Ward Melville, Lake Forest Surge in High School Girls' Regional Rankings

Ward Melville (N.Y.) and Lake Forest (Ill.) became the latest teams to join the USA Lacrosse High School Girls' Regional Top 10 rankings, presented by CWENCH Hydration.

Northport (N.Y.) was unbeatable for a stretch, but Ward Melville handed the Tigers an overtime defeat to vault the Patriots the Northeast Top 10.

Lake Forest has been dominant in an unblemished start to its season, outscoring opponents 214-62 and scoring at least 13 goals in all its games.

In the Mid-Atlantic Top 10, unbeaten St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.) fell for the first time as Stone Ridge (Md.) won late in overtime to secure its first outright ISL regular-season title.

In the West Top 10, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) and Coronado (Calif.) prevailed in top-10 showdowns.

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

One thrilling matchup in-region led to the only newcomer in the Northeast, and this week there are more showdowns ahead.

Ward Melville (N.Y.) knocked Northport (N.Y.) from the ranks of the unbeaten. It took overtime in a great game, but they handed the Tigers their first loss to earn a spot in the Top 10 rankings.

Darien (Conn.) continues to stand up to every challenge. The Blue Wave rolled by New Canaan (Conn.). They take on Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.) and last year's big breakout team, Nyack (N.Y.), in a week of stiff competition. 

Garden City (N.Y.) came out on top in another big meeting. They sent Manhasset (N.Y.) out of the rankings with a key head-to-head win.

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

1. Darien (Conn.), 11-0

Adriana Gromelski (Yale) had four goals, two draw controls and three caused turnovers, Morgan Hite (Cornell) and Anna Von Kennel (Florida) had two goals and two assists apiece, and Cam Pokorny (Penn), Lilly Davenport (Villanova), and Giuliana Franchetti (Villanova) each added a pair of goals in a 16-5 win over rival New Canaan (Conn.). It’s a big week ahead for the Blue Wave, with Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.) and Nyack (N.Y.) up next. Previous: 1

2. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 8-1

After a 51-game winning streak was snapped in overtime at Darien in April, the Friars have reeled off eight consecutive wins, including a 14-2 victory at Wilton (Conn.). Emma Speed (Florida) had five goals and two assists, Madison Sussi (UMass) had three goals, Anna Christie (Notre Dame) had a pair of goals, and Sophia Novelli (Vanderbilt) had five draw controls, two caused turnovers, and three ground balls. Previous: 2

3. Phillips Andover (Mass.), 13-0

Maren Boyle had four goals and one assist, Ashley Dimnaku had three goals and one assist, Sara Powers had two goals and two assists, and Emma Morrison and Scarlet Glass added two goals apiece in a 17-1 win over Austin Prep (Mass.). That followed a 23-10 victory over Dana Hall (Mass.). Previous: 3

4. Sayville (N.Y.), 12-0

Sophia Buffardi had five goals and two assists and won 10 draw controls, Dylan McNamara (Florida State) netted a hat trick, Morgan Farrell (Johns Hopkins) had two goals and one assist and Olivia Desimone (Florida State) and Olivia Razzano (UMass) each had one goal and two assists in a 14-6 win over Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.). Previous: 4

5. Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.), 9-4

Peyla Carcaterra erupted for five goals and two assists, Haley Washall (Penn State) had five goals and one assist, Sasha Mollett had two goals and three assists, Riley Driscoll had a pair of goals, Finley Baras had one goal and two assists, and Georgia Lillis (Stanford) chipped in with two assists in a 15-4 win over Phillips Exeter (NH). Bring on the Blue Wave next. Previous: 5

6. Noble & Greenough (Mass.), 12-2

Bea Trinque (Richmond) and Maeve O’Reilly netted four goals each, Pesley Upton (Princeton) and Corey Kumin (North Carolina) had three goals and three assists apiece, and Cecily Baron, Kirby Smink and Chloe Jeppson (Bowdoin) chipped in with one goal and one assist each in an 18-5 win over Brooks (Mass.), which preceded a 14-7 victory against St. George’s (R.I.). Previous: 6

7. Garden City (N.Y.), 12-2 

Averie Smith (Yale) had four goals and two assists, Michaela Molgano (Penn) had three goals and two assists, Kim Colucci (William & Mary) netted a hat trick, Regan Backer (Virginia), Grace Brantuk (Cornell), and Ashley Clark (Harvard) each had two goals and one assist in a 16-8 Woodstick Classic win at Manhasset (N.Y.). Previous: 9

