Milton (Ga.) might have made the biggest splash this week, but the Eagles were not the only South Top 10 team to rise to the occasion on a Mid-Atlantic road swing. See: IMG Academy (Fla.) and Hockaday (Texas).
Below you'll find this week's Top 10 updates for high school girls' lacrosse in the Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West regions, complete with recaps of the teams' recent and upcoming action. Northeast updates will start next week.
Compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches around the country, rankings and records reflect results as of previous Sunday.
Mid-Atlantic Top 10
Several great matchups have resulted in a change atop the Mid-Atlantic Region rankings.
Archbishop Spalding (Md.) scored an overtime win over preseason No. 1 St. Paul’s (Md.). It’s a huge win for the program and created a new opening at No. 1 that Episcopal (Pa.) takes thanks to a dominant start.
McDonogh (Md.) moves up to No. 2, which also opened after Maryvale (Md.) was upset by Milton (Ga.).
Penn Charter (Pa.) moves into the region’s top 10 after a 3-0 start, one of three teams from the Philadelphia area to be ranked.
Our Mid-Atlantic rankings cover D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
1. Episcopal (Pa.), 3-0
The Churchwomen picked up a pair of wins to remain unbeaten. They jumped out to a 14-1 halftime lead on their way to an 18-1 win over Hill Academy (Ont.). Maura Irish had four goals and an assist and three draws, Quinn Whitaker finished with a hat trick, three caused turnovers, two draw controls and three ground balls. Teagan Cook also had a hat trick and four draws, and Kate Dente and Maya Le each scored two goals apiece. They also handled Stone Ridge (Md.) 17-8 with Whitaker scoring six times and adding a pair of assists along with six draws, four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Irish had a pair of goals and four draw controls, and Cook had four points. Sofia Gagliardi pumped in a hat trick. Grace Holland made three saves. Episcopal hosts Penn Charter (Pa.) and Good Counsel (Md.). Previous: 3
2. McDonogh (Md.), 3-0
The Eagles opened IAAM play with a 22-1 win over Garrison Forrest (Md.). Ava Fossati connected on all four shots she took in an 11-7 win over IMG Academy (Fla.) in Virginia. After a scheduled game against St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) on March 17, the Eagles have a week off before resuming IAAM action. Previous: 4
3. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 1-0
Mckenna Salta tied the game in the fourth quarter and scored the game-winner in overtime for a 9-8 win over St. Paul’s (Md.) to open the season. Maeve Cavanaugh and Ella Davis also came up huge in the Cavaliers win. Spalding has just one game this week against Mount de Sales (Md.) on March 21. Previous: 9
4. St. Paul's (Md.), 1-1
The Gators opened the year in dominant fashion in an 18-9 win over Stone Ridge (Md.) to avenge one of their losses last year. But St. Paul’s dropped their IAAM opener that followed, 9-8, to Archbishop Spalding (Md.). They were scheduled to play at American Heritage (Fla.) on March 17 before returning to host Penn Charter (Pa.) on March 22. Previous: 1
5. Good Counsel (Md.), 1-0
The three-time defending WCAC champions opened up their year with a 9-8 double overtime win over Notre Dame (Md.). The Falcons have a huge week ahead with four challenging games. They’ll face Maryvale (Md.), Agnes Irwin (Pa.), Episcopal (Pa.) and Penn Charter (Pa.). Previous: 5
6. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 2-0
The Owls did not allow a goal until the fourth quarter in a 12-2 win over John Carroll (Md.) to open the season. Mairyn Dwyer supplied a hat trick and three assists, Rowan Lawrence scored once and assisted on three goals and Caroline Chisholm scored a pair of goals and had three draw controls. Chisholm and Catie Holmes each scored four goals apiece in a 15-5 win over Hill (Ont.). Chisholm also had three caused turnovers, Sophia Pratt finished with a hat trick, and Kelsey Young had four ground balls. Agnes Irwin goes on the road for three games against Manheim Township (Pa.), Good Counsel (Md.) and Stone Ridge (Md.). Previous: 8
7. Maryvale (Md.), 2-1
After opening the season with an 11-9 win over Georgetown Visitation (D.C.), the Lions split a pair of games in the South Region. They edged Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) 8-7, but fell to Milton (Ga.) 11-8. They face a Good Counsel (Md.) team that comes off an unbeaten season on March 18 then open IAAM play hosting John Carroll (Md.) on March 21. Previous: 2
8. Penn Charter (Pa.), 3-0
The Quakers have opened the season with three straight wins. They had tremendous balance in an opening 11-3 win over Hill (Ont.). Harbor Campbell, Kennighan Mattice, Ana Buckley, Sailor Campbell and Cate Wall all had two goals apiece. Mak Myers won 10 draw controls. They followed that with a solid 10-6 win over previously ranked Stone Ridge (Md.). PC jumped out to a 7-2 halftime lead. Molly Dougherty and Buckley both had hat tricks, Myers won 10 draws again and Maeve Magarity made six saves. They closed the week with a 14-4 win over Mount St. Joseph (Pa.). Myers had 12 draws, Dougherty scored four times and Mattice supplied four points on a pair of toals and two assists. It’s a much more challenging week with Episcopal (Pa.), St. Paul’s (Md.) and Bryn Mawr (Md.) on tap. Previous: 7
9. Manchester Valley (Md.), 0-0
The Mavericks won’t open their season until March 25. It’s a year that comes with a bright outlook with all but one starter back. Manchester Valley has three good scrimmages to tune up before it debuts. Previous: 10
10. St. Anne's-Belfield (Va.), 0-1
The new-look Saints lost their season opener to IMG Academy (Fla.) 12-6. They were scheduled to face McDonogh (Md.) in another tough game on March 17. They face Collegiate (Va.) and Bishop Ireton (Va.) this week as well. Previous: 6
— Justin Feil
South Top 10
It was a huge week for the South Region, which took advantage of the chance to prove its strength by going up against some highly regarded out-of-region teams.
