No. 1 Teams Stay Put, Others Shuffle in High School Girls' Regional Top 10s

The Mid-Atlantic Region joins the South and West Regions for rankings this week. The Mid-Atlantic did not see any changes from the preseason rankings, but that might not last long — not with four top-10 matchups ahead this week.

The year heats up quickly with a showdown between No. 2 St. Paul’s (Md.) and No. 6 Stone Ridge (Md.). McDonogh (Md.) puts its top billing on the line against the one team to beat it last year, No. 10 Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). No. 9 Good Counsel takes on Georgetown Visitation ahead of that showdown and before facing No. 5 Agnes Irwin (Pa.). It’s hard not to excited about these matchups of great teams and great players.

American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) and Milton (Ga.) are in familiar spots atop the South Region. Both are unbeaten, with American Heritage passing one big test and Milton facing a pair of battles this week.

The West Region welcomes a pair of new teams, as Cherry Creek (Colo.) and ThunderRidge (Colo.) both were unbeaten in their first week to move into the top 10. Colorado Academy (Colo.) opened its season by knocking off a ranked team and will take on ThunderRidge in another test for both teams. San Ramon Valley (Calif.) needed overtime to stay perfect at No. 2, while Torrey Pines jumped up to No. 3 after edging Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.).

MID-ATLANTIC TOP 10

1. McDonogh (Md.), 0-0

New head coach Megan Huether Nicotra will try to keep the Eagles at the top of the IAAM, the toughest league in the country when they kick off their season March 16 against Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). It should help that McDonogh has a lot of its significant pieces back from last year led by seniors Kate Levy (UNC), Amanda Lawson (Stanford), Remi Schaller (Michigan) and junior Mckenzie Brown (Northwestern). Previous: 1

2. St. Paul's (Md.), 0-0

Last year's IAAM runner-up may have lost some important cogs, but the Gators aren't going anywhere. The Gators open the season at Stone Ridge (Md.) on March 13, then host North Carolina power Cardinal Gibbons on March 16. Senior Kira Balis (Clemson) moves to midfield and goalie Susan Radebaugh (Florida) leads the defensive end. Juniors Marleigh O'Day (Clemson), Riley Vasile (USC) and Caroline Hoskins (Florida) will assume bigger roles and keep St. Paul's competitive with anyone. Previous: 2

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

The Cavaliers will open their year March 15 at Mercy (Md.). Spalding is dangerous with 10 starters returning led by junior Maeve Cavanaugh (Notre Dame) and seniors Maddie Wrenn (Clemson), Gabby Greene (Florida) and Clare McGuire (Florida Institute of Technology). This could be the year they break into the IAAM top two. Previous: 3

4. Episcopal (Pa.), 1-0

The Churchwomen started their year with a 12-2 win over Hill (Ont.) on March 7. Maura Irish (Notre Dame) had a hat trick, two assists and eight draw controls. Lainey McGonagle, Sofia Gagliardi and Kate Dente all scored twice. Sydney Richter had two points and four draws. They play at John Carroll (Md.) and Notre Dame (Md.) this week. Previous: 4

5. Agnes Irwin (Pa.), 0-0

Agnes Irwin opens the season March 15 against Good Counsel (Md.) in a showdown of some top talent. The Owls have some dynamic juniors with Caroline Chisolm (Boston College) and Mairyn Dwyer (UNC) in the fold along with draw talent Blair Fox (UVA). Senior attack Ella Springer is headed to Hopkins while senior goalie Maggie Mullen is a Richmond commit. Previous: 5

6. Stone Ridge (Md.), 1-0

The Gators beat St. John’s College High (D.C.) 11-7 on March 7 to open the season behind hat tricks for Kiri Weber and Maggie Myers. Weber also had an assist. North Carolina commit Sophia Stoltz scored twice as did Chloe Cassidy, who also led the team with eight draw controls. Stone Ridge lost just two starters after winning seven of their final eight games to capture their first ISL title last year. The Gators face St. Paul’s and St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) this week. Previous: 6

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

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). Summit doesn’t open until April 4 against Immaculate Heart. Previous: 7

8. Glenelg Country (Md.), 0-0

Another new IAAM head coach Chrissy Adair is poised to keep the Dragons in title contention. Goalie Natalie Eastwood (South Florida) and two-way middie Maggie Flanagan (Virginia Tech) will be critical for a defense that held teams to six goals or fewer in 11 games last year. Glenelg will host Colorado power Valor Christian on March 16. Previous: 8

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

The defending WCAC champions overwhelmed Bullis (Md.) 24-6 on March 4 to start their year well. The Falcons have Hannah Rudolph for one more year before she heads to Northwestern. The Falcons have a strong supporting cast that will try to expand their success beyond the league. They face a challenging week with Georgetown Visitation (D.C.) on March 12 and Agnes Irwin on March 15. Previous: 9

