Valor Christian (Colo.) Seizes No. 1 Spot in High School Girls' West Top 10

Valor Christian (Colo.) dealt American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) its first defeat of the season. Both teams boast No. 1 spots in this week's USA Lacrosse Regional Top 10 rankings, presented by CWENCH Hydration.

It was a wild scene in Florida, where Valor Christian (Colo.) then fell at IMG Academy (Fla.) and American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) rebounded with a massive win over Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.).

Elsewhere, Conestoga (Pa.) picked up a pair of key regional wins over private school powers to vault into the Mid-Atlantic Top 10, while West Forsyth (Ga.) earned a historic win over Milton (Ga.) for state supremacy. 

Below you'll find this week's USA Lacrosse High School Girls' Regional Top 10 updates for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West regions, complete with recaps of the teams' recent and upcoming games.

Compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches around the country, rankings and records reflect results as of previous Sunday. 

NORTHEAST Top 10

With only three teams in action, movement was at a minimum. More of the region jumps into the fray this week with their first draw controls of the year.

For the second year in a row, Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) pulled out a win over Garden City (N.Y.) in the season opener for both. The game-winner came with 20 seconds to play.

St. Anthony's (N.Y.) meets Victor (N.Y.) in another Top-10 matchup this week to test the rankings early.

Our Northeast rankings cover Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

1. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 0-0

The Friars take a 48-game winning streak into the opening week of their regular season, which features Northport (N.Y.) and St. Dominic’s (N.Y.), before four-time defending New York State champions Victor (N.Y.) comes to Cy Donnelly Field on March 29. St. Anthony’s will be led by Emma Speed (Florida), Sophia Novelli (Vanderbilt), Anna Christie (Notre Dame) and Kelsey Gorman (Siena) on a stacked squad. Previous: 1

2. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

Opening day is still two weeks away for the Blue Wave, who are coming off a 21st Connecticut state championship. Darien is loaded once again, with returning All-American Anna Von Kennel (Florida), Cam Pokorny (Virginia), Haven Moneypenny (Harvard) and Morgan Hite (Cornell) highlighting the squad. Previous: 2

3. Noble & Greenough (Mass.), 0-0

The four-time defending ISL champions open their season March 28 at Hotchkiss (Conn.). The squad is led by Presley Upton (Princeton), Ava Newman (Notre Dame), Bea Trinque (Richmond), Corey Kumin (North Carolina) as well as Rachel Train (Cornell) and Reid Hauck (Brown). Previous: 4

4. Sayville (N.Y.), 0-0

There’s eight returning starters back for the Golden Flashes, including Sophia Buffardi (North Carolina), Julianna Montalto (Arizona State), Olivia Razzano (UMass), Jenna Messina (Coastal Carolina) and Carly Cangelosi (Rutgers). The curtain raises Thursday vs. Comsewogue (N.Y.) before Victor (N.Y.) comes to town on March 28. Previous: 5

5. Phillips Andover (Mass.), 0-0

The reigning Prep Cup champions kick off their season Saturday at home against New Hampton (N.H.) before an always interesting showdown against Noble & Greenough. Leading the charge this spring will be Quiana Bell (Middlebury), Lola Aguirre, Autumn Christian (Holy Cross), Ashley Dimnaku and Emma Morrison. Previous: 6

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

What a start for the Phantoms, who edged Garden City (N.Y.), 10-9, in their opener. Kailey Bruckner (Towson) had three goals, one assist, two ground balls and three draw controls, scoring the winner with 20 seconds left. Lily May (UMass) had three goals and one assist, Olivia Brady (Clemson) added one goal, two assists, four ground balls and three caused turnovers, Sara Richardt (Binghamton) scored a pair of goals and Peyton D’Angelo (Salisbury) and Anastasia Cirone combined for six saves. Previous: 7

7. Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.), 0-1

Peyla Carcaterra netted a hat trick, Finley Baras scored twice, Addyson Flinchbaugh (Colby) made 11 saves and Georgia Lillis (Stanford) added three assists in a season-opening 12-8 loss to American Heritage (Fla.). The defeat came in the first week of the season for Sacred Heart against a seasoned American Heritage side playing its 12th game. Previous: 3