8. West Islip (N.Y.), 11-1 

Ava Obloj (Florida) had four goals, two assists, and 10 draw controls, Mia Nicolosi (Adelphi) scored three goals, Jenna Obloj (Florida) had two goals and one assist and Sarah Flynn, Carly Obloj and Kayley Obloj each had one goal and one assist in a 13-11 win over Smithtown West (N.Y.). Previous: 10

9. Ward Melville (N.Y.), 11-1

Keira Pirozzi (Marist) netted the overtime winner to lift the Patriots over rival Northport (N.Y.). A 22-6 win over Riverhead (N.Y.) followed, with Jordyn Stiles (FDU) scoring four goals and chipping in a pair of assists, Mia Modica (Hofstra) had three goals and one assist, and Kailey Finley, Maggie Giachetti, and Maeve McKay (Bryant) had two goals apiece. Previous: NR

10. Northport (N.Y.), 10-1
The Tigers bounced back from their first defeat of the season against Ward Melville to defeat Bay Shore, 16-6. Riley Cash (Ohio State) led the way with five goals and two assists, Kate Atkinson (Vanderbilt) had three goals and two assists, Ava Demarco had two goals and four assists, and Megan Florio (Marist) and Charlotte Hoschel had two goals and two assists apiece. Previous: 7

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic Top 10

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) saw its perfect season come to an end with a loss to Stone Ridge (Md.) in the final seconds of overtime. Maryvale (Md.) and Manchester Valley (Md.) are the only unbeatens left in the Top 10. 

Maryvale is looking to remain perfect through two more games. The Lions are into the semifinals of the IAAM A Conference playoffs that got underway at the end of last week. They face a Notre Dame Prep (Md.) team that has improved through the season and knocked off fifth-seeded Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 9-7. The other semifinal features perennial power St. Paul’s (Md.), the sixth seed which upset third-seeded St. Mary’s (Md.), against McDonogh (Md.). The championship game is Friday at USA Lacrosse.

SSSAS must turn its attention to the ISL AA playoffs. No. 10 Good Counsel (Md.) also starts its WCAC title defense.

The season is winding down for most leagues in the region. Manchester Valley closed another regular season unbeaten. Penn Charter (Pa.) avenged one of their losses with a huge Inter-Ac League win over Episcopal Academy (Pa.) and is in position to win the conference. This week, Agnes Irwin (Pa.) has the most consequential Inter-Ac schedule with both Penn Charter and Notre Dame (Pa.) on tap.

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

1. Maryvale (Md.), 16-0

The top-seeded Lions began their quest to repeat as IAAM A Conference champions with a 17-3 win over Severn (Md.) in the quarterfinals on April 30. Maddie Moran scored four times and had three draw controls. Cayden Reese had two goals and four assists and Carly Aldridge scored four goals and provided two assists. Reese scored four goals and had three assists and three draws, Moran had two goals, an assist and four draw controls and Emma Mohn scored twice in a 15-4 win over Bryn Mawr (Md.) that wrapped up a perfect regular season. Maryvale faces Notre Dame (Md.) in the semifinals today. Previous: 1

2. Penn Charter (Pa.) 19-2

The Quakers sandwiched big wins over Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) and Manheim Township (Pa.) with a key 9-8 win over Episcopal Academy (Pa.). It was a balanced effort for Penn Charter in the win over Episcopal to avenge one of their two losses this season. Molly Dougherty, Lila Marciniak and Lila Gonnella all had two goals and an assist apiece. Laila Sharp caused three turnovers. Previous: 2

3. Conestoga (Pa.), 16-1 

The Pioneers picked up two more wins. They topped Harriton (Pa.) 14-3 and then got by Radnor (Pa.) 10-7 with Lu Misener scoring a hat trick and Lia Messina and Maggie Neary having two goals apiece and Bianca Antonacci supplying three assists. Courtney Smock made seven saves. They’ll finish the regular season hosting Marple Newtown (Pa.). Previous: 5 

4. Manchester Valley (Md.), 14-0 

The Mavericks were dominant in three wins this week to close the regular season. In wins over Winters Mill (Md.), Liberty (Md.) and Huntingtown (Md.), Manchester Valley held a 49-3 scoring advantage. They’ve already won a Carroll County championship and now look to add a state crown in the postseason. Previous: 9