American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) remains the standard bearer with its perfect start, and Milton (Ga.) also looks complete after improving to 7-0 win a big win over Maryvale (Md.).
IMG Academy (Fla.) climbs a couple of spots too after dispelling of St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.).
Anderson (Texas), Plant (Fla.) and newcomer Providence Day (N.C.) are all unbeaten in the top 10 for a region that’s gaining respect.
Our South rankings cover the region from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas.
1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 8-0
The Stallions continue to show they are nearly unstoppable within the state of Florida after defeating Oxbridge Academy (Fla.) 14-4. Now they face some of the Mid-Atlantic’s top programs, starting out with a matchup against St. Paul’s (Md.). Previous: 1
2. Milton (Ga.), 7-0
The Eagles soared once again with wins over Johns Creek (Ga.), Maryvale (Md.) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.). Milton returns to Georgia to face Lassiter (Ga.). Previous: 2
3. IMG Academy (Fla.), 5-1
The Ascenders pulled off a win against nationally No. 9-ranked St. Anne’s Belfield (Va.) 12-6, marking the first win over a top-10 program in team history. The Ascenders were unable to secure their first top-5 win ever, however, falling to McDonogh (Md.) 11-7. IMG takes on another nationally ranked opponent this week in Sacred Heart (Conn.). Previous: 6
4. Hockaday (Texas), 6-1
The Daisies had a strong performance in the Mid-Atlantic, winning two out of three against notable competition. Hockaday picked up victories over Bishop Ireton (Va.) and Bryn Mawr (Md.). Sandwiched between contests was a 13-6 loss to Notre Dame Prep (Md.). Previous: 4
5. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 1-2
After winning their season opener, the Crusaders could not hang onto a 7-6 lead against Maryvale (Md.), falling 8-7. Cardinal Gibbons then lost to Milton (Ga.) 13-3. Ella Grimes had two goals and two assists versus Maryvale. Previous: 3
6. Anderson (Texas), 6-0
Jillian Murphy’s seven-goal, four-assist performance helped lift the Trojans to a 14-8 win over St. Andrew’s (Texas). The junior now has 42 points for the season. Previous: 5
7. Plant (Fla.), 12-0
Despite star senior McKenzey Craig being held to just a single assist, the Panthers managed to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 11-6. Katie Fisher helped fill the void with three goals and three assists. Plant also earned a 20-1 win over Durant (Fla.). Nineteen different Panthers scored a goal versus Durant, with Craig being the only multi-goal scorer. Previous: 7
8. Lake Mary (Fla.), 9-1
The Rams earned a hard-fought one-goal win over Cambridge (Ga.). Lake Mary rallied from a 9-6 deficit to score four in a row to close out the win. Lake Mary also accumulated a 9-4 victory over Vero Beach (Fla.). Previous: 9
9. Cambridge (Ga.), 7-2
Overall, the Bears had a solid week, picking up three victories, including against two of the region’s most notable programs. But Cambridge’s 10-9 loss to Lake Mary (Fla.) will be tough to swallow after leading 9-6. The Bears picked up wins over King’s Ridge Christian (Ga.), Blessed Trinity (Ga.) and Lake Highland Prep (Fla.). Previous: 8
10. Providence Day (N.C.), 6-0
The Chargers are off to an unbeaten start after picking up a notable win over previously undefeated Weddington (N.C.). Providence Day also earned wins against Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) and Christ the King (N.C.). Previous: NR
— Justin Boggs
Midwest Top 10
The Midwest Region will see a lot more games in the weeks ahead. Only Kentucky Country Day (Ky.) and Carmel (Ind.) were in action among top 10 teams last week. The two both went perfect in their two games apiece to set the tone for a nice season. Most of the region gears up for its start this week.
