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Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) girls' lacrosse.

Cardinal Gibbons Among Risers in High School Girls' Regional Top 10 Rankings

April 9, 2024
USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Cecil Copeland

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 7.

The Northeast Region is fully underway, and three new teams climbed into the top 10. Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.), Sacred Heart (Conn.) and Skaneateles (N.Y.) picked up key wins to move up and take the bottom three spots. Bayport-Blue Point’s second loss of the season drops the Phantoms out for now, and New Canaan (Conn.) and Darien (Conn.) lived up to their rankings with wins to star their years.

Good Counsel (Md.) made a big impact on the Mid-Atlantic Region with a sweep of St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) and Stone Ridge (Md.), both of which already had some huge wins under their belts. The top seven teams in the region all seem capable of beating anyone, and the head-to-heads in the regular season have given them chances to show their strengths.

The South Region has the same 10 teams ranked, with just one change. Unbeaten Plant (Fla.) slides up to No. 2, and streaking Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) moves up one spot to No. 3 after Anderson (Texas) suffered its first loss of the season. No. 5 Milton (Ga.) impressed even in a loss when it crossed into the Mid-Atlantic Region, and IMG Academy (Fla.) similarly hung tough with a top-10 Mid-Atlantic squad before falling.

For the second straight week, the Midwest Region rankings remain the same. Upper Arlington (Ohio) is No. 1 thanks to an unbeaten start. They reinforced that ranking by handling No. 3 New Trier (Ill.) decisively. New Trier and No. 2 Loyola Academy (Ill.) may not have the glowing records of some others below them, but that’s because of trips to face East Coast programs. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.) will put its unblemished record up against Upper Arlington in their biggest test yet.

Colorado Academy (Colo.) is atop the West Region with fellow unbeatens San Ramon Valley (Calif.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) also accruing wins rapidly. The first seven teams remain the same in the region. ThunderRidge (Colo.) moves back into the top 10 and they and Kent Denver (Colo.) will take their shots at No. 8 Valor Christian (Colo.) this week in top 10 action.

NORTHEAST

1. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 5-0

Tess Calabria (UNC) had five goals and two assists, Meg Kenny (Maryland) had three goals and eight draw controls, Jena Binkis (USF) had two goals and four draw controls, Molly Hiney (Johns Hopkins) had one goal and two assists and Lexi Zenk (UNC) made five saves in a 13-5 home win over Victor (N.Y.). Previous: 1

2. New Canaan (Conn.), 1-0

The Rams opened the season with a 9-6 victory over Westhampton (N.Y.). Devon Russell (Boston College) led the way with three goals and one assist. New Canaan (Conn.) has a huge showdown with St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) April 13 in South Huntington. Previous: 2

3. Darien (Conn.), 1-0

Sadie Stafford (Duke) had four goals, Annabell Adams (Virginia) had a pair of goals and Kelly Holmes (Yale), Katie Walsh (Colgate) and Lilly Davenport scored one goal apiece for Darien (Conn.)  in a season-opening 9-7 win over St. Paul’s (Md.). The Blue Wave play at McDonogh (Md.) April 13 in a battle of national powerhouses. Previous: 3

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

Maureen Arendt (Florida) had four goals and one assist, Kyle Finnell (Northwestern) scored a pair of goals and Tori Ottomanelli (Harvard) had two assists as Garden City (N.Y.) defeated Port Washington (N.Y.) 13-4. The Trojans have been stout defensively, allowing just 5.25 goals per game in four victories. Previous: 5

5. Wilton (Conn.), 3-0

Addie Pattillo (UNC) had seven goals, five assists and six draw controls, Ashleigh Masterson (California) had five goals, one assist and eight draw controls, Ally Phelan had three goals and one assist and Georgia Polito had one goal and two assists in a 21-4 win over Cheshire (Conn.). Previous: 6

6. Hotchkiss School (Conn.), 3-0

Hotchkiss (Conn.) improved to 3-0 on the season with a 16-2 victory over Millbrook School (N.Y.). Choate (Conn.), Canterbury (Conn.) and Loomis Chaffee (Conn.) are coming up this week. Previous: 7

