Darien finished third in the Northeast last year but is poised for an even better 2020 season with plenty of talented players leading the way. The Blue Wave start the year as the team to beat.

*US Lacrosse Magazine recently released its Nike/US Lacrosse High School Girls Preseason National Top 25. Check it out here.

1. Darien (Conn.)
Last season: 21-2

Expectations are soaring as the Blue Wave return two of the best players in the country in seniors Sarah Jaques and Ashley Humphrey, among a slew of other talent. Jaques and Humphrey, who are each headed to Stanford, combined for 147 goals and 96 assists last season as Darien captured its sixth state in seven years and 18th overall. This year, the Blue Wave will try to deliver the first undefeated season to legendary coach Lisa Lindley. You can read a preseason feature about Jacques and Humphrey here.

2. Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-2

The Seahawks must replace Northeast Player of the Year Caroline DeBellis, but coach Danielle Castellane has built Cold Spring Harbor into a powerhouse program on Long Island. CSH claimed its second straight state Class C title in 2019 and will be led by senior Isabelle Vitalle (USC), who finished with 58 goals and 56 goals last season.

3. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
Last season: 17-1

Katie DeSimone (Duke), one of the top recruits in the 2020 class, recorded 67 goals and 24 assists last seasons as the Friars earned another CHSAA title. St. Anthony’s returns DeSimone among a strong nucleus and will once again play one of the hardest schedules in the northeast. The slate includes matchups with Cold Spring Harbor, Sacred Heart Academy (N.Y.), Garden City (N.Y), Oak Knoll (N.J.) and Darien.

4. Garden City (N.Y.)
Last season: 12-6

Last season was a bit uneven for coach Diane Chapman’s powerhouse program, but the Trojans should rebound thanks to stellar depth in the junior and sophomore classes. Juniors Sydney Pappas (Villanova) and Alexandra Hopkins (Yale) are among the top returners.

5. Manhasset (N.Y.)
Last season: 16-3

Manhasset was the top-ranked squad in the northeast for much of the 2019 season, and now the Indians will contend with a resurgent Garden City squad in one of the toughest leagues in the country. The Indians are led by the outstanding junior duo of Emma LoPinto (Florida) and Grace Gately (Villanova), who combined for 91 goals and 44 assists last year.

6. Mount Sinai (N.Y.)
Last season: 15-3

Coach Al Bertolone has built the Mustangs into one of the strongest programs in the state. Mount Sinai, a Class C school, consistently competes with bigger schools and will continue to prove itself that way. Junior goalie Emily Lamparter (Maryland) is one of the best in the country, and senior midfielder Jennifer Markey (Syracuse) looks to lead a dynamic Mount Sinai offense.

7. Eastport-South Manor (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-1

Seniors Ellie Masera (Stony Brook) and Samantha Filippi (Princeton) lead a loaded cast of returners for the Sharks, who are seeking their second straight state Class B title. Masera finished 2019 with 58 goals and 10 assists.

8. Sacred Heart (N.Y.)
Last season: 13-6

Sacred Heart, which played one of the toughest schedules in the country last year, will once again face a challenging slate, including multiple games against St. Anthony’s (N.Y.). Senior attacker Kate Matthews (Stony Brook) and senior defender Kyra O’Driscoll (Lafayette) will try to help lead Sacred Heart as it seeks to replace a talented graduated class — most notably Arden Tierney, who leads Richmond in goals.

9. Baldwinsville (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-2

Senior midfielder Katie Pascale (Albany) looks to lead the Bees to their first state title since 2000. Baldwinsville fell just short in 2019, dropping a 10-8 decision to Northport (N.Y.) in the state Class A final. Pascale finished with 56 goals and 34 assists, and junior Emma Gebhart (Georgetown) added 55 goals and 12 assists.

10. Northport (N.Y.)
Last season: 21-1

Northport is looking to defend its state Class A title. Senior Danielle Pavinelli (Florida) led the Tigers with 91 goals and 36 assists in 2019 and is one of the top returning players, along with fellow senior Alexa Gentile (North Carolina).