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Episcopal Academy (Pa.) girls' lacrosse.

Two New Top Teams in USA Lacrosse High School Girls' Regional Top 10 Ranks

March 26, 2024
USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Kevin P. Tucker

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 March 24.

The Northeast saw just one change in its Top 10. Sacred Heart (Conn.) lost its opener, falling three spots. Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) and Garden City (N.Y.) opened with hard-fought wins. None of the other Top 10 teams played, but they are primed to begin this week.

There’s a new No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Episcopal Academy (Pa.) vaults to the top by virtue of a thrilling one-goal win over former No. 1 McDonogh (Md.). The game was so tight that the Eagles fall just one spot to No. 2. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) remains No. 3, strengthened to stay at its spot because of a previous win over Stone Ridge (Md.), which picked up another key cross-region win over Greenwich Academy (Conn.).

The South Region almost got a monster win nationally from American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), which held Northeast No. 1 Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) in check in a loss. A tournament hosted by Milton (Ga.) caused some movement, with Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) rising one spot and Milton and Hockaday (Texas) slipping. Unbeaten at No. 10 is a sleeper team, Bishop England (S.C.).

Upper Arlington (Ohio) made waves with a win over previous No. 1 Loyola Academy (Ill.). The win vaults it to No. 1 in the Midwest Region and keeps them unbeaten. New Trier (Ill.) is just behind after a couple of challenging out-of-state losses.

Unbeatens Colorado Academy (Colo.), San Ramon Valley (Calif.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) are setting the pace in the West Region. Oak Ridge (Calif.) picked up a huge head-to-head win over Torrey Pines (Calif.) to make a jump. Valor Christian (Colo.) has faced a difficult out-of-state schedule and now looks to prove itself in-state.

NORTHEAST

1. Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.), 1-0

After the best season in school history ended with a first New York State Class C championship, the Phantoms are looking to run it back again this year. Bayport-Blue Point opened their year with a 4-1 non-league win over American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) with Shannon Alden making four saves. Ava Meyn, Erika Kreuscher, Julia Fusco and Kailey Brucker each had a goal. Aubrie Eisfeld had an assist, two caused turnovers, two ground balls and 2 draw controls. They will face Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.) March 26. Previous: 1

2. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 0-0

Talk about running it back. St. Anthony’s is absolutely loaded and chomping at the bit to get started. Tess Calabria, Meg Kenny, Amanda Paci, Lexi Zenk and the rest of the Friars take on Wantagh (N.Y.) on March 26. Previous: 2

3. New Canaan (Conn.), 0-0

The road to another (possible) CIAC Class L state championship for a New Canaan team that will be led by Devon Russell, Lexi Tully and Ceci Patterson begins literally on the road — with an opener against Rye (N.Y.) on April 3. Previous: 3

4. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

It’s an intriguing year for Darien, coming off their most successful season in school history. Hope Schoudel, Sadie Stafford, Maggie Bellisimo and the rest of the Blue Wave open their season April 7 against St. Paul’s (Md.). Previous: 4

5. Victor (N.Y.), 0-0

After winning a third straight New York State Class B championship in their last game, the Blue Devils open their season against Penfield (N.Y.) on March 27. Victor is led by Devin Livingston, Maia Pronti and Brin Gotham, among others. Previous: 6

6. Wilton (Conn.), 0-0

There’s high expectations this year for Wilton (Conn.), led by Addison Pattillo, Ashleigh Masterson, Josie Goldman and Morgan Breakey. The Warriors open their season against Brien McMahon (Conn.) on April 2. Previous: 3

7. Garden City (N.Y.), 1-0

Kyle Finnell had two goals and one assist, Kendai Morris, Mabel Overbeck and Maureen Arendt scored one goal apiece and Niamh Pfaff made seven saves in a season-opening 5-4 win over Radnor (Pa.) on March 23. Previous: 8

8. Sacred Heart (Conn.), 0-1

The Tigers squandered a two-goal halftime lead and fell to Noble and Greenough (Mass.) 11-9 in their opener. Kaitlin Robinson scored four goals, Charley Bacigalupo had two goals and two assists and Maggie Bacigalupo had a pair of goals for Sacred Heart, which takes on Holy Child (N.Y.) and Penn Charter (Pa.) this week. Previous: 5