7. Noble & Greenough (Mass.), 3-1

Maddie MacDonald (Duke) had four goals and four draw controls, Tori Balser (Harvard) had two goals, one assist, five draw controls and three ground balls and Hadley Laughlin (Notre Dame) added four draw controls in a 13-2 win over Andover (Mass.) after a 17-2 victory over Buckingham (Mass.). Previous: 9

8. Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.), 5-0

The Seahawks made it a sweep of Rochester teams, defeating Victor (N.Y.), 8-6, after beating Penfield (N.Y.) 11-7. Goalie Maya Soskin (Florida) played a starring role in both wins, with 17 combined saves. Ryan Reynolds (Maryland) had three goals and Amelia Bentley (Drexel) added two goals and one assist in the win over the Blue Devils. Previous: NR

9. Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.), 3-1

Payton Sfreddo (Virginia) had six goals and two assists, Georgia Lillis had two goals and one assist and Kaitlin Robinson (Duke) scored a pair of goals in an 11-8 victory over Oak Knoll (N.J.). Previous: NR

10. Skaneateles (N.Y.), 2-0

Grace Marquardt had two goals and three assists, Tatum Ryan scored three goals, Anasofia Cirincione (Albany) and Mara Stanton (Albany) had one goal and one assist apiece and Arianna Cirincione and Brooke Coffey combined to make 10 saves in a 10-9 win over Honeoye Falls-Lima (N.Y.). Previous: NR

— Dylan Butler

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MID-ATLANTIC

1. Episcopal (Pa.), 11-0

The Churchwomen added three more wins to their resume, taking a pair of public programs and a league team. Maura Irish had a hat trick and two assists and recorded her 100th career point in an 11-5 win over Manheim Township (Pa.). Kate Dente scored four goals in the win. Quinn Whitaker scored twice, had seven draw controls and two caused turnovers.  Episcopal jumped out to a 14-0 halftime lead on their way to an 18-3 win over Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.). Rish scored seven goals and Whitaker had six goals. Teagan Cook scored a pair of goals to go with a pair of assists. Sydney Richter had four draw controls. Episcopal finished off its week with a 10-4 win over Summit (N.J.). It was a tight 2-1 game after a quarter before the Churchwomen held a 7-0 second-quarter advantage. Previous: 1

2. McDonogh (Md.), 5-1

The Eagles picked up a 12-5 win over St. Mary’s Annapolis (Md.) in their lone game of the week. Sophia Trahan and Kate Levy each had a hat trick and an assist apiece. Amanda Lawson scored twice, and Reed Pinkin had a pair of goals and an assist. Remi Schaller scored one goal and assisted on another. McDonogh has a big week with Archbishop Spalding (Md.) and Darien (Conn.) surrounding a game against Mount de Sales (Md.). Previous: 2

3. Good Counsel (Md.), 11-0

The Falcons marched on unbeaten after four games last week. At St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes’ Spring Fling, they got by Stone Ridge (Md.) 15-12, then impressively dominated previously unbeaten St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) 18-6. They had opened the week with 25-0 and 20-0 wins over Bishop McNamara (Md.) and Elizabeth Seton (Md.) respectively. Good Counsel continues to show strong balance. They had eight scorers apiece in the wins over Stone Ridge and STAB. At the other end, Kiera Pieper Jr. highlighted the defense with eight saves against STAB. The Falcons have passed through the toughest part of their schedule. Previous: 6

4. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), 10-1

The Saints edged Archbishop Spalding (Md.) 10-9 on April 2, won another tight one, 6-5, over Potomac School (Va.) in their first game of the SSSA Spring Fling before falling to Good Counsel (Md.) 18-6 for their first loss of the year. They look to rebound with a trio of games against Collegiate (Va.), Trinity Episcopal (Va.) and Bishop Ireton (Va.). Previous: 3

5. Stone Ridge (Md.), 7-2

The Gators won two of their three games this week. They stopped St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) 9-7 and defeated Paul IV (Va.) 18-4. Good Counsel (Md.) picked up a 15-12 win over Stone Ridge, which mounted a late comeback attempt. The Gators play a dangerous SSSA team on April 9 and then host Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.) on April 12. Previous: 4