Our Midwest rankings cover Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
1. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 0-0
Graduation has deprived the Ramblers of last year's three leading scorers, Emma Burke, Charlie Cassady and Jocelyn Park, along with all-American defender Sophie Goldberg. Loyola remains plenty dangerous, including sophomores Maeve Dwyer, who tied for second on the team with 39 goals as a freshman, and Chloe Mangel, who led the Ramblers with 113 draw controls last season. The Ramblers' early-season schedule includes a state title game rematch against Benet Academy March 24. Previous: 1
2. New Trier (Ill.), 0-0
The Trevians should be poised to challenge the Ramblers and the rest of the Midwest once again, led by senior Ellie Bornhoeft (41 goals, 21 assists, 132 draw controls) and junior Avery Anderson (42 goals, 14 assists). Indeed, of last year's 13 players with double-digit points, only three were seniors, pointing to the talented returning core for New Trier. The Trevians open March 19 against York (Ill.), coming off a 16-3 season, and then face Lightridge (Va.), last year's Virginia Class 5 state runner-up. Previous: 2
3. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 0-0
Last season, the Patriots secured their first state title, sparked by an Isabelle Pohmer hat trick. Pohmer is gone to Lafayette College now, but Liberty returns plenty of firepower, led by seniors Corinna Hilmas (76 goals) and Madeline Pohmer (70 goals, 126 draw controls, 60 caused turnovers, 51 ground balls). The Patriots begin their 2025 season with a three-game swing through the Sunshine State, starting with their March 22 clash with Manatee. Previous: 3
4. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 2-0
The Bearcats' 2-0 start included an 18-12 victory over Eastern (Ky.) in a rematch of last year's state championship game. Senior Leighton Spears erupted for five goals and an assist while sophomore Preston Amin added five goals. Junior Ellie Beam was a force as always, wreaking havoc with seven caused turnovers, six draw controls and three ground balls. Unfortunately, the Midwest was robbed of an early top-five matchup as Carmel and KCD had to cancel their clash due to weather. Previous: 4
5. Carmel (Ind.), 2-0
So far, so good for the Greyhounds, starting with a 13-5 win over Sacred Heart, which was in Kentucky's final four a year ago. Senior Sophie Mock was everywhere against the Valkyrie with four goals, three assists, four draw controls and three ground balls, with Mock then erupting for eight goals five days later in a win over Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.). Senior Elle Tomalia also starred against the Royals with four goals, two assists, seven ground balls, five draw controls and two caused turnovers. Previous: 5
6. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 0-0
The Golden Bears came one goal shy of a state title last season, falling 6-5 to Olentangy Liberty in the championship game. Winners of six state titles since 2015, Upper Arlington is always a major threat in the Buckeye State and will be once again, led by senior Bethany Smith (26 goals, 27 assists), juniors Ellie King (19 goals, 27 assists) and Evie Ruma (40 goals), and sophomore keeper Tori Maurer (82 saves, 47.1 save percentage). The Golden Bears start tough against Indiana runner-up Guerin Catholic and Kentucky semifinalist Sacred Heart Academy. Previous: 6
7. New Albany (Ohio), 0-0
The Eagles were one of the Midwest's top teams last year, not losing a contest until the Region 1 championship game. New Albany can always be counted on to finish toward the top of the Buckeye State, though the stellar duo of Ellie McClelland and Maddy Paz will be difficult to replace. Watch for Logan Snyder to be a breakout star as the Eagles open the season March 21 against Mason. Previous: 7
8. Benet Academy (Ill.), 0-0
Last year's state runner-up, the Redwings lost one of their all-time best players in Shannon Earley, who's now at Notre Dame. Still, Benet returns plenty of thunder, including Gigi Kurelko (81 goals, 30 assists) and Madeline Trapp, who led last year's team with 60 assists. The Redwings open up with Naperville North (Ill.) Wednesday with a state championship game rematch against Loyola Academy looming on March 24. Previous: 8
9. Lakeville South (Minn.), 0-0
Coming off an undefeated season, the Cougars have to replace three of their five leading scorers from a year ago. That said, Lakeville South returns last year's leader in goals (Ella Mills with 58), assists (Charlotte Fannin with 41) and saves (Kate Baell with 88). One thing to watch will be what the Cougars do on the draw after graduating the three players who won the vast majority of their draw controls in 2024. They'll start in mid-April by hosting in-state foes Northfield and Rosemount. Previous: 9
10. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Mich.) 0-0
These Cougars are also coming off a perfect season, and like Lakeville South, graduation has taken its toll. Losing Claire Marosi to Northwestern and Sarah Rott to UMass Lowell hurts, but having Samaya Dean in net and UMass Amherst commit Catherine Marshall all over the field is a solid start. Previous: 10
— Jonah Rosenblum
West Top 10
The West Region again has volatility in the rankings.