9. Fairport (N.Y.), 0-0

After winning a first-ever New York State Class A title a year ago, Fairport, led by Katie Mallaber, Lilly Kondas and Ella Peers among others, takes on Brighton (N.Y.) to open the 2024 season on March 27. Previous: 9

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

The Lakers, featuring Anasofia Cirincione, Paige Willard and Mara Stanton, will begin their journey for a sixth New York State title when they open the season against Shaker (N.Y.) on March 30. Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

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MID-ATLANTIC

1. Episcopal (Pa.), 6-0

Avery Le scored on a free position shot with 5.3 seconds left to knock off previous No. 1 McDonogh (Md.) 7-6 on March 24 at Cabrini University. Sofia Gagliardi tied the game with 2:34 left. Seven different players scored for the Churchwomen. Maura Irish caused four turnovers and two draw controls. Grace Holland made one of her three-second half saves in the closing minute to enable the comeback win. The week began with a 9-5 win over Conestoga (Pa.) with Quinn Whitaker registering five points on three goals and two assists and Irish notching a hat trick. Episcopal also picked up a 12-6 win over Penn Charter (Pa.). Le, a Penn commit, scored four goals and Kate Dente and Gagliardi each scored twice. The Churchwomen will play at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) and at St. John’s College (D.C.). Previous: 4

2. McDonogh (Md.), 3-1

The Eagles fell to Episcopal 7-6 to end a big week. McDonogh picked up a 12-5 win over Glenelg Country Day (Md.). Kate Levy scored four goals and won three draw controls. They then earned a 13-7 win over Notre Dame Prep (Md.). Sophia Trahan and Levy both had hat tricks. Levy also had an assist and six draws. Amanda Lawson scored twice, won three draw controls and scooped up three ground balls. McDonough tries to get back on track against Bryn Mawr (Md.) on March 27. Previous: 1

3. St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), 7-0

STAB rolled through three wins this week. The Saints cruised by Albemarle (Va.) 17-4 with UVA-commit Raleigh Foster scoring five goals, Virginia Tech-bound Mia Maurer picking up a hat trick and four assists and Stuart King getting a hat trick with an assist. Maurer had five points on two goals and three assists in an 11-7 win over St. John’s College (D.C.). Martha Oakey scored a hat trick and had four draw controls. Michigan-commit Lee Kestner scored twice and also had four draws. Oakey put up seven points on four goals and three assists in a 15-9 win over Paul VI (Va.). The Stanford commit also had nine draw controls. Foster scored four times, Penn-commit Lellie King scored three goals and King had three points on a pair of goals and an assist. St. Anne’s plays at St. Catherine’s (Va.) on March 26 in a light week. Previous: 2

4. Stone Ridge (Md.), 5-1

The Gators won three straight games last week capped by an impressive 17-11 win over Greenwich Academy (Conn.). Sophie Stoltz stood out for her play. The UNC commit scored six times, had two assists and grabbed five draw controls. She had four goals and an assist in a 13-6 win over Notre Dame Prep (Md.). Stone Ridge pounded Bullis (Md.) to start the week. The Gators do not play this week. Previous: 5

5. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 4-0

The Cavaliers won their home opener over Maryvale Prep (Md.) 12-11 in a thriller on March 20. They also pulled away for a 9-7 win over John Carroll (Md.) on March 22. Spalding looks to remain unbeaten when they host St. Mary’s Annapolis (Md.) on March 27. Previous: 3

6. Good Counsel (Md.), 7-0

The Falcons were a perfect 3-for-3 in Georgia. They beat Milton (Ga.), Hockaday (Texas) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) over three days at the Legacy Cup at Milton to stay unbeaten. Hailey Huebner scored four goals, Annabelle Walsh finished with a hat trick and an assist and Dani Serrano had four assists in a 13-8 win over Milton. Hannah Rudolph won nine draw controls to go with four points. Serrano had five assists and Rudolph scored four times, assisted on three goals and won eight draws in a 17-8 win over Hockaday. In their 13-5 win over Gibbons, Carys Volley scored four goals, Rudolph had nine draws, four goals and two assists, and freshman goalie Clare Hansen made 13 saves. Good Counsel will not play this week. Previous: 6