5. Episcopal (Pa.), 13-4

The Churchwomen had a tough week. They fell in overtime, 11-10, to IMG Academy despite five goals from Maeve Irish and a hat trick from Abby Stankewicz. Then, despite Nora Bailer having 15 draw controls, Episcopal also lost to Penn Charter. Caroline Johnston scored two goals and had an assist, Maya Le scored twice and Sofia Gagliardi had a goal and two assists. Fallon Crowther made six saves. Their only game this week is against Springside Chestnut Hill. Previous: 3

6. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 11-4

The Owls had a 2-1 week. After opening with a 12-6 win over Germantown Academy (Pa.), Agnes Irwin dropped an 11-6 decision to IMG Academy (Fla.). They rebounded with an 8-4 win over Villa Maria Academy (Pa.). They face a big week with red-hot Penn Charter and Notre Dame Academy (Pa.) this week. Previous: 6

7. Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.), 12-6

The Irish swept Springfield Chestnut Hill and Downingtown East (Pa.). Madyn Arata made 11 saves in the 15-7 win over Downingtown. Riley Davis had five goals and five draws, Keira McHugh scored four times and Emma Anthony provided three assists. Abby Sims had five ground balls. They wrap up the regular season with games against Germantown Academy and Agnes Irwin. Previous: 7

8. McDonogh (Md.), 12-3

The Eagles ran their winning streak to eight straight. First, they closed the regular season and clinched the No. 2 seed for the IAAM A Conference playoffs with a 14-4 win over Notre Dame (Md.) behind 11 saves from Reagan O’Donovan and four goals and two assists from Ayiana Hammonds-Rippon. Hammonds-Rippon had five goals and an assist as they opened playoff action with a 14-8 win over Glenelg Country (Md.) in the quarterfinals. They face St. Paul’s (Md.) today in the semifinals. Previous: 8

9. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.), 19-1

After 17 straight wins, an overtime goal with seven seconds by Stone Ridge (Md.) left the Saints on the wrong side of the scoreboard, 12-11, for the first time this season. They immediately started another winning streak with wins over James Madison (Va.) and Lightridge (Va.). Chloe Lambert had 43 draws, eight goals and three assists on the week. The second-seeded Saints were scheduled to face Bullis (Md.) in the ISL AA tournament quarterfinals Monday with the winner playing Wednesday in the semifinals. Previous: 4

10. Good Counsel (Md.), 15-2
The Falcons defeated St. John’s College (D.C.) 15-10 to complete an undefeated regular season in the WCAC. They hold the top seed for the playoffs that begin today with them taking on the winner of a play-in game scheduled for Monday. The championship is May 11 at Georgetown University. Previous: 10

— Justin Feil

South Top 10

It's full playoff mode for the South. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) won its regional title, Lake Highland (Fla.) reached the regional title game, Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.) celebrated a regional crown and Ponte Vedra (Fla.) picked up a regional final by taking some revenge against Bartram Trail in a rematch of last year's season-ending loss.

In Georgia, West Forsyth (Ga.), Milton (Ga.) and Lambert (Ga.) all got off to dominant starts in their playoff action. Cambridge (Ga.) is soon to join them in the postseason.

Anderson (Texas) kept its perfect record intact. Episcopal Dallas (Texas) finally got back in action.

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

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 19-1 
The Stallions earned a regional championship thanks to an 18-3 win over St. Andrew’s (Fla.). The victory followed a 20-2 win over St. Edward’s (Fla.). Senior Lily Svirsky had a five-goal, six-assist effort in the win. Previous: 1

2. Lake Highland (Fla.), 18-2
The Highlanders advanced to the regional finals thanks to a 16-3 win over Bishop Moore (Fla.). Giselle Jaskiewicz had a team-leading four goals. The Highlanders’ regional final against Berkeley Prep (Fla.) was delayed to Monday after deadline. Previous: 2

3. West Forsyth (Ga.), 19-0
Bryce Birkholz’s eight-goal, two-assist performance helped West Forsyth (Ga.) to a 25-0 win over Carrollton (Ga.). West Forsyth (Ga.) next faces Mill Creek (Ga.). Previous: 3

4. Milton (Ga.), 16-2
The Eagles opened playoff action with a 21-0 win over Oconee County (Ga.). Milton next faves River Ridge (Ga.). Previous: 4

5. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 15-3
The Sharks earned a regional title last week thanks to a 7-5 win over Lake Mary (Fla.). The victory followed an 11-3 victory over Bartram Trail (Fla.), avenging a loss to the Bears in last year’s playoffs. Ponte Vedra faces Vero Beach (Fla.) in the state semifinals. Previous: 5

