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Conestoga girls' lacrosse

New Midwest No. 1 Highlights Changes to High School Girls' Regional Top 10 Rankings

May 2, 2023
USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Kathy Meaney

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 Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ Regional Top 10 updates through games played April 30.

Garden City (N.Y.) rides a pair of big wins into the Northeast Region Top 10. Otherwise, the positions look similar. No. 3 Wilton (Conn.) is the next big power to take a shot at unbeaten No. 1 Darien. And New Canaan (Conn.) can’t afford to wallow in its loss to the Blue Wave with another week of tough challenges ahead. Sacred Heart (Conn.) takes on Greenwich Academy (Conn.) and North Shore (N.Y.) faces Wantagh (N.Y.) in other games this week with ranking implications.

The Mid-Atlantic Region enjoyed a rare week without a change in the Top 10 because the rankings all followed suit without a single upset. Instead, it was the top three of McDonogh (Md.), St. Paul’s (Md.) and Maryvale (Md.) in the IAAM A Conference further securing their spots with perfect weeks followed by Glenelg Country (Md.) and Archbishop Spalding (Md.). The leading Pennsylvania teams were hardly challenged while Summit continued its mastery in New Jersey.

The South Region saw the same four teams occupy the top four spots led by regional repeat champion American Heritage-Delray (Fla.). Milton (Ga.), Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) and Hockaday (Texas) are gearing up for title runs as well. Plant (Fla.) moved into the rankings after it flipped the script on Steinbrenner (Fla.) in their regional title matchup. Bartram Trail (Fla.) made a little jump with its regional championship plus a rare loss by Anderson (Texas).

Loyola Academy (Ill.) takes over the No. 1 spot in the Midwest Region after wins over three of the highest ranked teams in Illinois. Rockford (Mich.) knocked Forest Hills Central (Mich.) from the rankings and played itself in. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.) also joins the Top 10 after adding to its winning streak. Several big matchups make more movement feel inevitable this week.

Colorado Academy (Colo.) will look to join San Ramon Valley (Calif.) with unbeaten regular seasons this week as the pacesetters for the West Region. Colorado responded to one of its toughest challenges of the season with a win over Valor Christian (Colo.). Much of the West is gearing up for playoffs as they try to uphold their high seeds – and their rankings. Tamalpais (Calif.) moves into the rankings with only a pair of losses to Top-5 teams this season, but playoffs could shake up rankings next week.

Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Rankings
National Boys' Top 25 | National Girls' Top 25
Northeast Boys' Top 10 | Northeast Girls' Top 10
Mid-Atlantic Boys' Top 10 | Mid-Atlantic Girls' Top 10
South Boys' Top 10
| South Girls' Top 10
Midwest Boys' Top 10
| Midwest Girls' Top 10
West Boys' Top 10
| West Girls' Top 10

NORTHEAST TOP 10

1. Darien (Conn.), 11-0

Another high-profile game against a nationally-ranked opponent, another big win for the Blue Wave. Darien (Conn.) remained undefeated by beating rival New Canaan (Conn.) 11-6 at Dunning Field Wednesday. Chloe Humphrey was again at the heart of the victory with six goals and Hope Schoudel made 10 saves. Darien has a 5-3 advantage in the meetings with New Canaan over the last three years. Previous: 1

2. New Canaan (Conn.), 7-1

Maddie Tully scored three goals, Lexie Tully scored twice and Ceci Patterson made 11 saves in an 11-6 loss to Darien (Conn.) in a rematch of last year’s FCIAC and CIAC Class L championship games, both won by New Canaan (Conn.). The Rams will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they face Bronxville (N.Y.), Staples (Conn.) and St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) this week. Previous: 2

