The Inquirer TOP 10 Girls' Lacrosse

Last year's record.

Rk. Team Rec.

1. Moorestown 26-0

The Quakers - the nation's girls' lacrosse juggernaut - entered this season on a 77-game winning streak, having won the last three Tournament of Champions. It almost goes without saying that Moorestown returns yet another elite and deep team. The Quakers lost a strong senior class, as usual, including midfielder Marie McCool, who was arguably the best pure lacrosse talent ever to come through the program. But Moorestown again has Division-1 caliber talent sprinkled all over the field and on its bench, including Michigan recruits Adriana Pendino (attack) and Maggie Handlan (defense) and Vanderbilt recruit Melanie Becker (midfield).

2. Lenape 21-2

On the surface, it would be easy to cite this season as a rebuilding one for the Indians. Lenape lost the three faces of its program after the most successful season in its history, one that included a Group 4 state championship. Graduated seniors Nicole Donnelly, Courtney Norton, and Rena Carabases were, in fact, the heart and soul of that team. But Lenape appears to be taking its place among South Jersey's elite programs - and that means fielding an increasingly deep pool of talent. Shannon Gallagher (defense) and Natalie Peel (midfield), both San Diego State recruits, and Gabby Fornia (attack), a Vanderbilt recruit, lead a team still stacked with talent.

3. Shawnee 14-7

As usual, it's hard to cite a weakness in Shawnee's roster. The Renegades, one of the state's perennial powers, appear particularly deep this season. Four-year starters Lily Argyle and Caroline Farley highlight a star-studded lineup. Farley, a midfielder and University of Delaware recruit, recorded 62 goals and 44 assists as a junior. Argyle, a Vanderbilt recruit, is one of the most athletic, and most clutch, goalies in the state.

4. Clearview 15-6

Senior attack and North Carolina recruit Gianna Bowe is one of the state's feistiest and slickest offensive threats. She's battled injuries throughout her high school career but appears healthy and ready for a strong senior season. Bowe will combine with Ali Donohue, who scored 58 goals last season, and Hannah Quast, who netted 44, to form a scary offensive unit.

5. Cherokee 14-7

The Chiefs return a solid group of starters from a team that looked strong competing against South Jersey's elite programs last season. Jess Havers, a High Point recruit, will look to build on a junior season in which she recorded 66 goals and 26 assists. Havers is one of nine returning letter-winners for the Chiefs.

6. Rancocas Valley 17-4

Rancocas Valley is poised to continue its rise toward being one of the area's top programs. The team finished second in the Burlington County Liberty Division behind Moorestown last season. Junior Peyton Sventy is one of South Jersey's elite talents. She netted 95 goals last season as a sophomore and already has 136 for her career. She is one of six returning starters for the Red Devils.

7. Eastern 9-11

It's hard to bet against a team featuring the type of elite athleticism fielded by Eastern. Austyn Cuneo, arguably the greatest high school field hockey player ever, is one of those athletes. She has the type of skills that translate to any sport - particularly at the high school level - and she netted 31 goals as a junior. Sophomore attack Alexis Pettisani and senior midfielder Samantha Mlkvy also return and should ensure Eastern is one of South Jersey's most dangerous offensive teams.

8. Seneca 7-10

Seneca returns seven starters, including senior Megan Drum, a Wagner recruit who netted 47 goals last season and has more than 100 for her career. Rutgers recruit Sam Scarpello will anchor the defense. Senior Maddie Schulte is a player to watch. She scored 59 goals as a freshman but chose not to play lacrosse her sophomore and junior seasons. Her return should boost Seneca's offense.

9. West Deptford 17-5

The biggest holes West Deptford must fill are those of Paige Paratore, who generated 64 goals as a senior, and goalie Alyssa Sorrentino, the school's record-holder for saves. But junior midfielder Sam Budd, a Rutgers recruit, is a star in the making and already has more than 100 career goals. She leads a team that should remain competitive.

10. Bishop Eustace 17-2

Bishop Eustace must replace six graduated starters but returns plenty of talent, particularly on offense. Juniors Clare Monaghan, Kristin Biche, and Ally Criscuolo combined for 144 goals last season.

- Chris MelchiorreEndText