6. St. Paul's (Md.), 8-2

The Gators ripped through Notre Dame (Md.) 16-4, then held down Bryn Mawr (Md.) 8-4 before falling in a close game to Darien (Conn.) 9-7. It was only the second time this season that St. Paul’s has been held under 10 goals in a game. The Gators host Maryvale (Md.) on April 9 and play at John Carroll (Md.) to finish the week. Previous: 7

7. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 6-1

The Cavaliers still aren’t totally healthy, and narrowly fell to St. Anne’s-Belfield in a battle of unbeatens 10-9 on April 2. Gabby Greene had four goals and an assist, Ava Baselga supplied a pair of assists, and Ella Davis stopped eight shots. Spalding returning to winning with a 12-2 drubbing of Severn (Md.). Greene had another five points on a hat trick and two assists. Ellie Roberts, Maddie Wrenn and Ellie Downs all scored two goals apiece. Baselga had three assists, and Davis made five saves. Previous: 5

8. Georgetown Visitation (D.C.), 5-2

The Cubs picked up a pair of out-of-state wins over Sacred Heart (N.Y.) and Midwest Region No. 2 Loyola Academy (Ill.) and edged St. John’s College (D.C.) 10-9 in overtime on Quinn Murray’s third goal of the game. Madison Rassas fired in five goals and Quinn Murray and Kenzi Rassas recorded hat tricks in an 11-9 win over Sacred Heart. Murray scored six goals, Kenzi Rassas had a hat trick and Madison Rassas scored twice and assisted once in a 12-9 Visi win over Loyola. Madison Rassas scored four times against St. John’s and Kenzi Rassas scored twice. Addie Moore made four saves. Previous: 10

9. Maryvale (Md.), 8-1

The Lions ran their win streak to six with narrow victories over IMG National (Fla.) and Lassiter (Ga.). Maryvale scored a 5-4 win over IMG. They knocked off Lassiter 16-13. Maryvale has the chance to move up with a win at St. Paul’s (Md.) on April 9. They also host Bryn Mawr (Md.) on April 12. Previous: NR

10. Summit (N.J.), 2-1

Summit opened with a pair of wins before falling to a good Episcopal team that already had 10 games under their belt. The Hilltoppers beat Kent Place (N.J.) 15-5, then defeated Immaculate Heart (N.J.) 18-4. Against Kent Place, Nell Ducey and Lauren Riley scored four goals apiece while Anya Wardle had two goals and five assists. Lindsay Thomas had a hat trick. Thomas followed it with a five-goal game and Ducey scored four goals in the win over Immaculate Heart. Thomas had goal and two assists and Kate Riley scored twice but it wasn’t enough in a 10-4 loss to Episcopal. Previous: 9

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 15-1

The Stallions ended the regular season on a four-game winning streak after their 4-1 loss to Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) on March 21. The season ended with blowout wins over Benjamin (Fla.), Key West (Fla.) and Hagerty (Fla.). AHD looks to repeat as state champions. Previous: 1

2. Plant (Fla.), 16-0

Ashlyn Bell’s seven-goal, two-assist performance propelled the Panthers to a 15-6 win over Community School of Naples (Fla.). Katie Fisher also had four goals in the win. Plant starts postseason action against Largo (Fla.). Previous: 3

3. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 8-4

The Crusaders are riding a four-game winning streak after a difficult stretch in March. Cardinal Gibbons notched an 18-5 win over Broughton (N.C.), a 19-0 victory over Enloe (N.C.) and a 13-4 victory over Charlotte Latin (N.C.). Charlotte Jackson had her best week of the season scoring 10 goals, including four each against Broughton and Charlotte Latin. Previous: 4

4. Anderson (Texas), 8-1

The Trojans picked up their first loss of the year by falling to St. Michael’s Academy (Texas) 15-9. Anderson recovered last week to defeat Cy-Fair (Texas) 18-4. Previous: 2

5. Milton (Ga.), 11-4

The Eagles took a swing to the Mid-Atlantic, taking home a win in a trio of challenging contests. Milton kicked off the trip up north with a 20-3 win over Holton-Arms (Md.). The trip closed with a 9-5 loss to Paul VI (Va.) and a heartbreaking 6-5 defeat against St. Stephen’s St. Agnes (Va.). Previous: 5

6. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 11-5

It was another huge week for Ryann Frechette, who scored 15 goals in the span of three games. Bartram Trail defeated Bishop Moore (Fla.) 12-7, which was followed by a 16-14 loss to Bishop Ireton (Va.). The regular season ended with a 18-0 shutout over Fletcher (Fla.). Previous: 6

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

Despite Taylor Santos’ hat trick, the Ascenders fell to Maryvale Prep (Md.) 6-5. IMG Academy bounced back with a 13-3 victory over Lassiter (Ga.). Previous: 7

8. Cambridge (Ga.), 11-3

The Bears had a week off after their 11-6 win over Mill Creek (Ga.) on March 27. Cambridge’s next match comes April 10 versus Harrison (Ga.). Previous: 8

9. Hockaday (Texas), 8-4

The Daisies handed Frisco (Texas) its first loss of the season, notching a 16-11 win. Hockaday then had its highest scoring output of the year, toppling Woodlands (Texas) 21-6. Previous: 9

10. Bishop England (S.C.), 13-0

The Battling Bishops picked up a quality out-of-state win over Charlotte Catholic (N.C.), defeating the Cougars 8-5. Bishop England week also defeated Myers Park (Ga.) 19-1. Bo Rosato had six goals in the win over Myers Park. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

1. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 5-0

Roughly two weeks after topping Loyola Academy (Ill.), the Golden Bears knocked off the Land of Lincoln’s other leading power, New Trier, 12-3. Louisville commit Lilly Boyle and Penn State commit Ava Stummer had four goals apiece; Boston University commit Alex Burns “was a total stud on our defensive end,” per coach Laura Sandbloom; and freshman Tori Maurer was huge again in net. Previous: 1

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 6-3

The Ramblers went 2-2 on their D.C. trip, topping Paul VI (Va.) and St. John’s (D.C.) and falling to Georgetown Visitation (D.C.) (one of the top 25 teams in the country) and Potomac School (Md.). Grace Dwyer and Emma Burke had five goals apiece in the win over Paul VI while Jocelyn Park had hat tricks in all four games to finish the weekend with 13 goals. Previous: 2

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

The Trevians returned from spring break by splitting a pair of games in the Buckeye State, edging Thomas Worthington 13-11 before falling to top-ranked Upper Arlington 12-3. New Trier now heads back to Chicagoland for its next seven games, including an April 17 showdown with longtime rival Loyola Academy, followed by a big game against Hinsdale Central (Ill.) a week later. Previous: 3

4. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 4-2

The Patriots have no shortage of weapons and that was on full display in Saturday’s 15-8 victory over Medina, with four players recording hat tricks. Brenna Hefferman tallied three goals and six assists while Corinna Hilmas (4 goals), Isabelle Pohmer (3 goals, 1 assist) and Madeline Pohmer (4 goals, 1 assist) also hit the milestone as Liberty begins a brutal stretch of its schedule that also includes 4-1 Hilliard Davidson (Ohio) and undefeated Upper Arlington. Previous: 4

5. New Albany (Ohio), 4-0

The Eagles returned from spring break with a pair of wins, including an impressive 13-8 victory over Hudson (Ohio). Maddy Paz had a remarkable seven goals, four draw controls and three ground balls, while Logan Snyder helped New Albany take command with her draw controls. Ellie McClelland (3 goals, 3 assists, 5 draw controls) and Ryan Franklin (6 saves) also came up clutch for the Eagles. Previous: 5

6. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 14-0

The Bearcats have been nothing short of remarkable with six players already topping 25 goals: Ellie Beam (41 goals, 28 assists), Christine Martin (37 goals, 12 assists), Ceci Flowers (35 goals, 21 assists), Leighton Spears (31 goals, 25 assists), Dylan Yonover (28 goals, 40 assists) and Zaylee Madison (26 goals). Just how good is KCD? Their April 12 game at top-ranked Upper Arlington (Ohio) will help answer that question. Previous: 6

