Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) Takes Top Spot in West Region

The West has a new best after Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) knocked off Coronado (Calif.) in the biggest regional development. Mira Costa (Calif.) and Redwood (Calif.) also climbed in the most active region of the week.

Lake Highland (Fla.) flexed its muscle with a big cross-state win over Hockaday (Texas) in a South showdown, while American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) and Milton (Ga.) sustained unbeaten starts.

St. Mary's (Md.) enters the Mid-Atlantic rankings after knocking off Stone Ridge (Md.). The Saints are unbeaten and rolling through their first four games.

Below you'll find this week's Regional Top 10 updates for high school girls' lacrosse in the Mid-Atlantic, South and West, complete with recaps of the teams' recent and upcoming action. Northeast and Midwest updates will start March 24.

Presented by CWENCH Hydration, high school rankings are 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

Most teams are now underway in the Mid-Atlantic Region with some early results already making some minor changes to the rankings. 

St. Mary's (Md.) is the lone newcomer. The Saints were overtime winners over previously ranked Stone Ridge (Md.) as part of an unbeaten start through four games. 

IAAM powers Maryvale (Md.), Archbishop Spalding (Md.) and McDonogh (Md.) are all perfect thus far. So are Agnes Irwin (Pa.) and Episcopal (Pa.) from the Inter-Ac. Episcopal stayed that way with a key win over Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.). Penn Charter (Pa.) represented the Inter-Ac well with a win over the IAAM's St. Paul's (Md.) before losing to Canadian power Hill Academy (Ont.).

Good Counsel (Md.) is the final ranked team to get into action. They'll start their season Saturday after several weather postponements.

Our Mid-Atlantic rankings cover D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

1. Maryvale (Md.), 1-0

Cayden Reese and the Lions got their season off to a great start. The senior bound for Maryland scored six goals, three assists and seven draw controls in Maryvale’s 16-7 win over Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). Maryvale scored the final five goals to pull away and leave no doubt. The Lions were scheduled to face Good Counsel (Md.) in a top-five matchup, but the game was postponed due to weather. John Carroll (Md.) is the only team on the schedule this week. Previous: 1

2. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 1-0

The Cavaliers had their way in a 17-6 win over St. Mary’s-Ryken (Md.) to open the year. They’ll host a pair of games this week with Manchester Valley (Md.) and St. Mary’s-Annapolis (Md.) visiting. Six of their first seven games are scheduled at home. Previous: 2

3. McDonogh (Md.), 3-0

The Eagles opened IAAM play with a 20-5 win over Bryn Mawr (Md.), then headed south where they picked up a 15-5 win at IMG Academy (Fla.) for a quality out-of-state opponent. Reed Pinkin had 14 points over the two games — six goals against Bryn Mawr and five goals and three assists against IMG. Ava Fossati had four goals and three assists against Bryn Maw and four points on two goals and two assists against IMG. Previous: 3

4. Good Counsel (Md.), 0-0

The Falcons have won four straight WCAC titles and are ready to open another big year, but had games against Notre Dame (Md.) Maryvale postponed last week. They don’t have anything on the schedule until taking on public power Marriotts Ridge (Md.) on March 21. Previous: 4

5. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 1-0

The Owls opened their year with a 12-4 win over Germantown Academy (Pa.) behind a balanced effort. Lucy Schardt had three goals, an assist and six draw controls, Kelsey Young scored a hat trick and caused three turnovers, Margo Chisholm had a pair of goals and a pair of assists and Ella Garner, Piper Rodgers and Sopha Pratt each had two points. Chelsea Kim saved seven shots. Previous: 6

5. Episcopal (Pa.), 4-0

The Churchwomen had another perfect week. A balanced attack led to a 12-4 win over Germantown Academy (Pa.). Ellie Schreder, Maeve Irish and Sofia Gagliardi all had two goals apiece. Abby Stankewicz and Nora Bailer each scored a goal and had two assists. Bailer also had 10 draw controls. Fallon Crowther made four saves. They also picked up a 10-8 win over Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.) with Maya Le and Caroline Johnston netting hat tricks, Schreder scoring twice and Gagliardi supplying a goal and two assists. Bailer also had a couple assists and three draws and Crowther stopped four shots. Previous: 8

