Friars Firmly Atop Northeast in USA Lacrosse Girls' Regional Top 10 Ranks

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 April 14.

Nyack (N.Y.) and Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.) are new to the Top 10 for the Northeast Region, which largely stayed intact despite two of the top three teams suffering their first losses. That’s because New Canaan (Conn.) fell at the hands of the top team in the region, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), while Darien (Conn.) went out of region and lost to one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top programs, McDonough (Md.).

The Mid-Atlantic Region looks the same through the top five, highlighted by No. 2 McDonogh’s (Md.) win over Darien (Conn.) in a clash of national powers. Beyond them, though, was a lot of movement, though even more of the most impacted teams in the region come outside the Top 10. More on that below.

The South Region is in playoff mode in Florida with the top two teams eyeing district crowns already. American-Heritage Delray (Fla.) and Plant (Fla.) are looking to add to their impressive resumes. Hockaday (Texas) made the one big move in the region with a win over previous-No. 2 Anderson (Texas). Blessed Trinity (Ga.) picked up a key win to stake the final spot in the top 10.

The Midwest Region rankings have a new look after Upper Arlington (Ohio) and Loyola Academy (Ill.). A trio of teams moved up after New Trier (Ill.) fell out of the rankings after another loss courtesy of Benet Academy (Ill.). Hinsdale Central (Ill.) also made its case and picked up a spot after a solid win. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (Minn.) is one of the final teams in the country to get started, but they looked good in their opener.

The West Region still has Colorado Academy (Colo.) ruling the roost, but what a week it was for St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.). Knocking off two previously unbeaten teams in the same week jumped them to the No. 2 spot to lead a California crew. At the back of the top 10, the Colorado teams of ThunderRidge, Valor Christian and Kent Denver played musical chairs.

NORTHEAST

1. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 6-0

Tess Calabria had five goals and one assist, Molly Hines had two goals and two draw controls, Jena Binkis had one goal and three draw controls, Meg Kenny had five draw controls and Lexi Zenk made 12 saves in a 10-7 win over New Canaan (Conn.). Previous: 1

2. New Canaan (Conn.), 3-1

Devon Russell had two goals and five draw controls, Lexie Tully had two goals and two draw controls, Isabel Janiga had two goals and Ceci Patterson made 10 saves in a three-goal loss at St. Anthony’s. Previous: 2

3. Darien (Conn.), 3-1

The Blue Wave’s 25-game winning streak was snapped Saturday with a 5-4 loss to McDonogh (Md.). Kelly Holmes, Sadie Stafford, Anna Von Kennel and Lily Davenport scored one goal apiece and Hope Schoudel made 15 saves in the defeat. Previous: 3

4. Garden City (N.Y.), 6-0

Kyle Finnell scored four goals, Grace Brantuk had two goals and one assist and Averie Smith had one goal and two assists for Garden City (N.Y.) in a 12-4 win over Long Beach (N.Y.). A trip to rival Manhasset (N.Y.) for the Wood Stick Classic is coming up April 20. Previous: 4

5. Wilton (Conn.), 5-0

Addie Pattillo had four goals and four draw controls, Rose Bilella had two goals, Anie Savarese, Paige Leung and Georgia Polito scored one goal apiece, Ashleigh Masterson had four draw controls and Jane Hughes made six saves in a 9-6 win over Greenwich (Conn.). Previous: 5

6. Hotchkiss School (Conn.), 5-0

Hotchkiss (Conn.) followed up a 20-9 win over Choate (Conn.) with an 11-1 win at Canterbury (Conn.). Loomis Chaffee (Conn.) is coming up next on April 20. Previous: 6

7. Noble & Greenough (Mass.), 5-1

Tori Balser had three goals, two assists and two draw controls, Sophia Lee had one goal and three assists, Maddie MacDonald had two goals, two assists and two draw controls and Hadley Laughlin added two goals and three draw controls in an 18-2 win at Middlesex (Mass.). Previous: 7

8. Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.), 6-1

The Tigers had a hugely successful business trip to the nation’s capital, first beating Stone Ridge (Md.), 14-12, followed by a 13-12 overtime win at Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). In the 2-0 trip, Payton Sfreddo had seven goals and one assist, Kaitlin Robinson had six goals and an assist, Charley Bacigalupo had eight goals and three assists and Maggie Bacigalupo had five goals. Previous: 9

