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The national rankings look plenty different from the preseason with seven new teams sliding into the latest Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ National Top 25.

The depth in the Mid-Atlantic Region has enabled new teams to rise and replace preseason picks, and that trend could continue as New Jersey teams and the remainder of the Northeast begin their schedules. The Midwest, too, will be in full swing within the week to bring the full country into action and open up more possibilities for movements in the rankings.

While the season kicks off in earnest this week for the Northeast Region, a few teams have stepped between the lines in 2022, including Ward Melville (N.Y.), which has already made noise by rallying to defeat Garden City (N.Y.) on March 26. On the flip side, Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) suffered a 7-6 upset loss to American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) at USA Lacrosse headquarters that shook up the region and national assessments.

In the Mid-Atlantic, behind returning top two St. Paul’s (Md.) and McDonogh (Md.) is rising Archbishop Spalding (Md.). Spalding could move higher when it meets McDonogh this week. Glenelg High (Md.) also made a huge move after knocking off Notre Dame Prep (Md.) and Severna Park (Md.) to start the season. Good Counsel (Md.) also inched into the top 10 on the strength of its fifth straight win, and Penn Charter (Pa.) and Broadneck (Md.) are in the national rankings thanks to perfect starts.

The South Region remained virtually the same with Milton (Ga.) leading the way and American Heritage-Delray keeping its spot based on its split against tough out-of-region competition. The one regional move came with Vero Beach (Fla.) and Bartram Trail (Fla.) flipping spots based on Vero Beach being more competitive against perennially strong St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.).

The top four led by Loyola Academy (Ill.) remain the same in the Midwest Region. Previously unranked Massillon Jackson (Ohio) made the big move into its top 10 with a win over defending state champion Dublin Coffman (Ohio) and a perfect trip to North Carolina.

In the West Region, too, there was one major mover. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) vaulted to No. 4 after a 3-1 week in which it handed Redwood (Calif.) its first loss and played top-ranked Colorado Academy (Colo.) tough before suffering its only loss thus far.

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NATIONAL TOP 25

 
March 29, 2022
W/L
Prev

1

St. Paul's (Md.)

5-0

1

2

Northport (N.Y.)

0-0

2

3

McDonogh (Md.)

4-0

3

4

St. Anthony's (N.Y.)

0-0

4

5

Archbishop Spalding (Md.)

4-0

NR

6

New Canaan (Conn.)

0-0

8

7

Darien (Conn.)

0-0

9

8

Glenelg Country (Md.)

4-1

10

9

Loyola Academy (Ill.)

2-0

12

10

Oak Knoll (N.J.)

0-0

13

11

Glenelg High (Md.)

3-0

NR

12

Manhasset (N.Y.)

0-0

16

13

Wantagh (N.Y.)

0-0

17

14

Moorestown (N.J.)

0-0

21

15

Notre Dame Prep (Md.)

3-3

7

16

Milton (Ga.)

10-0

18

17

Archbishop Carroll (Pa.)

1-0

NR

18

Good Counsel (Md.)

5-1

23

19

Penn Charter (Pa.)

3-0

NR

20

Broadneck (Md.)

2-0

NR

21

American Heritage-Delray (Fla.)

10-2

NR

22

Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.)

1-1

5

23

Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.)

0-0

20

24

Baldwinsville (N.Y.)

0-0

22

25

Ward Melville (N.Y.)

2-0

NR

Also considered (alphabetical order): Agnes Irwin (Pa.), Bryn Mawr (Md.), Chatham (N.J.), Colorado Academy (Colo.), Episcopal (Pa.), Garden City (N.Y.), Garrison Forest (Md.), Georgetown Visitation (D.C.), Massapequa (N.Y.), Mt. Sinai (N.Y.), Owen J. Roberts (Pa.), Paul VI (Va.), Ridgewood (N.J.), Skaneateles (N.Y.), St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), St. Mary's Annapolis (Md.), St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.), Stone Ridge (Md.), Unionville (Pa.)