7. Penn Charter (Pa.) 1-1

The Quakers got three goals and an assist from Ana Buckley and two goals apiece from Claire Cho and Harbor Campbell in a 10-4 win over St. Paul’s (Md.) in a game played at USA Lacrosse. Mak Myers won seven draw controls and Nora Schmalbach caused three turnovers. Maeve Magarity stopped 10 shots. Penn Charter was edged by Hill Academy (Ont.) 8-7 despite Caroline Tullo’s two goals and eight draws from Myers. Previous: 5

8. St. Paul’s (Md.), 0-1

The Gators fell in their opener to Penn Charter, 10-4, on March 13 in their only game of the week. They will look to bounce back with games against Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.) and Roland Park (Md.) this week. Previous: 7

9. Potomac (Va.), 2-0

The Panthers were idle last week, but continue the season in Florida this week. They’ll take on St. Andrew’s (Fla.) and Vero Beach (Fla.) on a spring break trip before getting back into play against some regional teams. Previous: 10

10. St. Mary’s (Md.), 4-0

The Saints picked up three wins in the week. They went on the road to defeat Garrison Forest (Md.) 15-11, got a free position goal from Caroline Ewing for a 13-12 overtime win over previously ranked Stone Ridge (Md.), and had a far less dramatic win, 17-5, over Gerstell (Md.) to end the week. This week brings a Top-10 challenge against Archbishop Spalding. Previous: NR

— Justin Feil

South Top 10

There were games for most, but the rankings largely held their form in the South Region. The only change is the re-entry of Anderson (Texas) into the rankings at No. 10. The Trojans are unbeaten but in the midst of a long layoff.

The region's marquee matchup was in the Top 5. Lake Highland (Fla.) looked outstanding in a decisive win over Hockaday (Texas). It was Hockaday's first loss of the season while Lake Highland is looking to make a case for joining the national rankings.

Milton (Ga.) made a strong statement for South supremacy in a cross-regional matchup. The Eagles dominated Midwest juggernaut Upper Arlington (Ohio).

Cambridge (Ga.) retained its ranking with a one-goal win over Lambert (Ga.) in a Peach State affair.

Our South rankings cover the region from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. 

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 10-0

After being pushed to the brink by IMG Academy (Fla.), the Stallions had little trouble last week, defeating St. John Paul II (Fla.) 17-5 and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 18-1. The new week begins with a matchup against Colorado state champion Valor Christian. Previous: 1

2. Milton (Ga.), 5-0

The Eagles welcomed Midwest powerhouse Upper Arlington (Ohio) and dominated in a 16-2 victory. The win followed a 20-4 decision over Roswell (Ga.). Previous: 2

3. Lake Highland (Fla.), 11-1

The Highlanders continue to show how little separates the South region’s top teams. Lake Highland defeated another regional power, Hockaday (Texas), 16-9 after a 22-8 victory over Newsome (Fla.). Sophomore Giselle Jaskiewicz had another standout week, including six goals against Hockaday. Previous: 3

4. Hockaday (Texas), 6-1

It was a challenging road trip for the Daisies, who played three games in three days. After defeating Bishop Moore (Fla.) and Hagerty (Fla.), Hockaday closed its Sunshine State swing with a 16-9 loss to Lake Highland. Previous: 4

5. Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.), 8-0

The Eagles were idle last week as they prepare for a matchup with Lake Highland (Fla.). Episcopal Jacksonville also faces Bolles (Fla.) and Hagerty (Fla.) this week. Previous: 5

6. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 7-2

The Sharks entered their bye week on a high note with a 15-2 victory over Bartram Trail (Fla.). After the break, Ponte Vedra will face Creekside (Fla.). Previous: 6

7. West Forsyth (Ga.), 6-0

Bryce Birkholz continues to shine for the Wolverines. The sophomore midfielder recorded a hat trick in a 17-2 win over Blessed Trinity (Ga.) and followed with five goals in a win over Lassiter (Ga.). West Forsyth also defeated Walton (Ga.) 19-3. Previous: 7

8. IMG Academy (Fla.), 2-2

The Ascenders started their week with a 20-5 win over Vero Beach (Fla.) before taking on Mid-Atlantic power McDonogh (Md.) and falling, 15-5. Like American Heritage-Delray, IMG will face Colorado’s defending state champion Valor Christian this week. Previous: 6

9. Cambridge (Ga.), 7-3

After losing three of four games, the Bears bounced back with two close wins. Cambridge edged Lambert (Ga.) 15-14 before defeating Blessed Trinity (Ga.) 14-9. Logan Colleen scored the overtime winner against Lambert, while Gabi Johnson added a hat trick. Previous: 9

10. Anderson (Texas), 6-0

The Trojans are in the midst of a three-week layoff and will not return to action until March 29. Jillian Murphy leads the team with 14 goals and 10 assists. Previous: NR

— Justin Boggs

West Top 10

Another week, another No. 1 in the West Region. A top-5 tilt went to Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), which has picked up a few impressive wins early to take the top spot in the region. 

