Top Teams Holding Firm in South Girls' Top 10

Last week, USA Lacrosse Magazine revealed its 2024 Preseason Regional Top 10 rankings in boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. This week, we are set to reveal the Preseason National Top 25 rankings, too.

In the leadup to each of the five regions getting underway, USA Lacrosse Magazine will do region-by-region updates as needed.

Today, the South gets an update as the first region on the field.

SOUTH GIRLS’ TOP 10

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 3-0

The star-studded Stallions are out to defend their state title with Caroline Byrd returning after missing most of her junior campaign. American Heritage-Delray started out with a trio of wins, with dominating wins over Community School of Naples (Fla.), Ponte Vedra (Fla.) and Bishop Moore (Fla.). Previous: 1

2. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 0-0

The Crusaders 2024 campaign gets underway next week against Durham Academy (N.C.). Cardinal Gibbons’ three top point scorers from 2023, Lexi Mullahy, Izzi Hammond and Charlotte Jackson all are back after claiming a state championship. Previous: 2

3. Milton (Ga.), 4-0

The Eagles’ defense is off to a stellar start, allowing just 11 goals in four games, led by Gabriella Henry between the pipes. Milton picked up early season wins over Peachtree Ridge (Ga.), Alpharetta (Ga.), South Forsyth (Ga.), and Buford (Ga.). Previous: 3

4. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 2-0

With the Bears returning prolific scorer Ryann Frechette, the squad began the season with a 19-3 win over Oviedo (Fla.) and an 11-5 victory over Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Frechette has scored 11 goals in 16 shots to start the season. She’s also been a force defensively with six ground balls and nine caused turnovers. Previous: 4

5. Hockaday (Texas), 0-0

The Daisies begin their quest to repeat as state champs on Feb. 20 by visiting Greenhill School (Texas). Hockaday had a dominating 20-0 season a year ago, winning every game by at least five goals. Despite losing several key seniors, Hockaday still has a solid returning roster, led by midfielder Mae Flanigan. Previous: 5

6. Anderson (Texas), 1-0

After a 13-2 season a year ago, the Trojans are poised to have a big year with numerous attackers committed to Division I colleges, including Audrey Thompson, Chloe Page and Harper Jones. Anderson picked up an early season win over Southlake (Texas). Previous: 6

7. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 4-0

The Titans are looking to repeat as state Class 5A-6A champions, after only losing two games, both by a single goal a year ago. The season opened with a 12-11 win over Mill Creek (Ga.), followed by comfortable wins over Walton (Ga.), West Forsyth (Ga.) and Pace (Ga.). Previous: 7

8. Hagerty (Fla.), 3-1

The Huskies won their first three games of the season, including a major 9-6 win over Lake Highland Prep as the season opener. Hagerty also picked up wins over Episcopal School of Jacksonville (Fla.) and Winter Springs (Fla.) before losing to IMG Academy (Fla.). Previous: 10

9. Plant (Fla.), 6-0

The Panthers are off to a hot start with six wins in the first two weeks of the season. The wins include a 13-12 decision over Ponte Vedra (Fla.) and 13-11 victory over Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Mckenzey Craig has been a prolific scorer to start the year with 15 goals and 16 assists. Previous: NR

10. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 3-1

The Highlanders stumbled in their season opener, losing to Hagerty 9-6. Lake Highland responded to the loss with wins over West Forsyth (Ga.), Vero Beach (Fla.) and the First Academy (Fla.). Senior Alex Horn has a team-leading 11 points to start the season. Previous: 8

SOUTH GIRLS’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ryann Frechette, Bartram Trail (Fla.)

Florida recruit Ryan Frechette continues her prolific scoring career, starting out the year with a five-goal effort against Olvedo following by scoring six times against Ponte Vedra (Fla.). She also has six ground balls and nine caused turnovers in the first two games.

Also notable: Henley Bredemann, Bishop England (S.C.); Mckenzey Craig, Plant (Fla.)