10. Georgetown Visitation (D.C.), 0-0

Madison Rassas (Notre Dame) and sophomore Kenzie Rassas are back along with goalie Maeve Obrist (Virginia Tech) and junior Quinn Murray (Stanford) for a Cubs squad that looked good in a semifinals run at Indoor Nationals. If they can get consistent efforts through the year, they will be tough to top. They get some early tests with a big week of Good Counsel, Paul VI (Va.) and McDonogh. Previous: 10

— Justin Feil

SOUTH TOP 10

1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 7-0

The Stallions remain undefeated thanks to a pair of wins last week. American Heritage-Delray defeated St. Andrew’s (Fla.) 15-3, then handed IMG Academy (Fla.) its first loss of the season in an 11-7 contest. Ashley Egbert, sophomore, has stepped into the goalie role in a big way. Previous: 1

2. Milton (Ga.), 7-0

The Eagles’ unbeaten start continued with a 14-5 win over West Forsyth (Ga.). Ella Pauley led the team with five goals on five shots and nine draw controls, continuing her strong season. Milton’s schedule starts to become tougher with contests this week scheduled against Lassiter (Ga.) and Lambert (Ga.). Previous: 3

3. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 1-1

The Crusaders’ season got off to a hot start with an 18-3 win over Durham Academy (N.C.). Cardinal Gibbons’ first loss of the season came to St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) by a 12-8 margin. Ella Grimes had a team-leading six goals for the week, while Lexi Mullahy had a club-high five assists. Previous: 2

4. Anderson (Texas), 4-0

The Trojans headed into the coming bye week with a 20-2 win at Lake Travis (Texas). Anderson now enjoys a 13-day respite before facing Dripping Springs (Texas) March 20. Previous: 5

5. Plant (Fla.), 10-0

The past week featured a pair of blowout wins for the Panthers. Plant earned a 20–2 win over Durant (Fla.) and a 20-1 victory over Alonso (Fla.). Senior Maddie Miller had back-to-back hat tricks last week. Plant has the coming week off before facing George Steinbrenner (Fla.) on March 18. Previous: 6

6. Hockaday (Texas), 4-2

The Daisies traveled to the West Coast and lost a pair of contests against California powers in overtime. Hockaday lost to Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 13-12 and was defeated by San Ramon Valley (Calif.) 14-13. Sandwiched between overtime losses was a 16-11 win over Carondelet (Calif.). Previous: 4

7. Hagerty (Fla.), 7-1

The Huskies had two wins by double figures last week. The first victory came over Oviedo (Fla.) and the second win came against Lake Brantley (Fla.). Previous: 7

8. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 4-1

Thanks to an eight-goal, two-assist effort from Emily Barnette, the Bears defeated Nease (Fla.) 21-4. Ryann Frechette scored five goals in the win. Bartram Trail has a big game this week against St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Previous: 8

9. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 8-1

The Titans bounced back from their loss to Cambridge (Ga.) with a 19-1 victory over Centennial (Ga.) followed by a 17-7 victory against Creekview (Ga.). Clark Hamilton scored 10 goals for the week. Previous: 9

10. Westlake (Texas), 4-0

The Chaparrals survived a back-and-forth affair against St. Michael’s (Texas), with Morgan Ortega scoring in the final minute to lift Westlake to a one-goal victory. She scored two of her five goals late as Westlake trailed St. Michael’s in the fourth quarter. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

WEST TOP 10

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

The Mustangs kicked off their season with a 13-9 victory over previously-ranked No. 6 St. Ignatius (Calif.) on March 7. This year’s elite team features 11 seniors and nine Division I commits: Charlotte Corkins (UNC), Estella Geller (Bucknell), Alexa Lang (South Florida), Zoe Martin (Michigan), Skylar and Alex May (USC), Addy Smith (Cornell), Shea Stone (Oregon) and Addy Westerberg (Arizona State). The stacked squad is looking for its ninth consecutive state title this season. Colorado Academy hosts ThunderRidge (Colo.) on March 12, followed by a road game against Fairview (Colo.) on March 14. Previous: 1

2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 3-0

San Ramon Valley had a strong start to their season, capturing three consecutive victories. The Wolves capped off the week with a thrilling 14-13 overtime win against Hockaday (Texas) on March 9, a match that provided an early test for San Ramon Valley. The Wolves also dominated against Miramonte (Calif.), winning 18-4, and secured a 13-10 victory over Tamalpais (Calif.). Villanova commit Leslie Iorio netted 15 goals across the three games, including six against a tough Hockaday team that’s skilled on the draw and athletic across the board. Up next, the Wolves host Marin Catholic (Calif.) on March 12 before heading to Redwood (Calif.) for a match on March 14. Previous: 2

3. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 3-0

In a stunning upset in the West region, Torrey Pines secured a 13-12 victory over previously ranked No. 5 Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) on March 8. The Falcons showcased their depth and skill with goals distributed among six players, highlighting the team’s overall talent. Junior Sydney Stewart, a USC commit, and senior Laurel Gonzalez (John Hopkins) each registered three goals and showcased their possession prowess with seven draw controls apiece. Torrey Pines took home another win, 15-4, against Carlsbad (Calif.) on March 6. The defending CIF state champions are gearing up for a challenging week ahead, facing off against St. Johns (Texas) on March 11, Scripps Ranch (Calif.) on March 14 and New Trier (Ill.) on March 16. Previous: 6

4. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 1-1

Under the leadership of new head coach Mary McDonough, the Wildcats split their first two games of the season, falling 13-9 to No. 1 Colorado Academy (Colo.) on March 7 before bouncing back to upset previously-ranked No. 3 Valor Christian (Calif.) 9-8 on March 9. Senior captains MJ Magnano (Stanford), Eleri Colon (John Hopkins), Chloe DelNegro (Lehigh) and Haley Terry (Army) are at the helm of the upper-class heavy St. Ignatius varsity squad. The Wildcats will look for a three-peat in the CIF Central Coast section championships. In the meantime, St. Ignatius gears up for three tough battles this week, at Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) on March 13 then hosting back-to-back matches against St. Francis (Calif.) on March 15 and Redwood (Calif.) on March 16. Previous: 7

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

It was a mixed start to the season for the Eagles who snagged their first victory 14-4 against Denver East (Colo.) on March 7, followed by a narrow 9-8 overtime loss to St. Ignatius (Calif.) on March 9. Senior Parker Boll led the team with four goals against Denver East, while junior Amanda Stevens contributed three goals and eight draw controls. Despite the close loss, Sophomore Leele Bigelow stood out with three goals and four ground balls against St. Ignatius, and freshman Miciah Tanella impressed with nine draw controls and one goal. The Eagles face a challenging week ahead, taking on two tough East Coast teams, Glenelg Country (Md.) on March 16 and St. Paul’s (Md.) on March 18. Previous: 3

6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 3-1

Facing its toughest opponents of the season thus far, Foothill-Santa Ana split its matches last week, defeating Mater Dei (Calif.) 11-8 at home before being edged 13-12 by Torrey Pines (Calif.) on the road. Junior Brynn Perkins was a standout performer against Mater Dei, leading the Knights with three goals, two assists and five ground balls, while sophomore Kayla Agarie matched Perkins’ performance with three goals and five ground balls. In the close matchup against Torrey Pines, Perkins scored twice, assisted three goals and scooped six ground balls; Agarie notched five goals and six ground balls. The Knights face two road challenges this week against Canyon (Calif.) on March 12 and Santa Margarita (Calif.) on March 14. Previous: 5

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

The Gators took down the visiting Hockaday (Texas) in a nail biting 13-12 overtime victory, becoming the first of two California schools to defeat the Texas team. Freshman Maggie Goldstein clinched the win for Sacred Heart Prep with her overtime score, adding to her three goals and one assist in regular time. Despite graduating five college-bound players, the Gators boast a young and talented roster, relying on five returning starters. With a strong midfield and potent attack, Sacred Heart Prep is poised to contend for a state championship contender. The team faces a series of matchups ahead: St. Ignatius (Calif.) on March 13, Menlo (Calif.) on March 15 and Tamalpais (Calif.) on March 16. Previous: 9

8. Oak Ridge (Calif.), 2-0

Oak Ridge secured its second victory of the season with a 15-4 win over El Dorado Hills (Calif.) on March 5. The scoring was shared across eight Trojans, with senior Ella Rutherford (Alabama Huntsville) leading the charge with four goals and one assist, closely followed by junior Annika Tanner who netted three goals and one assist. With a roster dominated by 11 juniors and returning six seniors, Oak Ridge has experience and depth. Goalkeepers Karli Weisser and Kaley Gunning, both upperclassmen, accounted for three saves apiece to bolster the Trojans’ defense. Oak Ridge aims to extend its winning streak heading into a pair of road games against Davis Sr. (Calif.) on March 12 and Vista del Lago (Calif.) on March 15. Previous: 8

9. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 2-0

Off to an impressive start this season, Cherry Creek rolled through its first two games, defeating Air Academy (Colo.) 17-6 on March 7 followed by a 16-4 victory over Chatfield (Colo.) on March 9. The scoring was well-distributed across seven Bruins, with senior Gracie Kindy leading the offensive unit with five goals and one assist, followed closely by her senior counterpart Emily O’Donnell who netted three goals and came up with seven draw controls. The Bruins, who went 14-4 last season, host Evergreen (Colo.) on March 12. This season Cherry Creek will face fierce opponents in Valor Christian (Colo.), Colorado Academy (Colo.), ThunderRidge (Colo.) and Regis Jesuit (Colo.). Previous: NR

10. ThunderRidge (Colo.), 1-0

The Grizzlies kicked off their season with a dominant 18-6 performance against Arapahoe (Colo.) on March 7. Eight Grizzlies put points on the board, led by junior Riley Rivera who notched six goals and two assists, followed by Rocquette Allen, another junior, who registered four goals and a whopping seven assists. ThunderRidge is a young, versatile team with a stacked sophomore and junior class. The Grizzlies gear up for a battle against No. 1 Colorado Academy (Colo.) on March 12. Previous: NR

— Theresa Palmquist