9. Nyack (N.Y.), 7-0

Kate Gould (Yale) had five goals and one assist, Ella Gould had four goals and one assist, Kayleigh Cassidy had three goals and one assist and Abby Gould had two goals and one assist in a 14-4 win over John Jay-Cross River (N.Y.) at Nyack’s One Love Tournament against domestic violence. Previous: NR

10. Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.), 5-0

Elizabeth Smith had five goals and five draw controls, Marissa Doty (Pace) scored three goals, Sophia Nesci (Liberty) had two goals and four assists, Mackenzie Prentice (LeMoyne) had one goal and one assist and Gabby Putman (Marquette) had two goals and nine draw controls in a 15-4 win over West Genesee (N.Y.). Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

1. Episcopal (Pa.), 13-0

The Churchwomen opened their week with a 16-1 win over Germantown Academy (Pa.). Episcopal led 9-0 at halftime. Quinn Whitaker had four goals and three assists along with three draw controls. Maura Irish had a hat trick and two assists and three draw controls too. Kate Dente and Sofia Gagliardi also finished with hat tricks, and Teagan Cook supplied three assists. Episcopal defeated Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) 15-4. Whitaker and Cook scored four goals apiece, and Dente and Gagliardi had a pair of scores each. Previous: 1

2. McDonogh (Md.), 8-1

McDonogh closed a big week with a 5-4 win over Darien (Conn.) to end their 25-game winning streak. Lela Green scored twice in the win, including the game-winner with 2:16 left, and Kate Levy came up big for possession with five draw controls and four caused turnovers. The Eagles won 10 of 13 draws in the game. The Eagles scored a 12-7 win over Archbishop Spalding (Md.) in their first game of the week. Levy scored four times and added an assist while Sophia Trahan and Remi Schaller each had two goals apiece. McDonogh jumped out to a 12-4 lead. The Eagles soared by Mount de Sales (Md.) 16-6 behind three goals and nine draws from Levy and a hat trick from Ayiana Rippon. Trahan, Schaller, Green and Reed Pinkin all had two goals apiece. Previous: 2

3. Good Counsel (Md.), 14-0

The Falcons overwhelmed their three opponents of the week. They pinned a 20-4 loss on Westminster (Md.) and then blew by Holy Cross (Md.), 21-2, before jetting by Paul VI (Va.) 18-5 to cap the week. Stone Ridge (Md.) is the only opponent among their last 10 to reach double figures in goals. Good Counsel has outscored foes 228-80 this season. Previous: 3

4. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), 13-1

The Saints had no problems with Collegiate (Va.) in a 16-10 win or with Trinity Episcopal (Va.) in a 15-3 victory. Against Collegiate, Martha Oakey scored six goals, had two assists and won eight draw controls. Lee Kestner posted a hat trick and nine draw controls. Mia Maurer had a hat trick and an assist and Stuart King scored twice and assisted twice. Oakey scored a goal and delivered four assists. St. Anne’s pulled away from Bishop Ireton (Va.) over the second half for a 12-6 win. After a game against St. Gertrude (Va.), they will host Georgetown Visitation (D.C.) on April 18. Previous: 4

5. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 6-2

The Cavaliers dropped a 12-7 game to McDonogh to start their week. Spalding fell behind early but rallied late to make it a three-goal game before falling. Sam Collins, Gabby Greene and Maddie Wrenn all scored two goals each. Ella Davis stopped 12 shots in goal. No score was reported for their game at Roland Park. Spalding faces another challenge with St. Paul’s on April 15 then Garrison Forest (Md.) and Severna Park (Md.) to finish the week. Previous: 7

6. Stone Ridge (Md.), 8-3

The Gators defeated St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) 10-7 on April 9 but then lost a tight 16-14 contest to Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.) on April 12. Stone Ridge has a trio of games this week against Holton-Arms (Md.), Holy Child (Md.) and Bryn Mawr (Md.). Previous: 5

