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Parity is already a part of the USA Lacrosse High School Girls' West Top 10 in the season's first update. There's a new No. 1 after a long winning streak ended, a newcomer that knocked off the No. 1, and still a handful of teams that have yet to play.
Last year, Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) joined the rankings early in the season after a one-goal win over Marlborough (Calif.). This season, it was Marlborough that benefitted from a solid win over Foothill to earn a spot in the Top 10, even though their victory was sandwiched by a pair of losses.
Foothill then responded to its first loss of the season by handing 2025 West No. 1 Coronado (Calif.) their first loss in more than a year. The win pushed the Knights to No. 1 past a pair of teams that have yet to debut. Coronado is No. 2 now. No. 6 St. Ignatius (Calif.) is the only other school to start, and at 2-0 the Wildcats are off and running.
Six of the Top 10 teams have yet to play a game, but action will heat up quickly this week. And that almost certainly guarantees more movement in the West.
Presented by CWENCH Hydration, our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest. They are compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches.
Rankings and records reflect results as of the previous Sunday.
1. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) 2-1
Foothill moves to the top after a 9-7 win over Coronado (Calif.) to open the season. The Knights have multiple games under their belt and own the region’s most significant result so far. Despite an early loss to Marlborough (Calif.), Foothill’s strength of schedule and head-to-head win over the reigning West champion gives them the edge for now. Previous: 5
2. Coronado (Calif.) 0-1
Coronado drops one spot following the 9-7 loss to Foothill, their first recorded setback after a 19-0 championship season in 2025. The Islanders remain one of the most experienced and complete teams in the West, and one early loss does little to change that outlook. Previous: 1
3. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 0-0
Sacred Heart Prep has yet to open its 2026 campaign but returns from an 18-2 season that included multiple All-American selections. The Gators remain one of the region’s most talented rosters and hold steady pending early results. Previous: 2
4. Valor Christian (Colo.) 0-0
Valor Christian enters 2026 following a 17-1 season and a Colorado state title. The Eagles return depth and experience and remain one of the West’s strongest programs awaiting their season debut. Previous: 4
5. Marlborough (Calif.) 3-2
Marlborough enters the rankings after a 12-8 win over Foothill, proving they can compete with the West’s top contenders. They lost by a goal to Foothill a year ago. They’ve also dropped a pair of games already, and they’re looking for more consistency. With limited games played so far, the Mustangs sit at No. 5, but that significant head-to-head result carries weight early. Previous: NR
6. St. Ignatius (Calif.) 2-0
St. Ignatius has opened the 2026 season with two solid wins. The Wildcats feature high-end talent including Division l commits Sophie Ghosh (Stanford), Sadie Ghali (Yale), Phoebe Oliven (Columbia) and goalie Sam Lundquist (UC Davis) giving them impact players on all ends of the field. They head to Colorado on March 12 for significant road tests against Valor Christian (Colo.) and Regis Jesuit (Colo.), matchups that could quickly reshape the West Region picture. Previous: 4
7. Redwood (Calif.) 0-0
Redwood’s 19-4 campaign last season included key wins in Northern California and a competitive postseason run. The Giants return experienced upperclassmen across the midfield and defensive spine, giving them the structure and depth to challenge the Bay Area powers once results begin to accumulate. Previous: 6
8. San Ramon Valley (Calif.) 0-0
San Ramon Valley finished 18-4 in 2025 and consistently competed at the top of the Bay Area, including deep postseason play against NorCal powers. The Wolves return experienced midfield depth and a strong defensive backbone that anchored last year’s run. Their opener will quickly test that continuity, and early crossover matchups should clarify where they sit among the Northern California elite. Previous: 7
9. Mira Costa (Calif.) 0-0
Mira Costa finished 18-1 in 2025 and returns much of the offensive core that made the Mustangs one of Southern California’s most efficient and disciplined teams. Their ability to control possession and generate balanced scoring has been a program strength, and they remain firmly in the top half entering the new season. Previous: 9
10. Jesuit Portland (Ore.) 0-0
Jesuit rounds out the Top 10 following a 16-1 2025 season that included an Oregon state title and a dominant +185 goal differential. The Crusaders graduated three standout seniors who powered last year’s run, creating key production gaps to replace on both ends of the field. A strong returning core, including a Division I-committed leader, will be tasked with stepping into expanded roles as Jesuit begins its 2026 slate. Previous: 10
Sonorah Hunter is a former Division I defender and draw specialist at the University of Denver, where she helped lead the Pioneers to their first NCAA tournament appearance and anchored the defense as a team leader in ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls. She went on to become a successful high school coach in Colorado, engineering a rapid turnaround at Columbine High School and later leading Colorado Academy to back-to-back state championships while also developing athletes through Team 91 Colorado and other elite club programs. Outside of lacrosse, she serves as Director of Solutions Consulting at Adswerve and remains active in her community.