3. Wilton (Conn.), 10-0

Molly Snow was a big part of a big win over Ridgefield (Conn.) Thursday at Kristine Lilly Field, racking up 10 points on four goals and seven assists, Ashleigh Masterson had nine draw controls to go along with three goals, Bel DiNanno had six draw controls, as well as four goals, and Addison Pattillo had four draw controls and three goals and Lucy Corry added three goals in the 21-6 victory. The Warriors head to No. 1 Darien (Conn.) on May 4 before hosting Cheshire (Conn.) on May 6. Previous: 4

4. Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.), 11-0

Ava Meyn had three goals and two assists, Aubrie Eisfeld netted a hat trick, Julia Fusco had two goals and one assist, Mikaela Mooney had a pair of assists and Shannon Alden and Felicia Giglio combined for six saves in a 12-0 win over East Islip (N.Y.). The Phantoms will take on Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.), Harborfields (N.Y.) and West Islip (N.Y.) in a busy week. Previous: 5

5. Ward Melville (N.Y.), 7-2

The Patriots earned a measure of revenge from last year’s Suffolk Class A final, beating Northport (N.Y.), 12-7. That was followed by a 17-12 victory at Huntington (N.Y.) as Ward Melville (N.Y.) ends the week as the favorite to win a county title this year. Next up for the Patriots is a trip to Half Hollow Hills (N.Y.) and a home game against Bay Shore (N.Y.). Previous: 6

6. Northport (N.Y.), 10-1

The Tigers bounced back from that loss to Ward Melville (N.Y.) to defeat Sachem East (N.Y.) Saturday as part of the 21st annual Louis J. Acompora Memorial Lacrosse Jamboree. Grace McCarthy had two goals and three assists and Kennedy Radziul added three goals for Northport (N.Y.), who play at Walt Whitman (N.Y.) and host Commack (N.Y.) this week. Previous: 3

7. Sacred Heart (Conn.), 10-1

Charly Bacigalupo had three goals and two assists, Wowie Walker had three goals, Kelly Haggerty had two goals, MacKenzie Coleman had a pair of assists and Laura O’Connor made nine saves in a 12-7 win over Greenwich Academy (Conn.). Westhampton (N.Y.) comes to Sheehan Field May 6. Previous: 8

8. North Shore (N.Y.), 11-1

North Shore (N.Y.) made it five straight wins, following up an 8-4 victory over Manhasset (N.Y.) with an 8-6 triumph over Massapequa. Kylee Colbert had four goals, Ava Bartoli had two goals and two assists and Maya Best had a pair of assists for the Vikings. A showdown at Wantagh (N.Y.), along with a home game against Syosset (N.Y.) and a game at South Side (N.Y.) come this week. Previous: 9

9. Rush-Henrietta (N.Y.), 9-0

Avery Roberts had four goals and two assists, Catrina Rowe had two goals and one assist and Danielle Garrett had a pair of goals in a 12-7 win over Thomas on Saturday. Rush-Henrietta (N.Y.) takes on Mercy (N.Y.), Canandaigua (N.Y.) and Ithaca (N.Y.) this week. Previous: 10

10. Garden City (N.Y.), 8-3

After back-to-back losses to Darien (Conn.) and North Shore (N.Y.), Garden City (N.Y.) has reeled off five straight wins, which included knocking off Wantagh (N.Y.) and Massapequa (N.Y.), as well as South Side (N.Y.), 9-8. In that one, Maureen Arendt scored the overtime winner, her fourth goal of the game. Previous: NR

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC TOP 10

1. McDonogh (Md.), 16-1

The Eagles stopped Gerstell Academy (Md.) 19-5 and jumped on John Carroll (Md.) in a 13-4 win. McDonogh sits unbeaten atop the IAAM A Conference with one remaining regular season game. Each of its last eight games have been decided by at least four goals. McDonogh has nearly a 100-goal advantage on its opponents this year, 230-123. The Eagles were scheduled to play Mount de Sales (Md.) on May 1 to seal the top seed for playoffs. Previous: 1