Nike/US Lacrosse High School Rankings
National Boys' Top 25 | National Girls' Top 25
Northeast Boys' Top 10 | Northeast Girls' Top 10
Mid-Atlantic Boys' Top 10 | Mid-Atlantic Girls' Top 10
South Boys' Top 10
| South Girls' Top 10
Midwest Boys' Top 10
| Midwest Girls' Top 10
West Boys' Top 10
| West Girls' Top 10

NORTHEAST TOP 10

1. Northport (N.Y.) 0-0

The Tigers, who enter the 2022 season on a 34-game winning streak, kick off their 2022 season March 30 against Middle Country (N.Y.). Northport, which captured the Long Island Class A title a year ago, is led by midfielder Ella Cabrera (North Carolina), Duke-bound senior Kaylie Mackiewicz and Stony Brook commit Bella Germani on attack among a deep and talented squad. Previous: 1

2. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 0-0

The Friars, too, are coming off an undefeated season, and open their 2022 campaign at Kellenberg (N.Y.) with a showdown against Wantagh (N.Y.) coming up on Saturday. St. Anthony’s is led seniors Abby LoCascio (Northwestern) and Ava Biancardi (Duke), along with Stony Brook commit Samantha Ednie as part of a deep midfield unit and junior goaltender Shae Lembo (Stanford). Previous: 2

3. New Canaan (Conn.), 0-0

There’s big expectations in New Canaan, which opens the season Saturday against Stamford, and for good reason after the Rams won the FCIAC championship a year ago. North Carolina-bound senior midfielder Kaleigh Harden, senior goaltender Claire Mahoney (Brown), and senior attacks Dillyn Patten (Cornell) and Hollis Mulry (USC) lead the way. Previous: 4

4. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

Led by senior attack Molly McGuckin, Michigan-bound midfielder Ceci Stein, defender Kaci Benoit (Syracuse), Boston College-bound goaltender Shea Dolce and the top-ranked junior in the country in North Carolina commit Chloe Humphrey, the Blue Wave open the 2022 season at Brien McMahon (Conn.) on April 5. Previous: 5

5. Manhasset (N.Y), 0-0

The Indians, who opened the 2022 season at Plainedge (N.Y.) on March 28, are led by senior attack Alexis Morton (Richmond), Ashley Newman (Yale), a senior midfielder and talented juniors Caitlin Barrett, a Duke-bound midfielder) and defenders Alexandra Schneider (Virginia) and Alexandra Maliagros (Dartmouth). Previous: 7

6. Wantagh (N.Y.), 0-0

The Warriors, who lost to Manhasset in the Nassau Class C championship last year, kicked off their season March 28 at North Shore (N.Y.). Wantagh is paced by senior midfielder Madison Taylor (Northwestern), junior attack Eva Ingrilli (North Carolina) and Virginia-bound Madison Alaimo. Previous: 8

7. Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.), 1-1

After opening the season with a 7-6 loss to American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) at the US Lacrosse Complex, the Phantoms bounced back to defeat Bishop Ireton (VA) 9-3 with Katie Clare scoring four goals and Natalee Frabizio and Albany commit Mikaela Mooney scoring two goals apiece. Previous: 3

8. Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.), 0-0

For the first time in 24 years, Cicero-North Syracuse enters a season as defending champions. Midfielder Francesca Tortora (Stony Brook), sophomore attack and draw specialist Brooke Molchanoff and senior goaltender Nicole O’Neil lead the charge for Cicero-North Syracuse, which opens at Victor (N.Y.) on April 1. Previous: 9

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

Perennial powerhouse Baldwinsville, which opens the season April 2 against Westhill (N.Y.), is paced by junior attack/midfielder Carlie Desimone (Syracuse), senior goalie Samantha Tanguay (Pace) and Delaware bound junior Sophia Muscolino. Previous: 10

10. Ward Melville (N.Y.), 2-0

After opening the season with a 9-5 win over West Islip (N.Y.), the Patriots rallied from a 7-2 halftime deficit to defeat Garden City (N.Y.), 11-10, with Ava Simonton scoring four goals and setting up two others and Grace Balocca adding three goals and one assist. Previous: NR

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC TOP 10

1. St. Paul’s (Md.), 5-0

The Gators remained perfect in a 3-0 week that included wins over a pair of national top 25 teams. Frannie Hahn scored four goals and added an assist and Lauren Steer had a hat trick plus an assist in a 15-5 win over Stone Ridge (Md.) on March 21. Two days later, they took care of Gerstell Academy (Md.) 15-6. They closed the week with a 16-12 win over Notre Dame (Md.), the only team to beat them last year, as Kendall Steer, Karina Herrera and Natalie Shurtleff all scored three goals apiece. Previous: 1

2. McDonogh (Md.), 4-0

The Eagles recorded another pair of wins in the second week of their season. They stopped Maryvale Prep (Md.) 13-6 on March 23. McDonogh also dismissed John Carroll (Md.) 13-10 on March 25. They have a challenging week with St. Mary’s (Md.) on March 30 and upstart Archbishop Spalding (Md.) on April 1 in a key top-five showdown. Previous: 2

3. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 4-0

The Cavaliers won their top-five showdown at Glenelg Country (Md.) 12-9 on March 23 for another big early win. Spalding has already upended Notre Dame (Md.) and St. Mary’s (Md.) in its impressive start. After games with Mount de Sales (Md.) and Severn School (Md.), the Cavaliers will play at McDonogh (Md.) on April 1. Previous: 4

4. Glenelg Country (Md.), 4-1

The Dragons lost to Archbishop Spalding (Md.) 12-9 in a much anticipated matchup March 23. Jaclyn Marszal had two goals and two assists and Kate Fuhrman had three points. Fuhrman scored a hat trick and added an assist, Marszal had two goals and two assists, and Maggie Weisman posted a goal, three assists and six draw controls as Glenelg bounced back quickly with a 15-5 win over Severn School (Md.) on March 25. They will face Bryn Mawr (Md.) on April 1. Previous: 3

5. Oak Knoll (N.J.), 0-0

Oak Knoll will open their season March 31. They have been building their ranks through the preseason to replace seven graduated seniors. The Royals return all but one player from their first two lines of defense, and they can rely on that experience until the attack and midfield solidifies. Previous: 5

6. Glenelg High (Md.), 3-0

The Gladiators had a big week to vault into the top 10. Glenelg knocked off Notre Dame, 6-5, on the road in a defensive battle on March 21 after coming back from a one-goal halftime deficit. The Gladiators then rallied the next day from a three-goal halftime disadvantage to overtake a perennially strong program, Severna Park (Md.) 13-8 on March 22 with Kamryn Henson scoring a hat trick and Carleigh Callahan, Sophie Cipolla, Emma Kennedy and Lauren LaPointe all scoring two goals apiece. Jocelyn Torres made seven saves. They also handed Reservoir (Md.) a 19-1 defeat March 24. Previous: NR

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

The Quakers will feature Rutgers commit Katie Buck when they open the season March 30 with Hunterdon Central. Moorestown reached the state final last year, but is replacing most of its starting attack from that team. Moorestown’s toughest challenges in the schedule will come closer to the middle of April when they see Rumson-Fair Haven (N.J.), Shawnee (N.J.), Ridgewood (N.J.) and Oak Knoll (N.J.) in a row. Previous: 9

8. Notre Dame (Md.), 3-3

Despite five goals from Emily Peek, the Blazers fell to St. Paul’s (Md.) 16-12 on March 25. Notre Dame also suffered a 6-5 loss to Glenelg High (Md.) on March 21. Between the two defeats, they held off a Garrison Forest (Md.) team 15-12 on March 23 that had defeated St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) and St. Mary’s (Md.). Previous: 6

9. Archbishop Carroll (Pa.), 1-0

The Patriots won their official season opener 17-5 over Downingtown East (Pa.) on March 26. Kiley Mottice had 10 points on six goals and four assists while Emma Talago finished with a hat trick and three assists. Bridget Robinson made seven saves. Carroll faces Cardinal O’Hara (Pa.) on March 29. Previous: 10

10. Good Counsel (Md.), 5-1

The Falcons have won five straight games since opening the year with a loss to Notre Dame (Md.). Good Counsel led start to finish in an 18-9 win over Paul VI (Va.), a team that just stopped former No. 7 Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). The Falcons also defeated visiting Florida power American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) 20-10. Previous: NR

— Justin Feil

SOUTH TOP 10

1. Milton (Ga.), 10-0

The Eagles rallied from a 7-3 deficit to defeat Walton (Ga.) 16-11. Milton then participated in the Legacy Cup and defeated IMG Academy (Fla.) 16-6 and Lake Oswego (Ore.) 15-5. Maeve Simonds had an impressive week with six goals against Walton and a hat trick against IMG Academy. Junior attacker Emma Heenan, an Arizona State commit, scored six against Lake Oswego. Previous: 1

2. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.), 10-2

The Stallions upset then No. 5-ranked nationally Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) 7-6 after picking up an overwhelming 19-0 victory over St. John Paul II (Fla.). The week ended with a 20-10 loss against Our Lady of Good Counsel (Md.). Previous: 2

3. Blessed Trinity (Ga.), 14-0

The Titans are primed to defend their state championship after an undefeated start. Blessed Trinity defeated Johns Creek (Ga.) 12-8 and Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) 13-9. Marissa Inoa had hat tricks in both contests last week. Previous: 3