8. Nyack (N.Y.), 0-0

Led by All-American midfielder Casey Cummings (Syracuse), Ella Gould (Michigan) and super sophomores Lila Gilbart, Abby Gould, and Ava VonKleeck, the RedHawks open their season against Pearl River. Their schedule includes national powerhouses, including St. Anthony’s and Darien. Previous: 8

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

How does Penfield open the season after winning the program’s first state championship? With a road trip to Long Island to take on Sayville and No. 1 St. Anthony’s. All-American Peyton Rothfuss (Syracuse), Whitney Reynolds (Florida State), Avery Fordham (Florida), Riley Corcoran (Arizona State) and Karis Hand (Florida) are no doubt up to the challenge. Previous: 9

10. Victor (N.Y.), 0-0 
The four-time defending state champions will also be making the same road trip as Penfield, after opening the season against Rush-Henrietta. The Blue Devils will be led by Camryn Adrid (Princeton), McKenna Anderson (Arizona State), Allie Pisano (Boston College), Carlina DiFondi (Syracuse), Lila Kubrich (Yale), Summer McDonald (Louisville) and goalie Mia Finocchario (Canisius). Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic Top 10

Two hard-fought wins for Conestoga (Pa.) propelled them into the Mid-Atlantic Region rankings. They're joined as a newcomer coincidentally by Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.), one of their victims. After 'Stoga edged Agnes Irwin (Pa.) and Notre Dame, the Irish responded with a huge in-region win of their own over St. Paul's (Md.).

Episcopal (Pa.) has continued to establish itself again as the best in its area. A win over Penn Charter (Pa.) helps after Hill Academy (Ont.) handed them their first loss in two seasons. 

This week pairs Maryvale (Md.) and McDonogh (Md.) in a matchup of unbeatens looking to secure the top spot in the region and the IAAM. 

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

1. Maryvale (Md.), 4-0

The Lions roared past John Carroll (Md.) in their only game of the week behind six goals and two assists from Cayden Reese. She also had five draw controls. They now have a 60-17 scoring edge on opponents this year. But this is a big week with No. 3 McDonogh (Md.) sandwiched between games against Severn (Md.) and Notre Dame (Md.) for an early test of their IAAM supremacy. Previous: 1

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

Sam Collins had three goals, three draw controls, three ground balls and a caused turnover in an 8-3 win over St. Mary’s (Md.). It was the first loss of the season for St. Mary’s. Spalding looks to keep their quick start going with games against John Carroll and Mercy (Md.). Previous: 2

3. McDonogh (Md.), 3-0

The Eagles did not play an official game last week, but they will be back at it against Maryvale in a top-three showdown. The two met twice last year, and both games were one-goal outcomes. McDonogh won in the regular season, and Maryvale prevailed in the IAAM playoff semifinals. Previous: 3

4. Good Counsel (Md.), 1-0

The Falcons held off defending public champion Marriotts Ridge (Md.) 13-9 in a Stick It To Cancer fundraising game. It was their first game of the season after several cancellations. Their lone game this week pits them against Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). Previous: 4

5. Episcopal (Pa.), 5-1

The Churchwomen responded well to their first loss of the season with a 7-6 win over Penn Charter (Pa.) on a goal from Maya Le. Maeve Irish led Episcopal with four goals, Nora Bailer won seven draws and Fallon Crowther made four saves. Episcopal suffered a narrow 5-4 loss to Hill (Ont.) despite two goals from Sofia Gagliardi and two assists from Le. Previous: 6

6. Conestoga (Pa.), 2-0

‘Stoga opened the season with a pair of thrilling wins over Inter-Ac teams. The year began with Price Orcutt scoring the game-winner with 12 seconds left in a 6-5 win over Agnes Irwin (Pa.). Orcutt was the only Pioneers player with two goals. Brooke Bickel, Julia Cowgill, Maggie Neary and Lia Messina all scored a goal apiece while Courtney Smock made nine saves and Sofia Calvitti won five ground balls. The week only got better when Orcutt scored four times and Smock made 12 saves in a 10-8 win over Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.). Orcutt also had five draw controls, a pair of ground balls and an assist. Bickel scored twice and Cate Holbert collected four ground balls. Previous: NR

7. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 2-1

The Owls suffered a narrow 6-5 loss to Conestoga despite a pair of goals apiece from Ella Garner and Kelsey Young and six saves from Chelsea Kim. Lucy Schardt had five draw controls. The Owls bounced back with an 18-4 win over Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.). They face another tough public school team, Manheim Township (Pa.), before a West Coast swing. Previous: 5

8. Penn Charter (Pa.) 3-2

A narrow 7-6 loss to Episcopal did not dissuade the Quakers. They came up with a pair of wins on the same day to get back on track, sweeping Benjamin (Fla.) and Potomac (Va.). In an 18-2 win over Benjamin, Ana Buckley posted five goals, Molly Dougherty scored four goals and Mak Mayers won eight draws. Harbor Campbell scored a hat trick and Sadie Humble scored twice. It was another strong defensive effort and Maeve Magarity made eight saves in a 9-4 win over Potomac. Campbell had another hat trick, Dougherty scored three times as well and Myers won 10 draw controls. Previous: 7

9. St. Mary’s (Md.), 4-1

The Saints fell for the first time this season, 8-3, to Archbishop Spalding. They have a pair of games against Mercy (Md.) and Notre Dame (Md.) to bounce back. The loss was the first time they’d been held to single digits scoring. Previous: 10

10. Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.), 2-2  
The Irish had a busy week. It started with a 9-8 win over St. Paul’s in overtime on Riley Davis’ fourth goals. She also had three caused turnovers and four draw controls. She posted a hat trick and two assists in a 9-7 win over Downingtown West (Pa.) and five goals and four draws in a 10-8 loss to Conestoga. Previous: 9

— Justin Feil

South Top 10

Some of the biggest results came out of the South Region last week. First was a big split by American Heritage-Delray (Fla.). The Stallions lost for the first time all year to a West juggernaut, Valor Christian (Colo.), but they bounced right back with a win over a highly ranked Northeast foe, Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.).

Almost lost in the excitement of those two games was a first. West Forsyth (Ga.) defeated Milton (Ga.) for the first time in program history.  Milton faces more challenges in the region from dangerous Cambridge (Ga.) and very competitive IMG Academy (Fla.).

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

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 11-1 
After a 10-0 start, the Stallions were handed their first loss by falling to Valor Christian (Colo). 9-8. American Heritage-Delray avenged the loss with a 9-6 victory over Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.). Previous: 1

2. Lake Highland (Fla.), 14-1
The Highlanders continue getting solid play from Giselle Jaskiewicz, who scored 10 goals in three games, leading Lake Highland to a trio of wins. Lake Highland earned victories over Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.), Fairview (Colo.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Previous: 3

3. West Forsyth (Ga.), 8-0
Powered by Bryn Birkholz’s four-goal effort, West Forsyth continued their perfect season by defeating Milton (Ga.) 12-9. She was also impressive with a six-goal effort in a 18-5 win over South Forsyth (Ga.). Previous: 7

4. Milton (Ga.), 6-1
The Eagles lost for the first time ever to West Forsyth (Ga.) in a 12-9 contest. Milton rebounded with an 18-1 victory of Squoyah (Ga.). Previous: 2

5. Hockaday (Texas), 6-1
The Daisies enjoyed a week off after their loss to Lake Highland (Fla.). Hockaday returns to action against Southlake Carroll (Texas). Previous: 4

6. Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.), 10-1
Following an 8-0 start, the Eagles lost for the first time against Lake Highland (Fla.). ESJ responded by defeating Hagerty (Fla.) 13-9 and Bolles (Fla.) 16-4. Episcopal Jacksonville has a big contest this week against West Forsyth. Previous: 5

7. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 7-2
The Sharks had a week away from action after defeating Bartram Trail (Fla.) on March 11. Ponte Vedra returns to play against Creekside (Fla.). Previous: 6

8. Cambridge (Ga.), 8-3
The Bears go into their big matchup against Milton on a winning note by toppling Creekview (Ga.). Wednesday’s matchup will be a battle between the defending state champs of Georgia. Previous: 9

9. IMG Academy (Fla.), 4-2
The Ascenders bounced back from their loss to McDonough by toppling Valor Christian (Colo.) 7-3. Valor is the only team to beat Heritage this year. IMG next faces Milton (Ga.). Previous: 8

10. Anderson (Texas), 6-0
The Trojans are in the midst of a 21-day layoff. Anderson returns to action this week against Lamar (Texas). Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

Midwest Top 10

Zionsville (Ind.) is the one new team in the first update to the Midwest. A loss to Hinsdale Catholic (Ill.) in one cross-state matchup did not deter them as they came back for a win in another cross-state meeting against Kentucky Country Day (Ky.).