2. St. Paul’s (Md.), 15-2

In a rematch of last year’s IAAM A Conference championship, the Gators again defeated Glenelg Country (Md.), this time by a 16-8 count that established their strong ranking. They also topped Mercy (Md.) 11-7 to remain in second in the conference with just a game against John Carroll (Md.) left in the regular season May 1. St. Paul’s is the two-time defending conference champion. Previous: 2

3. Maryvale (Md.), 14-2

The Lions further cemented their spot with an 11-10 win over fifth-place Archbishop Spalding (Md.) to start their final full week of the regular season. Maryvale has won eight straight games in the IAAM, second only to McDonogh. They face Bryn Mawr in their final regular-season game before they turn their focus to the playoffs. Previous: 5

4. Glenelg Country (Md.), 12-3

After falling to St. Paul’s 16-8, the Dragons were able to rebound with a lopsided win over St. Mary’s (Md.). Glenelg Country built a 12-2 halftime lead on its way to an 18-2 win. Blair Byrne scored seven goals, Regan Byrne and Nichelle Desbordes each had hat tricks and Sophia Rakis scored twice. Brooke Temple, Ashley Dyer and Lilly Fortin each contributed a pair of assists. Natalie Eastwood made 13 saves. The Dragons were to close the regular season at Severn on May 1. Previous: 3

5. Archbishop Carroll (Pa.), 11-1

The Patriots ran by a pair of opponents. They held down Archbishop Ryan (Pa.) in a 16-3 win, then turned around to knock off Cardinal O’Hara (Pa.) 20-5. A busy four-game week will have its biggest challenge at the end of it from Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) on May 6. Carroll has been able to count on its defense, which has only allowed 50 goals in 12 games. Previous: 6

6. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 11-4

The Cavaliers have not lost back-to-back games this year. That trend continued as after falling to Maryvale 11-10 in a heartbreaker, they recovered to hand Mount de Sales (Md) a 17-10 defeat. Spalding is lined up to be the No. 5 seed for the IAAM A playoffs which will give them a chance to avenge their defeats. Previous: 7

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

The Hilltoppers won a pair of games by a combined score of 29-10. They got five goals from Kate Riley and three assists from Lily Spinner in a 14-3 win over Kent Place (N.J.) to start the week. Spinner had five goals and three assists and Anya Wardle dished out six assists in a 15-7 win over Glen Ridge (N.J.). Summit led only 6-5 at halftime before pulling away with a 9-2 advantage in the second half. Previous: 7

8. Owen J. Roberts (Pa.), 16-1

The Wildcats enjoyed Senior Night with an 18-3 win over Methacton (Pa.). Gabbi Koury scored six goals, found teammates for two assists, picked up 12 ground balls and won seven draw controls. Alexa Vogelman scored five times, had an assist, four draw controls and five ground balls. Owen J. Roberts also beat Spring-Ford (Pa.) 22-2 and rolled over Pottsgrove (Pa.) 14-2. They have won seven games in a row. Previous: 8

9. Conestoga (Pa.), 13-1

Conestoga held a 34-3 scoring advantage in a perfect week. They beat Upper Darby (Pa.) 17-0, then trounced Lower Merion (Pa.) 17-3. Ellie Wisch and Keating Hopkins both recorded hat tricks in the latter win. Carolyn Jones and Kate Galica both fired in a pair of goals. Piper Kienzle dished out three assists. Things get more challenging with Springfield Delco (Pa.) on May 2. Previous: 9

10. Episcopal (Pa.), 12-3

In their only game of the week, Episcopal took a commanding 17-2 decision over Notre Dame (Pa.). Syd Richter had 12 draw controls to surpass 200 for her career, and Lex Ventresca scored seven goals and had six assists. Quinn Whitaker scored twice and won four draw controls. Maura Irish scored twice and Grace Holland made three saves. A dangerous Penn Charter (Pa.) team hosts the Churchwomen on May 2. Previous: 10