7. St. Paul's (Md.), 1-1

The Gators were 14-4 victors over Valor Christian (Colo.) on March 18 before picking up a pair of league wins. They beat Garrison Forest (Md.) 13-3 and bested Mercy (Md.) 14-6. Marleigh O’Day had nine goals and two assists over the three games. Caroline Hoskins won 14 draw controls, scored seven goals and had a pair of assists. Rileigh Vasile also had seven goals and two assists. Kira Balis came up huge on the draw with 15 total over the three games. The Gators play Glenelg Country Day (Md.) on March 25 in a top 10 match and Roland Park (Md.) on March 27. Previous: 7

8. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 1-1

Kelsey Young’s only goal was the game-winner in Agnes Irwin’s 9-8 win over Pennsylvania public power Manheim Township on March 19. Ella Springer and Elle Brady had two goals apiece. Blair Fox won eight draw controls and Caroline Chisholm won five while Olivia Daniels also aided possession with three caused turnovers. They face a long break before playing April 3 against Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.). Previous: 9

9. Glenelg Country (Md.), 2-2

Natalie Eastwood made 13 saves in a 12-5 loss to McDonogh. Maggie Flanagan scored twice and won four draw controls. Jess Doreen had a pair of goals. Lily Preston scored a goal and had four draw controls. The Dragons beat Roland Park (Md.) 12-10 on March 22. Katie Gorski scored four goals and dished out two assists. Lilly Fortin scored a hat trick. Doreen scored twice and assisted on another. Preston had two goals and 12 draw controls. Previous: 8

10. Summit (N.J.), 0-0

Summit doesn’t open until April 4 against Immaculate Heart (N.J.). Last year's leading scorer Lily Spinner (Yale) and third-leading scorer Jane Freeman (Hopkins) and defender Cece Webb (UVa) graduated, but the Hilltoppers still have plenty back with the likes of Lauren and Kate Riley (both Dartmouth) and Anya Wardle (Richmond). Previous: 10

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 11-1

After an incredible 26-game winning streak dating back to last year, the Stallions suffered their first loss of 2024, falling to the No. 2-ranked team in the nation Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.). Despite the loss, the American Heritage-Delray defense was impressive, keeping Bayport-Blue Point to its lowest scoring output in two years. Previous: 1

2. Anderson (Texas), 6-0

It was another week of blowout wins for the Trojans. Anderson toppled Dripping Springs (Texas) 20-3, followed by an 18-6 win over Woodlands (Texas). Cincinnati commit Chloe Page had three goals and seven assists versus Woodlands, and also had six goals and two assists against Dripping Springs. Anderson is outscoring opponents 113-22 so far this year. Previous: 3

4. Plant (Fla.), 13-0

The Panthers continue to use balanced scoring to blow away opponents, with six players already providing 20-goal seasons. Plant won games against Steinbrenner (Fla.), Regis Jesuit (Colo.) and Freedom (Fla.). Katie Fisher had six goals and five assists for the week. Previous: 4

5. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 4-4

The Crusaders continue to play one of the toughest schedules in the U.S., with matches last week against Milton (Ga.) and Good Counsel (Md.). Milton lost to Good Counsel 13-5, but picked up an impressive 13-10 win over Milton (Ga.). Isabelle Hammond and Alexandra Mullahy notched hat tricks in the win. Previous: 5

2. Milton (Ga.), 9-2

It was a challenging week for the Eagles. Milton started the week with a 13-8 loss to Good Counsel (Md.). The week continued with a 13-10 loss to Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.). Previous: 2

6. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 7-3

Despite a four-goal performance from Ryann Frechette, the Bears fell to Potomac School (Va.) 16-8. Bartram Trail responded with a 22-1 victory over Tocoi Creek (Fla.) and a 17-8 win versus Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Previous: 7

7. IMG Academy (Fla.), 10-2

The Ascenders’ winning streak reached seven after defeating Olentangy Liberty (Ohio) last March 23. The winning streak ended after falling to Conestoga (Pa.) 10-9. Taylor Santos has been key to IMG Academy’s offense this year. Previous: NR