7. Carmel (Ind.), 8-0

After a challenging one-goal win over Hamilton Southeastern March 28, the undefeated Greyhounds have the chance to recuperate with a two-week break. Another undefeated team, Bishop Chatard (Ind.), awaits upon Carmel’s return, with strong Land of Lincoln opponents to follow in Hinsdale Central and Oak Park-River Forest. Previous: 7

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

Spring break is truly the calm before the storm for the Golden Eagles as they return April 18 with a four-game road trip that includes a showdown with the top team in Illinois: Loyola Academy. Previous: 8

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

Minnesota lacrosse season is finally here as the Red Knights open up play April 11 against in-state foe Woodbury. A three-game week will follow, including an April 18 clash with The Blake School in a Section 5 semifinal rematch. Previous: 9

10. Lake Forest (Ill.), 4-0

The Scouts stayed undefeated with a 13-10 win at Oak Park-River Forest (Ill.) on April 6 guided by 10 points from junior Megan Rocklein. In addition to Rocklein’s four goals and six assists, Maeve Farrell tied for the team high with four goals while fellow junior Lulu Keil and sophomore Ellie Carter added multiple goals. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 7-0

Colorado Academy continues its undefeated streak after defeating Cherry Creek (Colo.) 16-4. Zoe Martin (Michigan) led the Mustangs with four goals followed by Addy Westerberg and Charlotte Corkins who netted three goals apiece. Up next is Columbine (Colo.) and Dakota Ridge (Colo.). Previous: 1

2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 10-0

One of three remaining undefeated top 10 teams, San Ramon defeated Torrey Pines (Calif.) 9-7. A series of California teams lies ahead: league opponents Carondelet and Amador Valley then No. 5 St. Ignatius. Previous: 2

3. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 10-0

Sacred Heart took down two top-10 teams last week, defeating previously-ranked No. 10 Torrey Pines (Calif.) 13-5 then edging No. 4 Oak Ridge (Calif.) 10-9. League opponent No. 5 St. Ignatius (Calif.) and University (Calif.) are up next. Previous: 3

4. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 9-2

Oak Ridge picked up two league victories against Whitney (Calif.) and Rocklin (Calif.), shutting out both teams before falling 10-9 to No. 3 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) in a narrow loss. This week are two more conference opponents, Folsom (Calif.) and Granite Bay (Calif.). Previous: 4

5. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 8-4

The Wildcats had a hard-fought week on the East Coast, coming up with an 11-5 win over Mid-Atlantic Public School No. 6 Liberty (Md.) before falling in two narrow losses to Maryland’s Mid-Atlantic No. 5 Stone Ridge (9-7) and Mid-Atlantic Public School No. 9 Glenelg (8-7). St. Ignatius is one of three teams to hold Stone Ridge to single digit goals this season. Next are two top-10 matchups, No. 3 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) and No. 2 San Ramon Valley (Calif.). Previous: 5

6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 10-1

Foothill defeated Redondo Union (Calif.) 11-8 in its seventh consecutive win. This week they meet Yorba Linda (Calif.) and San Clemente (Calif.). Previous: 6

7. Fairview (Colo.), 3-1

Fairview maintains its top 10 spot after a dominant 17-5 victory over Denver East (Colo.). Next up is a trio of Colorado matchups, Evergreen followed by league opponents Grandview and Arapahoe. Previous: 7

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

The Eagles added another win thanks to a 24-2 victory over Air Academy (Colo.). They kick off conference play this week against No. 10 Kent Denver (Colo.) before taking on No. 9 ThunderRidge (Colo.). Previous: 9

9. ThunderRidge (Colo.), 4-1

ThunderRidge upset previously-ranked No. 8 Kent Denver (Colo.) in a close 14-13 victory. A series of challenging matchups is on deck for the Grizzlies: Cherry Creek (Colo.), Castle View (Colo.) and No. 8 Valor Christian (Colo.). Previous: NR

10. Kent Denver (Colo.), 5-2

Kent Denver split last week, defeating conference counterpart Ralston Valley (Colo.) 18-6 before falling one goal short to ThunderRidge (Colo.), 14-13. Next up is a league matchup against No. 8 Valor Christian (Colo.). Previous: 8

— Theresa Palmquist