4. Hockaday (Texas), 11-0

It was a busy week for the Daisies, who went 4-0 for the week, defeating McKinney (Texas) 23-13, St. Stephen’s Episcopal (Texas) 17-1, St. Andrew’s Episcopal (Texas) 20-3 and Westlake (Texas) 18-5. Minje Kwun led the way during the busy week with 15 goals, 13 assists and 11 draw controls. Previous: 4

5. Steinbrenner (Fla.), 10-1

After a two-week layoff, the Warriors returned this week with three victories. Steinbrenner started off the week with a 17-2 win over Alonso (Fla.) and added wins over Riverview Sarasota (Fla.), 17-3, and Community School of Naples (Fla.), 11-9. Steinbrenner’s depth showed against Alonso as 12 players scored. Previous: 5

6. East Chapel Hill (N.C.), 7-0

The Wildcats continued their undefeated season with a 18-5 victory over Northwood (N.C.). Molly Reed led the way with four goals and two assists. Regan Reed, Katy Levy and Riley Ellis all notched hat tricks. East Chapel Hill’s next contest against Riverside-Durham (N.C.) was canceled due to weather. Previous: 6

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 8-2

Despite allowing 11 goals, the Raiders defeated Benjamin (Fla.) 18-11 in their only contest of the week. St. Thomas Aquinas will be off this week before returning to play April 4 against St. John Paul II (Fla.). Previous: 7

8. Vero Beach (Fla.), 8-2

Vero Beach started the week with an emphatic 19-3 victory over Viera (Fla.). On March 22, Vero Beach lost a heart-breaking 10-9 contest to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) after Vero Beach amassed a 6-2 lead over the then-No. 14 team in the U.S. Previous: 9

9. Bartram Trail (Fla.), 10-3

The Bears started the week on a sour note losing to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) 13-3. Bartram Trail snapped its two-game losing streak with a 13-8 win over Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Sophomore attacker Ryann Frechette had seven goals, one assist and nine draw controls in the win. Maddie Stevens had 11 saves. Previous: 8

10. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 8-2

After having Thursday’s game postponed, the Highlanders survived a tough challenge from Pine Crest (Fla.), defeating the Panthers 10-8. Lauren Pittman scored five goals, an assist and five draw controls in the win. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST TOP 10

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

The Ramblers racked up 38 goals over a pair of victories against York (Ill.) and Fenwick (Ill.). Eleven players have already found the back of the net for Loyola Academy, with seniors Maeve Dwyer and Adrienne Leone at eight goals apiece after just two games. Meanwhile, fellow senior Catherine Holcomb has already tallied nine assists. Previous: 1

2. New Trier (Ill.), 2-0

Another longtime Land of Lincoln power has been no less dominant with back-to-back 20-0 victories to start the season. Thirteen players have scored for the Trevians in their first two games with senior Grace Curry (8 goals, 2 assists) and juniors Addie Shevitz (7 goals, 2 assists) and Kennedy Meier (4 goals, 6 assists) leading the way. Previous: 2

3. East Grand Rapids (Mich.), 0-0

Mother Nature won the Pioneers' opener against Midland to force its postponement. East Grand Rapids hopes to top the weather and a couple of Forest Hills schools (United and then Central) coming up. Previous: 3

4. Hinsdale Central (Ill.), 3-0

The Red Devils topped in-state foes Naperville North, Glenbard West and St. Charles by a combined margin of 51-8. That isn't the only eye-popping statistic for Hinsdale Central as Riley Matthews already has 13 assists, fellow senior Tessa Howe has accumulated 11 goals and senior Ella Beargie and freshman Logan O'Connor have each won at least 73 percent of their draw control attempts. Previous: 4

5. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 1-0

The Golden Bears exploded out of the gate, with Camryn Callaghan (7 goals, 2 assists, 5 draw controls, 3 groundballs), Rian Adkins (5 goals, 2 assists) and Kampbell Stone (3 goals, 1 assist, 7 draw controls, 4 groundballs) all tallying hat tricks in an 18-6 opening win over St. Francis DeSales (Ohio). Previous: 6

6. New Albany (Ohio), 3-0

The Eagles have faced their share of challenging games early in the season, including a one-goal win at Thomas Worthington (Ohio). A strong Hudson (Ohio) team looms on the other side of spring break. Previous: 7

7. Massillon Jackson (Ohio), 3-0

Talk about starting a season strong, the Polar Bears began the year with a 12-8 victory over 2021 state champion Dublin Coffman (Ohio). Following a 2-0 trip to North Carolina, Jackson has a Saturday showdown lined up with Buckeye State power Upper Arlington. Previous: NR