— Justin Feil

SOUTH TOP 10

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 20-1

The Stallions easily defended their regional title with a 15-2 win over Benjamin (Fla.). American Heritage-Delray won the regional semifinal 12-2 over American Heritage-Plantation (Fla.). Junior Brooke Goldstein had four goals in the title game and two tallies in the semifinal. For the week, goalie Brianna Valdivieso made 19 saves on 23 shots. Previous: 1

2. Milton (Ga.), 18-2

The Eagles had an off week to prepare for their playoff opener against Cherokee (Ga.) on Wednesday. Previous: 2

3. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 16-2

The Crusaders modeled perfect consistency last week, winning a trio of contests by a scoreline of 19-1. The wins came against Sanderson (N.C.), Athens Drive (N.C.) and Leesville Road (N.C.). Charlotte Jackson leads Cardinal Gibbons with 47 goals. Previous: 3

4. Hockaday (Texas), 17-0

The Daisies won a Southwest Preparatory Conference title by defeating Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas) 17-5. Next comes the state playoffs. Previous: 4

5. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 18-2

The Titans had a dominating week, which started by downing Midtown (Ga.) 17-3. Clark Hamilton had a team-leading four goals. Blessed Trinity closed the week by blanking Greenbrier (Ga.), 20-0. Previous: 6

6. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 19-3

The Warriors are still gunning for a state title as their championship hopes survived a close 12-10 win over Bishop Moore (Fla.) in the regional semifinal. Junior Nina Menozzi had a team-leading four goals. Lake Highland then picked up a regional title by toppling Edgewood (Fla.) 18-2. Junior Alexandra Leary had a game-high four tallies. Previous: 8

7. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 17-4

Senior Adri Ferrara put on a show last week. In the Bears’ 19-6 win over Lake Brantley (Fla.), she provided a 10-goal effort. In last week’s regional championship, she added five goals in Bartram Trail’s 17-6 win over Lake Mary (Fla.). Ryann Frechette had eight goals in the regional championship. Junior goalie Maddie Stevens made 16 saves and two interceptions in the title game. Previous: 10

8. Plant (Fla.), 18-3

Two years after Steinbrenner (Fla.) ended Plant’s 2021 season, the Panthers returned the favor in last week’s regional title game. Plant defeated Steinbrenner (Fla.) 6-5 after overcoming a late one-goal deficit. Sophomore McKenzey Craig scored a pair of goals. Plant advanced to the finals after defeating Gulf Coast (Fla.) 15-10. Sophomore Ashlyn Bell had a team-leading five goals. Previous: NR

9. Steinbrenner (Fla.), 14-3

The Stallions season came to an end in the regional final after losing to Plant (Fla.) 6-5. Taylor Lapointe had two goals in a losing effort. Steinbrenner earned a berth in the regional title game after defeating Manatee (Fla.) 17-5. Senior Natalie Jones had a team-leading five goals. Previous: 5

10. Anderson (Texas), 12-1

The Trojans lost for the first time as a Division I school in Texas, losing to St. Michael’s Academy 9-8 in a back-and-forth affair. Annie Small and Fiona Tanis each had a team-leading four points in the regular season finale. It was the first loss for the team since it was a Division II program in 2021. Previous: 7

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST TOP 10

1. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 14-4

The Ramblers had a remarkable six-day stretch, topping three of the region’s best in Hinsdale Central (Ill.), New Trier (Ill.) and New Albany (Ohio). The week’s highlights included three Loyola players recording hat tricks against New Albany in senior Riley Jenkins, sophomore Keira Cushing and freshman Mia Chupaila as well as Eileen Dooley posting a hat trick in an 11-9 win over New Trier and scoring two goals in a 9-6 win over Hinsdale Central. Previous: 2