7. Maryvale (Md.), 10-1

The Lions picked up a huge 9-7 win over St. Paul’s (Md.) on April 9. Maryvale led 7-5 at halftime and held off St. Paul’s. Lainey Minderlein scored three goals, Emma Mohn had two goals, and Ryan Kinkead and Avery Weetenkamp had two points apiece. Tessa DeLuca made 10 saves. They also beat Bryn Mawr (Md.) 14-11 on April 12 to run their win streak to eight. Maryvale faces McDonogh on April 16 and Glenelg Country (Md.) on April 17. Previous: 9

8. Summit (N.J.), 4-1

Molly Davies scored four goals and Anya Wardle assisted two goals in a 10-6 win over a strong Chatham (N.J.) squad. Elizabeth Walsh saved four shots. Wardle had a goal and eight assists I a 14-9 win over Lawrenceville on April 13. Summit will take on Mendham (N.J.) and Ridgewood (N.J.) this week. Previous: 10

9. St. Paul's (Md.), 8-4

The Gators lost in double overtime to John Carroll (Md.) for their third straight loss. They lost earlier in the week to Maryvale (Md.) 9-7 on April 9, their second straight 9-7 loss of the season after falling by the same score to Darien (Conn.) the weekend before it. They host Archbishop Spalding (Md.) on April 15 in a huge IAAM game, and play at St. Mary’s Annapolis (Md.) on April 17. Previous: 6

10. Manchester Valley (Md.), 7-0

The Mavericks earned their 26th straight win with a 19-4 drubbing of Westminster (Md.) on April 11. Manchester Valley defeated South Carroll (Md.) 16-3 earlier in the week. The reigning 2A state champions got six goals from Clemson commit Emma Penczek. The Mavericks look to add to their winning streak against Century (Md.), Francis Scott Key (Md.) and Mount Hebron (Md.). Previous: NR

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 16-1

The Stallions opened the postseason by overpowering Cardinal Newman (Fla.) 20-3. American Heritage-Delray will face St. Andrew’s (Fla.) for a district championship April 16. Previous: 1

2. Plant (Fla.), 17-0

Fourteen different Panthers scored in Plant’s playoff-opening shutout over Largo (Fla.). Olivia Gray had a team-leading five assists. Plant’s defense was stifling by not allowing a single shot on goal. Plant faces Palm Harbor University (Fla.) for a district title. Previous: 2

3. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 11-4

The Crusaders now have a seven-game winning streak after posting dominating wins over Sanderson (N.C.), Leesville Road (N.C.) and Charlotte Catholic (N.C.), outsourcing opponents 54-10 for the week. Cardinal Gibbons had numerous players who had big weeks on the scoresheet, including 14 points from junior Hayden Miller and 13 points from senior Charlotte Jackson. Previous: 3

4. Milton (Ga.), 13-4

The Eagles got back in the winning column after losing two in a row in the Mid-Atlantic. Milton blanked Forsyth Central (Ga.) 19-0. The Eagles then bounced back from a fourth-quarter deficit to top Cambridge (Ga.) with the help of sophomore Kylie Waters. She came off the bench and scored three goals during the Eagles’ fourth-quarter comeback. Milton closes the regular season versus North Gwinnett (Ga.) who came off the bench to score three goals. Previous: 5

5. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 12-5

The Bears had a bye week following the regular season. Bartram Trail next faces Tocoi Creek (Fla.) in the district semifinals. Previous: 6

6. Hockaday (Texas), 12-4

The Daisies picked up arguably their biggest win of the year, defeating Anderson (Texas) 17-12 after overcoming a halftime deficit. Hockaday then tacked on a 20-7 victory over St. Andrew’s (Texas) and a 20-4 toppling of St. Edward’s (Texas) to close out the regular season. Previous: 9

7. Anderson (Texas), 9-2

Despite a four-goal effort from Harper Jones, Anderson fell to Hockaday 17-12 after taking a halftime lead. Jones, along with Audrey Thompson, both had five-goal efforts in Anderson’s 19-3 drubbing of Vandegrift (Texas). Previous: 4

8. IMG Academy (Fla.), 12-3

The Ascenders are in the midst of a 20-day break from action. IMG Academy returns to action April 26 to face Episcopal Academy (Pa.) as part of a six-game swing to the northeast to close out the year. Previous: 7