8. Cambridge (Ga.), 10-3

The Bears picked up an impressive win last week in a 16-8 defeat of Hockaday (Texas). Cambridge lost last week in overtime to West Forsyth (Ga.). Cambridge has signature wins this year over Roswell (Ga.) and Blessed Trinity (Ga.). Previous: 10

9. Hockaday (Texas), 4-4

The Daisies faced a challenging schedule last week, first falling to Good Counsel (Md.) 17-8. Then, Hockaday lost to Cambridge (Ga.) 16-8. Previous: 6

10. Bishop England (S.C.), 9-0

The Battling Bishops looked impressive defeating fellow South Carolina rival Lucy Beckham 19-2. Nini Clarke and Henley Bredemann both had four-goal, two-assist efforts in the win. Bishop England then blanked J.L. Mann (S.C.) 19-0. Clarke had five goals and an assist. Previous: 9

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

1. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 3-0

Freshman keeper Tori Maurer had one of the top performances of the week, holding previously top-ranked Loyola Academy to five goals while making 13 saves. Lilly Boyle had a hat trick just in the first quarter, as she capitalized on her free-position opportunities to help the Golden Bears build leads of 4-0 and 5-1 en route to a 6-5 win. Boyle also had the assist on Evie Ruma’s overtime game-winner March 22 against Hill Academy (Ont.). Previous: 4

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 4-1

The Ramblers shouldn’t be docked much for a one-goal loss at Upper Arlington (Ohio), one of the Midwest’s best. Indeed, holding the Golden Bears scoreless in the second half as they rallied within a goal was most impressive. Loyola also topped Hill Academy (Ont.) in double overtime, as Jillian Rocchio found Jocelyn Park for the winner (Park's fifth goal of the game), and beat a Benet Academy (Ill.) team that won 17 games last year behind hat tricks from Emma Burke and Molly Dwyer. Previous: 1

3. New Trier (Ill.), 2-2

Following a 1-2 trip to the Golden State, the Trevians picked up a 16-7 victory at Evanston (Ill.). New Trier has one more game in the Land of Lincoln (Glenbrook North at home) before heading to the Buckeye State for two against Thomas Worthington and Upper Arlington (Ohio). Previous: 2

4. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 2-1

The Patriots were dominant in their 22-2 March 20 win over Hilliard Bradley (Ohio), including five assists from senior Brenna Hefferman, and senior Isabelle Pohmer and junior Corinna Hilmas notching hat tricks for the second straight game. Liberty also impressed in its first loss, for that matter, giving IMG Academy (Fla.) a solid fight in the first game of the Patriots’ three-game Sunshine State swing. Previous: 3

5. New Albany (Ohio), 2-0

The Eagles were in total contro against a Mason (Ohio) team that won 16 games last year, triumphing 18-3. Ellie McClelland and Maddy Paz dominated the draw while scoring four goals apiece. After a week off, New Albany will return to the field with home games against Newark Senior (Ohio) and Hudson (Ohio), with the latter a rematch of last year’s state semifinal (which the Patriots won 17-5). Previous: 5

6. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 11-0

The Bearcats dominated their four in-state opponents this week, winning by a combined margin of 71-5. Among KCD’s many huge performances, senior Dylan Yonover had six assists against DuPont Manual, five against Mercy and 16 total over four games this week while sophomore Christine Martin now has a hat trick in five straight contests. Previous: 6

7. Carmel (Ind.), 6-0

The Greyhounds played just one game this week but it was quite a challenge. Carmel managed to stay undefeated, edging Cincinnati Hills Christian (Ohio), 9-7, behind four goals and six draw controls from Sophie Mock and two goals from fellow junior Riley Putnam. This week could pose a significant challenge as well, including a March 28 game against 5-1 Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.). Previous: 7

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

The Golden Eagles scored 13 apiece against Noblesville and Westfield in a pair of in-state wins. Watch out for a solid road test this week against 2-0 Zionsville (Ind.), with tough trips to 5-1 Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.) and Land of Lincoln power Loyola Academy still to come in the following weeks. Previous: 8