2. New Albany (Ohio), 9-3

While the Eagles fell by a double-digit margin to the Ramblers, they’ve also posted two of the more impressive wins in the Midwest in the past couple of weeks, topping Upper Arlington (Ohio) on April 20 and New Trier (Ill.) on April 29. Maddy Paz was particularly impressive in the Eagles’ victory over the Trevians. Previous: 3

3. New Trier (Ill.), 10-4

There’s no shame in losing to two of the Midwest’s top teams (Loyola Academy and New Albany) by two goals apiece. Indeed, New Trier’s four losses all came against top competition by a combined six goals. The Trevians have several spotlight games ahead with a trip to Hinsdale Central on May 2 and a chance to host one of Ohio’s best in Upper Arlington on May 5. Previous: 1

4. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 12-1

The Golden Bears made it four straight wins with a 15-7 victory over Jackson (Ohio) that saw Lilly Boyle explode for six goals and four ground balls and fellow junior Mary Kate Basil tally two goals and three assists. Kampbell Stone added five ground balls against Jackson and four goals in Upper Arlington’s prior win against Hilliard Bradley (Ohio). This weekend, the Golden Bears head to Chicagoland for big-time clashes with New Trier and Loyola Academy. Previous: 4

5. University School of Milwaukee (Wisc.), 6-0

The Wildcats were dominant in their lone game of the week, topping Homestead (Wisc.) 22-2. That included an insane 10-point performance from freshman Darcy Doyle (5 goals, 5 assists) with sophomore Mia Darr also notching five goals (and three assists) and senior Abby Sisson tallying three goals and three assists. Previous: 6

6. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 13-2

Make it nine straight wins for the Patriots, though they had to fend off a tough challenge to their streak Monday. That’s when Liberty edged host Dublin Coffman (Ohio) in overtime, 12-11, with senior Makena Harrington (5 goals, 2 assists) and Isabelle Pohmer (3 goals, 1 assist) providing the bulk of the scoring. Previous: 9

7. Lakeville South (Minn.), 3-0

Three road tests. Three dominant performances. It’s been an incredible start for the 2022 state champion Cougars, who outscored Owatonna (Minn.), Eastview/Eagan (Minn.) and Chanhassen (Minn.) by a combined margin of 59-8. In Lakeville South’s latest win, a 16-3 victory over Chanhassen, Sivanna O’Brien already had a hat trick less than 12 minutes into the game. Previous: 10

8. Rockford (Mich.), 8-1

The Rams have won a number of tight games recently, with their current seven-game win streak including four victories by four goals or fewer. In Rockford’s most impressive win, over previously undefeated Forest Hills Central (Mich.), Issi Osborn had three goals and three assists with Maddie Pyle also recording a hat trick and six players finding the back of the net overall. Amazingly, Osborn totaled 26 goals and 40 draw controls over the Rams’ 5-0 week. Previous: NR

9. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 20-2

Since dropping a close contest to Benet Academy (Ill.), the Bearcats have won nine straight games, including a one-goal win over Sacred Heart Academy (Ky.) in a rematch of last year’s state title game and a 12-6 victory over Carmel, one of Indiana’s top teams. In that win over the Greyhounds, junior keeper Aspen Caudill saved the bulk of the shots she faced while sophomore Leighton Spears tallied four goals. Previous: NR

T10. Carmel (Ind.), 10-2

Before falling to Kentucky Country Day, the Greyhounds had a dominant win Thursday against Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.). Senior Tori Tomalia was particularly impressive with five goals, three assists and six draw controls while sophomore Sophie Mock tallied six goals. Tomalia also had two goals, three draw controls and four ground balls against the Bearcats. Previous: 8

T10. Benet Academy (Ill.), 12-4

The Redwings made it five straight wins, including a 10-7 victory over one of Wisconsin’s best (Arrowhead) Saturday. Their week was also highlighted by sophomore Gianna Kurelko’s second 11-point performance of the season as she tallied eight goals and three assists against St. Charles (Ill.). Benet Academy has an intriguing game against York (Ill.) on May 3. Previous: 7