9. Bishop England (S.C.), 15-0

The Battling Bishops are a game away from yet another perfect regular season, but have Academic Magnet (S.C.) standing in their way. Last week, Bishop England picked up a 19-1 victory over Socastee (S.C.) and a 20-2 win against Porter Gaud (S.C.). Senior Henley Bredemann had back-to-back eight-point games. Bo Rosato had a nine-goal game against Socastee before notching a hat trick against Porter Gaud. Previous: 10

10. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 12-1

After a February loss to Cambridge (Ga.), the Titans have won six in a row after a 15-3 win over North Paulding (Ga.) and an 18-10 win over Fellowship Christian (Ga.). Blessed Trinity’s regular season concludes with a date against Chattahoochee (Ga.). Previous: 8

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

1. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 7-0

The Golden Bears stayed perfect through a couple of tough tests, edging local rival Dublin Coffman (Ohio) 12-8 as well as Kentucky Country Day (Ky.) 8-6, the top-ranked team in the Bluegrass State. In the latter, Lilly Boyle broke a 6-6 tie in the fourth quarter with a pair of free-position goals. Fellow senior Ava Stummer stepped up with five goals earlier in the week against the Shamrocks. Previous: 1

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 8-3

After intensive trips to take on top competition in Ohio and Washington D.C., the Ramblers rolled against a pair of in-state opponents in their return to Chicagoland. After topping St. Ignatius and Lincoln-Way Central by a combined margin of 35-5, it gets much tougher for Loyola as rival New Trier (Ill.) looms April 17. Previous: 2

3. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 6-2

The Patriots picked up a pair of double-digit victories this past week, most impressively against Jackson (Ohio), which has been among Ohio’s top teams in recent years. Senior Isabelle Pohmer led the way in their 17-7 win over the Polar Bears with a whopping nine goals (and an assist) while junior Corinna Hilmas added five goals and senior Brenna Hefferman tallied five assists. Previous: 4

4. New Albany (Ohio), 7-0

Topping two undefeated teams (Pickerington Central and Sycamore) in the same week is never a bad thing. Topping both by double digits is even more impressive. Seniors Ellie McClelland (17 goals, 11 assists, 23 draw controls, 14 groundballs, 7 caused turnovers in three games this week) and Maddy Paz (16 goals, 18 draw controls, 13 ground balls, 9 caused turnovers) were simply outstanding. Previous: 5

5. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 15-1

There was no shame in the Bearcats’ first loss as they gave the top-ranked team in the Midwest, Upper Arlington, a heck of a battle. Indeed, the teams were tied at six in the fourth quarter before the Golden Bears scored the final two goals. Earlier in the week, KCD crushed in-state foe North Oldham, 19-1, behind monster games from Ellie Beam (3 goals, 3 assists), Dylan Yonover (4 goals, 2 assists), Ceci Flowers (3 goals, 2 assists), Leighton Spears (2 goals, 4 assists) and Christine Martin (3 goals, 1 assist). Previous: 6

6. Benet Academy (Ill.), 8-1

The Redwings served notice with an overtime victory over Land of Lincoln power New Trier, with Shannon Earley notching the game-winning goal. Gigi Kurelko (30 goals entering their game against the Trevians) and Earley (27 goals) have been huge all season for the Redwings, whose lone loss came by four goals at Loyola Academy, always one of the region’s top teams. Previous: NR

7. Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.), 1-0

The Red Knights’ opener was a smashing success, as Julia Evens scored 10 points in their 19-7 victory over Woodbury (Minn.). In addition to Evens’ six goals and four assists, Charlize Vang (3 goals, 3 assists), Maddie Kaitsas (3 goals) and Maggie Graczyk (1 goal, 3 assists) had huge performances for BSM. The Red Knights next face Orono (Minn.) and The Blake School (Minn.), both of which are coming off strong opening wins. Previous: 9

8. Lake Forest (Ill.), 7-0

The Scouts steamrolled their way to a perfect week, topping in-state foes Huntley, Mundelein and Hersey, all by nine-plus goals. Lake Forest’s week included Maeve Farrell’s whopping eight-goal performance against the Red Raiders and Megan Rocklein’s seven points (four goals and three assists) against the Mustangs. Previous: 10

9. Hinsdale Central (Ill.), 7-1

Don’t look now but the Red Devils have won six straight since dropping a tight opener at Lake Forest. Most recently, Hinsdale Central triumphed in its April 13 showdown against one of the Hoosier State’s top teams, Carmel (Ind.). Previous: NR

