sacred Heart went on to defeat another league opponent, Menlo School (Calif.), 16-9 on March 15 followed by a 14-10 victory over Tamalpais (Calif.) on March 16. Up next for the Gators are two more league matches against Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) on March 20 and Saint Francis (Calif.) on March 22, and Redwood (Calif.) on March 23. Previous: 7

5. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 3-2

The Wildcats picked up their first league victory over Saint Francis (Calif.), 17-5, on March 15 followed by another win, 10-5, against Redwood (Calif.) on March 16. This week St. Ignatius hosts a three-game homestead: in-league opponents Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) on March 19 and Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) on March 22, and Tamalpais (Calif.) on March 23. Previous: 4

6. Valor Christian (Colo.), 1-2

Facing a competitive East Coast squad, the Eagles fell 18-6 to Glenelg Country Day (Md.) on March 16. Valor Christian battles another Maryland team, St. Paul’s, on March 18. Previous: 5

7. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 5-1

It was another winning week for Foothill who defeated in-league opponent Canyon (Calif.) 17-7 on March 12 then the Knights edged Santa Margarita 14-13 on March 14. Up next is Olympus (Utah) on March 18, Park City (Utah) on March 19 and Lake Oswego (Ore.) on March 23. Previous: 6

8. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 4-0

The Trojans are on another roll, defeating Davis Sr. (Calif.) 13-6 on March 12 and sweeping Vista Del Lago (Calif.) on March 15. It’s a top 10 showdown this week as Oak Ridge puts its skills to the test against No. 2 San Ramon Valley (Calif.) on March 19 and No. 3 Torrey Pines (Calif.) on March 22. The Trojans also face off against Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) on March 23. Previous: 8

9. Palos Verdes (Calif.), 9-1

The Sea Kings, who are on a 6-game win streak, defeated Culver City (Calif.) 19-6 on March 13 followed by a 17-0 sweep against Downey (Calif). On deck for Palos Verdes is division rival Redondo Union (Calif.) on March 20 in what will be a must watch game of the week. Previous: NR

10. Marlborough (Calif.), 6-1

Making its first appearance in the polls this week, Marlborough defeated three teams this week, including two in-league opponents. On March 12, the Mustangs took down Crescenta Valley (Calif.) 20-8 and on March 14, they defeated Village Christian (Calif.) 19-7 – both teams were league opponents. Marlborough capped off its week with a 15-3 victory over Santa Monica (Calif.). The Mustangs prepare for three tough upcoming games: Notre Dame (Calif.) on March 19, Chaminade (Calif.) on March 21 and Lake Oswego (Ore.) on March 23. Previous: NR

— Theresa Palmquist