Unbeaten Mira Costa (Calif.) makes a big move up to No. 2 and Redwood earns respect and a higher spot after hanging tight with SHP.

The region's best continue to test each other. Valor Christian (Colo.) captured a Top-10 win over St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) to secure its spot. This week, Marlborough (Calif.) and Redondo Union (Calif.) meet in another critical matchup. 

Our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest.

1. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 4-0

A 16-10 road win over Coronado (Calif.) this week moves SHP to No. 1, the most significant result in the West so far. Head coach Stephanie Sanders' squad also edged Redwood (Calif.) 12-11 on the road, proving they can win close games away from home. They face Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) on March 16 before a marquee road trip to Valor Christian (Colo.) on March 28. Previous: 2

2. Mira Costa (Calif.), 6-0

Still unbeaten and first in the CA South Girls section, head coach Maddy Morrissey's team continues to be one of the West's most efficient teams. A key back-to-back this week against Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) on March 16 and La Costa Canyon (Calif.) on March 18 will quickly define their capabilities. Previous: 7

3. Valor Christian (Colo.), 2-0

Valor made a statement this week with a 9-5 win over St. Ignatius (Calif.). Junior Gia Bigelow controlled the draw circle, winning 10 of 11, and added three goals and an assist, while senior Leele Bigelow led all scorers with four goals. Defensively the Eagles were equally dominant, limiting St. Ignatius to just five goals on 10 shots with five saves from goalie Allie Moskowitz. The Eagles head to Florida to face American Heritage and IMG Academy before hosting Sacred Heart Prep on March 28. Previous: 4

4. Redwood (Calif.), 4-1

One goal separated Redwood from the West's top team on the road this week, and that narrow loss to Sacred Heart Prep is the kind of result that earns respect. La Costa Canyon on March 20 and Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) on March 21 loom as the next real tests. Previous: 9

5. Coronado (Calif.), 2-2

A 16-10 loss to Sacred Heart Prep is their second of the season, and head-to-head defeats against both Foothill and Sacred Heart Prep are hard to overlook. The roster depth is there to respond, and they face San Marcos SD (Calif.) and Mt. Carmel (Calif.) this week before a more demanding stretch. Previous: 1

6. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 4-1

The Wildcats went 1-1 on their Colorado road trip, falling to Valor Christian 9-5 before bouncing back with a 13-11 win over Regis Jesuit two days later. The response speaks to their competitive makeup, and Division I commits Sophie Ghosh (Stanford), Sadie Ghali (Yale) and Avery Henderson (Denver) give them the talent to stay in the top 10. They host Berkeley (Calif.) on March 18. Previous: 6

7. Marlborough (Calif.), 9-1

Wins over Notre Dame Sherman Oaks (Calif.) 20-5 and Olympus (Calif.) 18-5 push Marlborough to 9-1. Stanford commit Enna Corley continues to lead a balanced attack that has shown no signs of slowing down, and a Top-10 matchup with Redondo Union (Calif.) shapes up as the week's key Southern California showdown. Previous: 8

8. Redondo Union (Calif.), 3-0

A 17-10 loss to Santa Margarita (Calif.) this week raises questions heading into a tougher stretch. Harvard commit Kate Kenney and Kenzie Maldonado anchor a veteran core that remains capable. They host Marlborough on March 19. Previous: 5

9. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 4-4

Losses to La Costa Canyon (Calif.) 17-5 and Torrey Pines (Calif.) 10-6 this week push Foothill down significantly. The Knights have been shorthanded due to injury and depth has been an issue as a result. A March 16 matchup with Mira Costa could quickly determine where they stand. Previous: 3

10. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 4-0

Four wins to open the season keep the Wolves in the Top 10, though they have yet to face a ranked opponent. Crossover results in the coming weeks will determine whether they can hold their place. Previous: 10

— Sonorah Hunter