6. Cambridge (Ga.), 15-4
After a 10-day layoff, the Bears returned to action to easily defeat Holy Innocents Episcopal (Ga.) 22-1. Now Cambridge awaits to find out its next postseason assignment. Previous: 6

7. Anderson (Texas), 13-0
The Trojans maintained their perfect record by defeating Southlake (Texas) 16-9. The win advanced Anderson to the state semifinals to be played this weekend. Previous: 7

8. Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.), 15-3
The Eagles earned a regional title after defeating Bolles (Fla.) 22-12. In the regional semifinal, junior Ann Commander scored five goals, leading ESJ over Oak Hall (Fla.) 18-9. Previous: 8

9. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 14-2
After a nearly two-week layoff after upsetting Hockaday (Texas), the Eagles easily defeated Austin (Texas) 21-6. Next up on ESD”s schedule is Kinkaid (Texas). Previous: 9

10. Lambert (Ga.), 16-2
The Longhorns advanced in the playoffs via a 21-4 victory over Denmark (Ga.). Hailey MacDonald and Kate Barratt had multigoal games. Lambert next faces Cherokee (Ga.). Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

Midwest Top 10

Lake Forest (Ill.) became the newest team to debut in the region's rankings.

Upper Arlington (Ohio) remains on an impressive march. No. 2 Loyola (Ill.) has impressed as well. It beat a previously ranked team and made it look easy.

New Trier (Ill.) got back on track with three straight wins. St. Francis DeSales (Ohio) and Kentucky Country Day (Ky.) have put together long winning streaks.

Mariemont (Ohio) has looked great, particularly on offense, and did so again in a key in-state class against Indian Hill (Ohio).

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

1. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 14-1 

Make it 14 in a row for the Golden Bears, who haven’t lost since their opener against Milton (Ga.), which is currently 16-2. Moreover, Upper Arlington has held six straight opponents to five goals or fewer. Senior Ellie King certainly had a performance to remember in the Golden Bears’ 16-5 win over Medina (Ohio), tallying seven goals, three assists and eight draw controls. A big-time rivalry showdown looms Thursday against New Albany, which is currently 11-5. Previous: 1

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 11-4

The Ramblers scored an impressive 19-6 victory over an East Grand Rapids (Mich.) team that was undefeated to start the week. Molly Dwyer had seven goals, four caused turnovers, four draw controls, three ground balls and an assist against the Pioneers while Chloe Mangel set a personal record with her 15 draw controls (to go with a hat trick). Three more tough foes await this week in Detroit Country Day (Mich.), Hinsdale Central (Ill.) and Lake Forest (Ill.). Previous: 2

3. Hudson (Ohio) 14-0

The Explorers took advantage of their chance to shine against a pair of top-notch opponents, tripling up on Pine-Richland (Pa.) and nearly doing the same against Dublin Coffman (Ohio). Hudson will finish the regular season with a Tuesday trip to Suburban League rival Revere. Previous: 3

4. Olentangy Liberty (Ohio) 12-3

The Patriots haven’t lost since their one-goal defeat against Hudson in mid-April. Liberty’s six-game win streak includes a big-time victory over New Trier (Ill.) and a more recent one-goal win at New Albany (Ohio) Thursday. Seniors Megan Benton (five goals) and Aubrey Bartosik (five assists) and junior Eloise Pohmer (four goals) all flourished in the win over the Eagles. Previous: 4

5. New Trier (Ill.), 8-5

The Trevians haven’t had many three-game losing streaks over the years. Nevertheless, New Trier sure knew how to respond to one, holding nearby Benet Academy, Deerfield and Glenbrook North to a combined 12 goals to get back on track. Junior Scarlett Subeck continued to shine, tallying five goals and two assists against the Warriors and four goals against the Spartans. Previous: 5

6. St. Francis DeSales (Ohio) 14-1

The Stallions have now won 10 in a row and their only loss was by two to another of the Midwest’s best: Upper Arlington. St. Francis DeSales can’t quite look to the postseason yet with two of Ohio’s top teams still on the regular season schedule in Dublin Coffman (Thursday) and Worthington Kilbourne (May 12). Previous: 6

7. Prior Lake (Minn.) 6-1

The Lakers played just one game this past week, topping Shakopee (Minn.) on the road 13-4. Prior Lake has now held three straight opponents to five goals or fewer. Four players scored two goals apiece for the Lakers in their win over the Sabers while nine players found the back of the net at least once. Previous: 8