No. 1 Sacred Heart (Calif.) remains perfect at the top, and the next four teams also have gotten off to unbeaten starts.
Valor Christian (Colo.) and St. Ignatius (Calif.) both moved up and Del Oro (Calif.) makes a strong debut at No. 4 after knocking off previous No. 2 Oak Ridge (Calif.).
Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) looks to remain perfect while No. 8 Colorado Academy (Colo.) is still looking for its first win after ThunderRidge (Colo.) edged it. Marin Catholic rides a win streak that includes upending former No. 6 San Ramon Valley (Calif.) into the rankings this week.
Our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest.
1. Sacred Heart (Calif.), 5-0
Sacred Heart remains undefeated after an 18-1 rout over league opponent Archbishop Mitty (Calif.). The Gators face Redwood (Calif.) and Saint Francis (Calif.) this week. Previous: 1
2. Valor Christian (Colo.), 3-0
Valor Christian stays undefeated after defeating Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 15-9, powered by sophomore Micki Tanella and senior Amanda Stevens (Stanford) with four goals apiece. Tanellie recorded three draw controls and two caused turnovers while Stevens added two assists. Next up is No. 3 St. Ignatius (Calif.). Previous: 3
3. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 3-0
St. Ignatius bested conference opponent Archbishop Mitty (Calif.), 17-4, and Redwood, 16-7, for two straight wins. Seven players recorded multiple goals across both games. The Wildcats have a tough week against conference opponent Menlo School (Calif.), No. 2 Valor Christian and Regis Jesuit (Colo.). Previous: 5
4. Del Oro (Calif.), 5-0
Del Oro is 5-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play after opening its season with two shutouts against Whitney (Calif.) and Rocklin (Calif.) then defeating Amador Valley (Calif.). Last week, the Golden Eagles took down then-No. 2 Oak Ridge (Calif.), 14-9, and edged Davis Sr. (Calif.) 14-13. Previous: 7
5. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 5-1
Oak Ridge fell 14-9 to conference opponent Del Oro before defeating Rocklin (Calif.), another league foe, 16-1, and Vista Del Lago (Calif.), 21-2. Senior middie Annika Tanner (Louisville) combined for 10 goals across the three games. Up next is Davis (Calif.), St. Francis (Calif.) and No. 10 San Ramon Valley (Calif.). Previous: 2
6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) 7-0
The Knights improve to 7-0 after powering past league opponent El Dorado (Calif.), 19-11, Edison (Calif.), 13-7 and Olympus (Utah), 18-2. Senior Brynn Perkins (Florida State) and junior Kayla Agarie (Brown) combined for 28 goals across the three games. Up next is a road trip to Arizona to take on Chandler (Ariz.) and Higley (Ariz.). Previous: 8
7. ThunderRidge (Colo.), 1-1
The Grizzlies secured their first win of the season in a narrow 12-11 victory over then-ranked No. 4 Colorado Academy (Colo.). Senior Riley Rivera (Florida Southern) had the match-high five goals and her twin sister Leanna, who’s also committed to Florida Southern, dominated the draw circle with eight draw controls. Up next ThunderRidge takes on Lake Oswego (Ore.). Previous: 9
8. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 0-2
On the road, the Mustangs were edged 12-11 by No. 8 ThunderRidge (Colo.). Rookie Seven Greaves and junior Harper Ezrine (South Florida) each netted three goals. This week Colorado Academy faces Lake Oswego (Ore.) and IMG Academy (Fla.). Previous: 4
9. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 5-2
Marin Catholic is on a four-game winning streak after securing three more wins last week. The Wildcats defeated Menlo School (Calif.), 12-10, rallied past Terra Linda (Calif.), 13-6, and edged out then-No. 6 San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 11-10. Next up is a pair of league games against Archie Williams (Calif.) and Branson (Calif.). Previous: NR
10. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 3-1
San Ramon Valley defeated Marin Academy (Calif.), 16-7, before falling in a narrow loss, 11-10, to Marin Catholic (Calif.). Senior middie Ava Horrocks (UC Davis) led the Wolves with seven goals and three caused turnovers against the Wildcats. Next up is league opponent Carondelet (Calif.) and No. 5 Oak Ridge (Calif.). Previous: 6
— Theresa Palmquist