Otherwise there were only minimal moves, even with some big showdowns. Guerin Catholic (Ind.) defeated Carmel (Ind.) in a state championship rematch. This week, Loyola Academy (Ill.) faces Upper Arlington (Ohio) in another monster matchup for the region.

Our Midwest rankings cover Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

1. New Trier (Ill.), 1-0

The Trevians won their opener against a Downers Grove North (Ill.) program that is on the rise. Senior Avery Anderson (San Diego State) had four goals and three draw controls while junior Meg Canmann added two goals and five draw controls for New Trier, which will go nearly three weeks between its first and second games. Previous: 1

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 3-0

Madison Hogg sparked the Ramblers’ opening win against Evanston (Ill.), which won 17 games a year ago, with a couple of early goals while Molly Dwyer (Clemson) also played a starring role. Jillian Rocchio (Michigan) added her own tremendous performance in a convincing win over Kentucky power Sacred Heart. More out-of-state competition looms with Ohio foes Upper Arlington and Thomas Worthington on the docket. Previous: 2

3. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), 2-0

Despite graduating last year’s two leading scorers, the Patriots retain plenty of firepower. In their 19-1 opening win over Olentangy Berlin (Ohio), senior Megan Benton and sophomore Mary Tate both tallied five goals. Benton (Ohio State) has already tallied 13 goals this season while keeper Evie Howenstine (Mount Union) allowed just two goals in each game. Previous: 3

4. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 1-1

The Golden Bears rebounded from a 16-2 opening loss to Milton, last year’s Georgia state champion, to defeat Lassiter (Ga.), which fell in the state semifinals, by a similar score (11-2). Evie Ruma contributed a hat trick in the win for Upper Arlington, which has a big showdown with Loyola Academy coming up Saturday. Previous: 4

5. St. Francis DeSales (Ohio), 2-0

Fresh off a Division II state title, the Stallions look strong once again to start the 2026 season. DeSales opened the year with two quality wins, over Guerin Catholic (Ind.) and New Albany (Ohio), 2-both of which have long stood toward the top of their respective states. Previous: 5

6. Hinsdale Central (Ill.), 2-0

The Red Devils began their season by sweeping a pair of stout Indiana teams: Carmel and Zionsville. Freshman Katherine Clark exploded onto the scene with a hat trick against the Eagles and two goals and an assist against the Greyhounds while senior Willa Braden caused a combined nine turnovers. Previous: 6

7. Guerin Catholic (Ind.), 2-1

In a rematch of the last four state title games, the Golden Eagles topped rival Carmel, 13-6, sparked by Caroline Ford’s seven goals and two assists along with a hat trick from senior Lucy Esposito. Ford wasn’t done, adding five goals apiece in a win over Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.) and a loss to St. Francis DeSales (Ohio). Previous: 8

8. Prior Lake (Minn.), 0-0

Coming off an undefeated season, the Lakers don’t begin play until mid-April. Prior Lake will start with an absolute barnburner, hosting Stillwater in a rematch of last year’s state title game. Previous: 9

9. Detroit Country Day (Mich.), 1-0

The Yellowjackets were dominant in their 2026 opener, topping in-state foe Saline by 14, led by four goals apiece from sophomores Charlotte Cook and Bella Papsin. Friday brings a must-watch contest as Country Day travels to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in a rematch of last year’s state title game, which the Yellowjackets won in overtime. Previous: 10

10. Zionsville (Ind.), 3-1

Watch out for the Eagles, who announced themselves with a 17-16 victory over longtime Bluegrass State power Kentucky Country Day. Junior Ava Ventrone’s eight-goal explosion led Zionsville, which had four players join Ventrone in scoring multiple goals (senior Addie Faber and sophomores Peyton Christopher, Catherine DeHart and Annika Helbing) with senior Sydney Rose adding four assists. Previous: NR

— Jonah Rosenblum

West Top 10

The West Region welcomed two new teams to the mix. Both La Costa Canyon (Calif.) and Marin Academy (Calif.) come in with 5-0 records after wins over ranked opponents. This region has been excellent in terms of ranked teams scheduling each other.