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

The Red Knights are still a ways off from their opener, which comes April 11 at Woodbury (Minn.). Once BSM gets started, it gets going quickly with a pair of three-game weeks, including a fun April 18 tilt against The Blake School (Minn.). The Red Knights beat the Bears, 14-6, in a Section 5 semifinal last season. Previous: 9

10. Lake Forest (Ill.), 2-0

Junior Maeve Farrell provided all the offense the Scouts needed in a 10-5 win over Sandburg (Ill.), recording three goals and three assists. Farrell also had an impressive eight ground balls and six draw controls for Lake Forest, which has allowed just 12 goals in its first two games. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 5-0

Colorado Academy comes out on top again after collecting three victories last week. The Mustangs defeated Fairview (Colo.) 13-8, then swept Air Academy (Colo.) 19-0 and went 15-4 against St. George’s (Colo.). Next up is a big game against South No. 6 Bartram Trail (Fla.) on March 26. Previous: 1

2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 7-0

The Wolves remain undefeated after going 2-0 last week, starting off with a 9-6 win over visiting Oak Ridge (Calif.). San Ramon Valley prevailed after a strong defense, anchored by senior Olivia Navone (UC Davis), held on for the victory. They went on to sweep Livermore (Calif.) 17-0. Two in-league opponents are on deck for the Wolves this week, Dougherty Valley (Calif.) on March 26 and California (Calif.) on March 28. Previous: 2

3. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 7-0

Sacred Heart stays perfect after adding two more wins against Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) and Redwood (Calif.). Senior attack Tessa Espinosa (Denison) recorded a career-high six assists against Menlo-Atherton. The Gators take on Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) on March 27. Previous: 4

4. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 6-1

In a low-scoring defensive battle against San Ramon Valley (Calif.), Oak Ridge fell 9-6 but then bounced back to shut out previously-ranked No. 3 Torrey Pines (Calif.) 11-0. Senior Sage Barden anchored the defense in front of goalies Kaley Gunning (Oregon) who recorded six saves and Karll Weisser (San Diego State) with five. They defeated Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) 11-6. Up next is Coronado (Calif.) on March 25. Previous: 8

5. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 7-1

Torrey Pines split this week, narrowly defeating Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) 11-10 before being shut out 11-0 by Oak Ridge (Calif.). The Falcons have two opportunities to rebound this week against Kent Denver (Colo.) on March 26 and La Jolla Country Day (Calif.) on March 28. Previous: 3

6. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 6-2

The Wildcats went 3-0, outscoring opponents 53-5. They defeated Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) 18-1, Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) 22-1 and Tamalpais (Calif.) 13-3. Up next is a league game against Menlo School (Calif.) on March 27 before a spring break in Maryland. Previous: 5

7. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 8-1

Foothill grabbed three road wins last week, defeating Olympus (Utah) 10-5 and Park City (Utah) 12-6 before edging Lake Oswego (Ore.) 12-11. Junior middie Brynn Perkins led the Knights with six goals, two assists and two ground balls against Lake Oswego. Up next is Edison (Calif.) on March 26. Previous: 7

8. Valor Christian (Colo.), 1-3

The Eagles fell 12-4 against Mid-Atlantic No. 7 St. Paul’s (Md.). Senior Parker Boll and junior Amanda Stevens had two goals apiece. Valor Christian gears up for Regis Jesuit (Colo.) on March 26 and Cherry Creek (Colo.) on March 30. Previous: 5

9. Marlborough (Calif.), 9-1

The Mustangs have won seven straight games after adding three more wins last week. They defeated Notre Dame (Calif.) 19-4, Chaminade (Calif.) 19-9 and Lake Oswego (Ore.) 19-17. Marlborough enjoys two bye weeks before taking on Crescenta Valley (Calif.) on April 11. Previous: 10

10. Redondo Union (Calif.), 10-1

Making its debut in the top 10, Redondo Union is on a five-game winning streak after defeating league rival Palos Verdes (Calif.) 17-11. They host two more league games this week, Peninsula (Calif.) on March 27 and Mira Costa (Calif.) on March 29. Previous: NR

— Theresa Palmquist