T10. Carmel (Ind.), 10-1

After edging in-state rival Bishop Chatard on the road, 14-13, the Greyhounds split a pair of games against strong Land of Lincoln competition, falling by a goal to Hinsdale Central and topping Oak Park-River Forest by a sizable margin. Sophie Mock (6 goals, 2 assists) and Breckin Hare (2 goals, 5 assists) had big performances in the latter while Brookelyn Jenkins had 10 saves against the Red Devils. Previous: 7

T10. Guerin Catholic (Ind.), 9-1

Further clarity in the Hoosier State will come May 2 when the Golden Eagles and Greyhounds meet. Moreover, Guerin Catholic has big games looming against the best of Illinois (Loyola Academy on April 20) and Ohio (Upper Arlington on May 4). But first the Golden Eagles return from a long break with a trip to Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.) April 18. Previous: 8

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 9-0

Colorado Academy stays perfect after defeating two league opponents, picking up a 22-3 win over Columbine and shutting out Dakota Ridge 18-0. They continue conference play against Ralston Valley (Colo.) and No. 10 Kent Denver (Colo.). Previous: 1

2. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 10-4

The Wildcats upset two top 10 undefeated opponents last week, knocking off previously-ranked No. 3 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 9-8 in overtime, led by sophomore attack Sophie Ghosh with a hat trick and clinched by junior middie Millie Bartlett (Penn). St. Ignatius upset previously-ranked No. 2 San Ramon Valley (Calif.) 14-10, giving the Gators their first loss in 36 games. Up next is Saint Francis (Calif.) and Archbishop Mitty (Calif.). Previous: 5

3. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 12-1

San Ramon Valley defeated league opponents Carondelet (Calif.) and Amador Valley (Calif.) before falling 14-10 to previously-ranked No. 5 St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) – the Wolves’ first loss in 36 games. A pair of conference games up next against Dublin (Calif.) and Granada (Calif.). Previous: 2

4. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 12-1

The Gators picked up two wins against Saint Francis (Calif.) and University (Calif.) but fell 9-8 to previously-ranked No. 5 St. Ignatius in a nail-biting overtime. On deck are two more league matches against Menlo School (Calif.) and Menlo-Atherton (Calaif.) before they go head-to-head with No. 3 San Ramon Valley (Calif.). Previous: 3

5. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 11-2

Oak Ridge added two more conference wins, defeating Folsom (Calif.) 19-6 and edging Granite Bay (Calif.) 12-11. Del Oro (Calif.) and Whitney (Calif.), both league opponents, up next. Previous: 4

6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 11-2

The Knights are 3-0 in league play after defeating Yorba Linda (Calif.) 20-4, with the goals spread across 13 players. Sophomore Kayla Agarie tore up the midfield, notching two goals, three assists, four ground balls and six draw controls. Foothill then fell 6-4 to San Clemente (Calif.). They take on Esperanza (Calif.) next. Previous: 6

7. Fairview (Colo.), 6-1

Fairview went perfect last week, picking up three in-state victories against Evergreen, Grandview and Arapahoe. They face league opponents Poudre School District (Colo.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.) this week. Previous: 7

8. ThunderRidge (Colo.), 7-1

It was another undefeated week for ThunderRidge who took down Cherry Creek (Colo.) and Castle View (Colo.) then upset previously-ranked No. 8 Valor Christian (Colo.). On deck is a pair of league matches against Rock Canyon (Colo.) and Chaparral (Colo.). Previous: 9

9. Valor Christian (Colo.), 5-4

The Eagles defeated two conference opponents, No. 10 Kent Denver (Colo.), 19-13, and Chatfield (Colo.), 17-4, and were edged, 12-11, by previously-ranked No. 9 ThunderRidge. Up next is Dakota Ridge (Colo.). Previous: 8

10. Kent Denver (Colo.), 5-3

The Sun Devils fell short, 19-13, to previously-ranked No. 8 Valor Christian. Senior attack Bricín Mahoney (Northwestern) netted six goals and totaled five draw controls. They continue league play against Chatfield (Colo.) and No. 1 Colorado Academy (Colo.). Previous: 10

— Theresa Palmquist