Taylor's Takes: My Top 10 Teams

Mondays are always fascinating to me during the spring because that is the day that polls are released.

I’m always curious to see where teams fall and who rises after big victories. I typically have a change or two I’d make with each one. With the parity this season being greater than ever, though, it’s getting harder and harder for coaches and critics alike to make a top 10 - and even more difficult to rank teams 1-25.

Everyone is beating everyone, and it’s nearly impossible to create a clear cut, definitive and objective poll based on wins, losses and level of play.

With so many upsets, overtimes and close battles as of late, I figured now would be as good a time as ever to take my chances and do a top 10 myself. With that, let’s see how teams line up this week!

Editor’s Note: The following is based on results through Monday, April 1.

1. Northwestern

Despite the Wildcats’ overtime loss to Penn State, I would still rank Northwestern the No. 1 team right now. They have six ranked wins, and the only other blemish on their resume is an early season loss to Notre Dame. In my opinion, Northwestern is the most complete team across the board at this point in the season. They have red-hot offensive threats in Izzy Scane, Erin Coykendall and Madison Taylor. They have security in both the center circle and goal, and they have a solid, versatile defense that can switch schemes. Northwestern also has championship experience that it will rely on as May approaches, making the Wildcats even harder to stop.

2. Notre Dame

Even though the Irish beat Northwestern, I have Notre Dame sitting steady at No. 2 this week. The Irish have quality wins against North Carolina and Boston College in addition to their victory over the Wildcats, but they have had close calls against unranked Clemson and Brown that made me push them to No. 2. Behind Northwestern, I think Notre Dame’s offense is the scariest to face when they’re firing on all cylinders, and their defense is just as smothering. MK Doherty has nerves of steel, and the Irish’s belief in each other is palpable. Personally, I would love to see the Irish and Wildcats battle it out again in May.

3. Boston College

With the Eagles’ losses being to my current Nos. 1 and 2, it only makes sense to me to hold Boston College at No. 3. The Eagles have offensive weapons galore, versatility in and on the draw circle and a smothering defense backed by the phenomenal Shea Dolce. The Eagles haven’t had too many difficult non-conference matchups, but their upcoming ACC battles should not only show fans how good they actually are but will also prepare them for tournament time.

4. Maryland

The Terps had a rollercoaster of a week. They earned the No. 1 ranking in the polls, dropped a midweek contest to an impressive Penn squad and then went on to beat then-No. 2 Michigan on the road. The Quakers loss definitely drops Maryland from the top spot, but the road victory against the Wolverines keeps them in the top four. Goalie Emily Sterling had outstanding performances in both games and is the backbone to one of the best defenses in the country. With wins against five ranked opponents, Maryland has been tested and will continue to be with upcoming games against Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Princeton and Penn State. 

5. Syracuse

Syracuse, similar to Maryland, has had a rollercoaster of a season. The Orange have quality wins over Notre Dame, Virginia, Loyola and North Carolina, and their only loss outside of the top 10 is to Stony Brook. As of late, it has been midfielder Maddie Baxter who has provided the spark that Syracuse has been looking for, and she could be their not-so-secret weapon. Playing in the ACC automatically creates a gauntlet of a schedule for the Orange, and they’ve proven themselves against quality competition as of late, making them worthy of a top five ranking.

6. Michigan

With the Wolverines’ only loss being to Maryland, many will probably wonder why I don’t have them higher. While their overall record is impressive, and they have top-tier players who have performed exceptionally, the Wolverines’ three ranked wins just aren’t as high caliber as others. With that being said, the Wolverines’ upcoming schedule provides many opportunities for players like Kaylee Dyer and Jill Smith to showcase their skills against top-level talent and continue to push Michigan up.

7. Penn

The Quakers jumped the most from last week, earning a No. 7 ranking in my personal poll. (Though, that will surely change after Wednesday’s loss to Princeton). I was on call for their game against Maryland and was truly impressed with the discipline, grit and fundamentally sound play. They played a full 60 minutes against the Terps and showcased what Quaker lacrosse is all about on both ends of the field. The Quakers have ranked wins against Johns Hopkins, Harvard and Maryland.

8. Loyola

Loyola’s most recent battle against Syracuse showcased a combined creativity, composure and competitive edge that will be scary for teams to face. These characteristics have always aligned with any Loyola team, and this season, it’s no different. With four ranked wins, a close call against the Orange last week and consistent play from stars Chase Boyle and Sydni Black, I expect Loyola to continue to hang in the top 10.

9. Johns Hopkins

The Blue Jays were the team that I thought was most underrated coming into 2024, and they’re proving why. They recently beat James Madison at home, secured a huge victory over Stony Brook on the road, and their only losses are to Northwestern, Penn and Loyola. With five players at 30-plus points, Johns Hopkins’ offense is a nightmare to face and can put goals on the board.

10. Florida

Florida has been a sleeper team as of late. Not many of us have been mentioning the Gators since their overtime win over Maryland due to their weaker strength of schedule, but they have quietly earned an 11-2 record with big wins over Princeton and the Terps in 2024. With their only losses coming to Loyola and North Carolina in their first two games, Florida has learned a few lessons along the way and is playing stellar lacrosse. They could be a team that easily takes down a top-seeded program come tournament time.