8. Rockford (Mich.), 1-0

The Rams started their season in fine form with a 20-0 victory over Mattawan (Mich.). Issi Osborn racked up six points (3 goals, 3 assists) while Mackenzie Delacher found the back of the net four times. Previous: 8

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

The Lakers don't begin play until mid-April. Prior Lake will be tested quickly, however, when it takes on Edina (Minn.), the lone team it lost to last season en route to a state title, in its third game. Previous: 9

10. Carmel (Ind.), 5-0

After holding their first four foes to five goals or fewer, the Greyhounds were tested in Game Five but pulled out a 15-11 victory at Bishop Chatard (Ind.). Anna Dumke led Carmel with five goals and an assist, Tori Tomalia tallied three goals and seven draw controls, and the Greyhounds defense shut the door by yielding just four goals after halftime. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST TOP 10

1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 3-0

Zoe Martin scored four goals and Charlotte Corkins added two goals, two assists and five draw controls as Colorado edged previously unbeaten Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 10-8 on March 21. The Mustangs also got two goals out of Anna Colpack. They return to action April 1 against Air Academy (Colo.). Previous: 1

2. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 9-0

The Wildcats continue to roll, adding three in-state wins last week as they outscored Marin Academy, Menlo and Archbishop Mitty 54-8. They’ll meet Sacred Heart on March 29 in what could be a good gauge for the top of the West rankings. Previous: 2

3. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 7-1

After two tough games the week prior, the Knights had to fend off San Clemente (Calif.) in an 8-6 defensive battle but coasted to a 15-5 win over Redondo Union (Calif.) on Saturday. Elena Torres led the way with three goals and an assist, Brynn Perkins and Mia Marchetti each added two goals and an assist and Mikayla Yang made five saves on six shots faced in her 25 minutes of action in goal. Previous: 3

4. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 6-1

The Gators make a nice jump into the rankings after a busy 3-1 week that included handing Redwood (Calif.) its first loss. They came back from a six-goal deficit in the second half to win 13-12 in overtime. Iris O’Connor scored four goals, Ellie Noto added three and Lauren Hall made 11 saves in goal. SHP’s lone loss was by two goals to Colorado Academy and they also have a notable win over San Ramon Valley (Calif.). Previous: NR

5. Scripps Ranch (Calif.), 8-0

The Falcons beat Canyon Crest (Calif.) 21-5 on March 23, then added a 19-8 win over Sage Creek (Calif.) on March 26. Kayden Williamson, Dahlen Vilbrandt, Norah Lutz and Amanda Grissom all scored at least five goals over the two games. Scripps Ranch hasn’t allowed more than six goals in any game this season. Previous: 4

6. Palos Verdes (Calif.), 14-0

The Sea Kings rallied from a three-goal deficit to beat Redondo Union (Calif.), 11-10, on Sarah Park’s game-winner with 4:10 left in a battle of unbeaten Bay League foes on March 23. Riley Padian scored five goals to lead PV, while Harper Skeie added a goal and four assists. Park finished with two goals and one assist. The Sea Kings also added a 16-7 win over Mira Costa (Calif.). Previous: 6

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

The Eagles bounced back from a pair of losses in Florida, beating ThunderRidge (Colo.) 13-7 on March 24 behind Reagan Digby’s four goals and three assists. Kaley Kakac added four goals, and Eliza Osburn had three goals and one assist to go along with 10 ground balls. Previous: 7

8. Park City (Utah), 3-0

Charlie Iacobelli scored five goals and assisted another, Lilly Hunt tallied four goals and one assist and Gretchen Lane had one goal and four assists to lead the Miners to a 20-4 win over Riverton (Utah) on March 25. They also beat Lone Peak (Utah) 18-1 last week. Previous: 8

9. Newbury Park (Calif.), 5-1

The Panthers collected a 23-4 win over Oaks Christian (Calif.) and a 17-6 victory over Westlake (Calif.) last week to complete a sweep of their first round of league games. The defense held Oaks Christian to its lowest goal total this season, and goalie Daniella Guyette had a 75 percent save rate, following with a 63 percent save rate against Westlake. Cassie Huber had 10 goals, one assist, five ground balls and three caused turnovers for the week, while Reagan Laubner led in points with seven goals and six assists. Previous: 9

10. Jesuit Portland (Ore.), 2-0

The Crusaders were idle last week. They return to action Wednesday against Lake Oswego (Ore.), which is coming back from a tough trip to Georgia. Previous: 10

— Laurel Pfahler