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST TOP 10

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 12-0

Zoe Martin tallied four goals and one assist to lead the attack in a 12-9 win over Valor Christian (Colo.) on April 25, but the Mustangs also got five points from Skylar May (one goal, four assists) and a pair of hat tricks from Addy Westerberg and Alex May. Alexa Lang made six saves and allowed five goals in her 25 minutes in goal. Colorado has three games left in the regular season, which ends this week. Previous: 1

2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 20-0

The Wolves closed the regular season with a bang, beating St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) 13-4 on April 29 to cap a three-win week. Leslie Iorio scored four goals in another win last week as SRV beat Monte Vista Danvill (Calif.) 17-4. Brinley Myers had three goals and two assists in that game as well. The Wolves open the CIF North Coast tournament as the No. 1 seed and face No. 16 Rancho Cotate (Calif.) in the first round May 2. Previous: 2

3. Valor Christian (Colo.), 10-3

The Eagles gave Colorado Academy its toughest in-state challenge, coming within three goals of the Mustangs, who had beaten everyone else by four goals or more and mostly dominated opponents. Amanda Stevens led with four goals in the loss. Valor bounced back with a lopsided win over Ralston (Colo.) later in the week. Previous: 3

4. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 14-2

The Gators finished the regular season with three more wins last week, beating Carondelet (Calif.), Menlo (Calif.) and St. Francis Mountain View (Calif.), and they’ve won six straight games since a loss to San Ramon Valley on April 12. Sacred Heart was set to play Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) in a WBAL contest May 1. Previous: 4

5. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 15-3

After a 12-0 start, the Wildcats have now dropped three games in 15 days after the latest defeat to San Ramon Valley. St. Ignatius was trailing just 6-3 at halftime and fell 13-4. In all but one of their wins they held the opponent under 10 goals, but the three teams that beat them all scored 10 goals or more. Previous: 5

6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 15-2

The Knights went 2-0 last week, outscoring El Modena (Calif.) and El Dorado (Calif.) 37-4, and they now head into the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak. Adeline Healy powered the attack in a 19-4 win over El Dorado with four assists to go along with one goal, while Addison Duvel had a game-high four goals. Foothill is the top seed out of the Crestview League in the CIF Southern Section tournament and meets Mira Costa (Calif.) in the first round May 1. Previous: 6

7. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 19-1

The Trojans finished the regular season on a 13-game winning streak following a loss to San Ramon Valley in March. Last week, they added two wins, including a 17-0 shutout of Vista del Lago (Calif.). Oak Ridge is the No. 2 seed in the CIF North Coast Section tournament, set to meet No. 15-seeded Northgate on May 2. Previous: 8

8. Tamalpais (Calif.), 18-2    

The Hawks collected their third win over Marin Catholic (Calif.) this season on April 29, but it wasn’t easy in 16-15 victory. Their best games this season were victories against Redwood (Calif.) and St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.), and their two losses were against ranked St. Ignatius and San Ramon Valley, by a combined 12 goals. Previous: NR

9. Grant (Ore.), 13-0

Megan McDevitt scored six goals and added three assists to lead an explosive offense in a 21-8 win over Oregon Episcopal (Ore.) on April 26. Kate Ratanaproeksa also added six goals with one assist, and Erin McDevitt had five goals, three assists and eight ground balls. The Generals went 3-0 last week to remain undefeated. Previous: 10

9. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 11-3

The Bruins slipped up against Kent Denver (Colo.) on April 28, falling 13-10, but they remain in the rankings thanks to a strong record against other top teams in Colorado and two wins in California against La Costa Canyon, which knocked off former No. 7 Torrey Pines (Calif.), and La Jolla. Izzy Assini led the Cherry Creek attack against Kent with three goals, but the team struggled on draws and winning back possession on defense. Previous: 9

— Laurel Pfahler