8. Kentucky Country Day (Ky.), 17-1

The Bearcats ended the regular season on a 13-game win streak, having not lost a game since mid-March (to Hoosier State foe Zionsville). They’ve beaten top competition from Tennessee (Brentwood, Franklin, Ravenwood and St. Mary’s Episcopal), Indiana (Guerin Catholic and Hamilton Southeastern) and Ohio (Jackson) since. They will now focus on securing their third straight state championship. Previous: 9

9. Mariemont (Ohio), 11-1

The Warriors have been on a tear since their first loss, winning four straight and scoring 15-plus goals in all four games. That included a big road win over one of Mariemont’s top Ohio Division II rivals: Indian Hill. Mercyhurst commit Jane Muller reached 100 career caused turnovers in the victory to make it even sweeter. Previous: 10

10. Lake Forest (Ill.), 13-0

The Scouts survived one major challenge to their undefeated record, edging nearby Evanston by a goal. Sophomores Bridget Dacy and Sarah Griffin combined for a whopping 10 goals, three assists and 10 draw controls in the win. Several big in-state tests remain, including 14-1 Crystal Lake Monday, longtime power Loyola Academy Thursday and 12-1 York Saturday. Previous: NR

— Jonah Rosenblum

West Top 10

No. 1 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) only reinforced its spot atop the region with an impressive win over No. 5 St. Ignatius (Calif.).

In between the two No. 3 Coronado (Calif.) looked well positioned by stopping both No. 4 La Costa Canyon (Calif.) and Cathedral Catholic (Calif.). It was La Costa Canyon's first loss in-region, and it stormed back to win their next game.

Jesuit Portland (Ore.) sustained its perfect mark with a sweep of their next-to-last week. It can close out an unbeaten regular season this week.

Most of the West then can turn its attention to playoff lacrosse. 

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

1. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 15-0

Sacred Heart Prep stays on a roll, picking up a 12–6 win over No. 5 St. Ignatius (Calif.) followed by a commanding 19–2 victory over Menlo School (Calif.). They’ve proven they can handle top competition and still control games comfortably, reinforcing their position as the top team in the West. Previous: 1

2. Valor Christian (Colo.), 11-2

Valor closed out the regular season in strong fashion with a 14–4 win over Colorado Academy (Colo.) and a 15–4 victory against Chatfield (Colo.). They’ve been consistent all season and look like a serious contender heading into the postseason. Previous: 2

3. Coronado (Calif.), 15-3

Coronado delivered a statement win over La Costa Canyon (Calif.) 12–6, then followed it up with an 18–7 win over Cathedral Catholic (Calif.). The head-to-head result solidifies their spot in the top three and shows they’re peaking at the right time. Previous: 3

4. La Costa Canyon (Calif.), 15-2

La Costa Canyon fell to Coronado (Calif.) 12–6 but responded well with an 18–11 win over Torrey Pines (Calif.). The bounce-back keeps them firmly in the top tier as they head toward postseason play. Previous: 4

5. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 14-5

St. Ignatius dropped a 12–6 decision to Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) but rebounded with a dominant 16–3 win over St. Francis-Mountain View (Calif.). They remain a strong team, though the gap with the top spot is now clear. Previous: 5

6. Santa Margarita (Calif.), 15-2

Santa Margarita wrapped up its regular season with an 18–2 win over Palos Verdes (Calif.). They’ve been steady throughout the year and enter the postseason with momentum. Previous: 6

7. Mira Costa (Calif.), 14-3 

Mira Costa finished its regular season with an 18–7 win over JSerra Catholic (Calif.). They’ve quietly put together a strong record and continue to hold position in the middle of the rankings. Previous: 7

8. Redwood (Calif.), 14-5

Redwood fell to Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 14–2 but bounced back with an 11–6 win over San Marin (Calif.). The loss highlights the gap at the top, but the response helps them maintain their spot. Previous: 8

9. Jesuit Portland (Ore.), 12-0

Jesuit Portland remains undefeated, adding wins over Wilsonville (Ore.) 15–2 and Sunset (Ore.) 17–2. They’ve consistently dominated their competition and will close out the season against Tigard (Ore.). Previous: 9

10. Fairview (Colo.), 11-3

Fairview responded well after recent losses with dominant wins over Chatfield (Colo.) 21–2 and Columbine (Colo.) 22–7. While earlier results still impact their standing, they’ve shown they can bounce back convincingly. Previous: 10

— Sonorah Hunter