This week will treat us to No. 1 Valor Christian (Colo.) against No. 2 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), which has yet to lose. And Marin Academy will have a chance to show it belongs immediately with a matchup against St. Ignatius (Calif.). St. Ignatius also faces San Ramon Valley (Calif.) in another game this week between ranked teams.

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

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

The Eagles turned in the most impressive performance of the week, taking down South region powerhouse American Heritage 9-8 while playing man-down for the final 16 minutes. The Bigelow sisters, Gia and Leele, were the difference makers, with Gia finishing with three goals, one assist and 11 draw controls. Twenty-four hours later, Valor held IMG Nationals to just seven goals but dropped a 7-3 decision. The March 28 showdown with Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) will determine who will command the top of the rankings for another week. Previous: 3

2. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 6-0

Sacred Heart Prep has remained perfect on the season after two more wins this week, though neither came against top competition. Sacred Heart has yet to be truly tested, and that changes in a big way on the 28th when they visit Valor on the road. A win there would make a strong case for reclaiming the top spot. Until then, the undefeated record speaks for itself. Previous: 1

3. La Costa Canyon (Calif.), 5-0

La Costa Canyon makes their top-ten debut and does so with authority. Wins over Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) 17-5, Mira Costa (Calif.) 12-10, and Redwood (Calif.) 9-8 in a single week represent the most impressive stretch of results in the region this season. They have outscored opponents, 72-30, in the early going. Previous: NR

4. Mira Costa (Calif.), 8-1

The Mustangs suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of previously unranked La Costa Canyon (Calif.) 12-10, a result that raised some eyebrows. At 8-1 Mira Costa still owns one of the better records in the region, but this is a program that will need to prove that loss was an outlier as the schedule stiffens. Previous: 2

5. Coronado (Calif.), 4-2

Coronado has been quietly consistent and is starting to build some momentum heading into the back half of the season. They’ll play out of region against Mid-Atlantic juggernaut Agnes Irwin (Pa.) this week. A date with Marlborough (Calif.) will be a stiff test in mid-April. Previous: 5

6. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 5-1

This team continues to handle their business, with their only loss to Valor Christian (Colo.) The wins are adding up but so are the questions about the level of competition they've been facing. A pair of April matchups against Foothills (Calif.) and Sacred Heart (Calif.)  will go a long way toward answering those questions. San Ramon Valley (Calif.) also visits as a significant test. Previous: 6

7. Marin Academy (Calif.), 5-0

The Wildcats haven’t been tested like some in the rankings, but they passed their biggest challenge and the next week looms even larger. Marin Academy earned a 12-8 win over Redwood (Calif.), their first game decided by fewer than 11 goals. This week begins with a showdown against St. Ignatius Prep and a solid Marin Catholic (Calif.) squad is another week away. Previous: NR

8. Redwood (Calif.), 6-3

It was a character-testing week for Redwood. A 9-8 loss to La Costa Canyon (Calif.) stung, but Redwood answered with a hard-fought 15-14 victory over Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) the following game. A Tamalpais (Calif.) team with just one loss looms on March 31. Previous: 4

9. Marlborough (Calif.), 12-1

Nobody in the West has been more consistent than the Saints, who continue to pile up wins at an impressive rate. The elephant in the room remains strength of schedule, and until Marlborough goes up against a legitimate top-ten opponent it will be hard to know exactly what this team is. April 18th against Coronado (Calif.) is the game to note. Previous: 7

10. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 6-0

The Wolves remain undefeated and have handled every opponent put in front of them, but the schedule is about to get considerably more challenging. The March 26 matchup against St. Ignatius (Calif.)  is the kind of game that will start to define San Ramon Valley's standing as a legitimate top-ten contender or a team still waiting to be tested. Previous: 10

— Sonorah Hunter