Here’s what you need to know for the 2025 high school girls lacrosse season in the Baltimore area:

Storylines to watch

Locals abound in national polls:The national preseason polls were again dominated by local teams, with St. Paul’s, McDonogh and Maryvale Prep all ranked among the top five. St. Paul’s, the defending Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference champions, ranked No. 2 in both Inside Lacrosse’s Q-Collar Girls Top 25 and USA Lacrosse Magazine’s High School Girls’ Preseason National Top 25. Inside Lacrosse then tabbed McDonogh No. 3 and Maryvale Prep No. 4, while USA Lacrosse had Maryvale Prep No. 3 and McDonogh No. 5. Spalding came in at No. 9 and 14, respectively, while Manchester Valley ranked No. 21 in USA Lacrosse. Bryn Mawr, Glenelg Country, Glenelg, John Carroll, Notre Dame Prep, Severna Park and St. Mary’s also received consideration in at least one poll.

County of champions looks to extend streak:Teams from Anne Arundel County have won at least one state title for six straight seasons, and there are several contenders to potentially extend that streak. Broadneck has claimed Class 4A crowns each of the past four years, the most consecutive titles a team has won in any class since Mt. Hebron reeled off a state-record 11 straight from 1997 to 2007. Severna Park also has won two straight in Class 3A and needs one more to tie Mt. Hebron for the most titles in state history with 15. Either, or an up-and-coming team like Crofton, could again make noise at states.

Four to compete in Baltimore City:Four schools in Baltimore City — the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE), City, Poly and Western — will take the field in girls lacrosse this season. One of them might soon need a larger trophy case. City last spring claimed the Baltimore City title as a result of a tiebreaker and has now won at least a share of the championship for 11 of the past 12 seasons in which there was a regular schedule. The city teams primarily will play each other, in addition to occasional games against opponents from neighboring counties. A year ago, City defeated Poly, 14-10, in its Class 3A North II opener before falling to Bel Air.

Schedule replete with tough early-season matchups:If you’re looking to watch some high-level girls lacrosse, you won’t need to wait very long. For instance, the rematch of last year’s IAAM A Conference championship game between St. Paul’s and McDonogh will take place April 8 at St. Paul’s. Last spring, that matchup didn’t take place until the final game of the regular season. In another matchup of top-five national powers, McDonogh will face Episcopal (Pa.) at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks on March 27. And on the public school front, four-time defending Class 4A champion Broadneck will host defending 2A champ Glenelg on March 25 and two-time 3A champ Severna Park on April 11, while two Carroll County powers meet when Manchester Valley hosts Liberty on April 3.

Baltimore County’s search for trophies:It’s been nine years since a team from Baltimore County has claimed a state title, but several teams have a chance to change that this spring. Dulaney, the last county team to win a title in 2016, has advanced to the state final each of the past two years, falling to Broadneck in 2023 and Severna Park last spring. Hereford has also had its chances, advancing to at least the state quarterfinals in each of the past six seasons and falling in the Class 2A final to South Carroll in 2019 and Century in 2022. Another county team, Towson, has 13 seniors and a new coach, Gregg Gebhard, who was part of a coaching staff that helped turn around the program at Virginia Tech. Given that, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team from Baltimore County break the streak.

Players to watch

Mckenzie Brown, McDonogh, senior, defender:The Northwestern commit was a lockdown defender last season, using her speed to consistently hold back attackers and spark fast breaks.

Maeve Cavanaugh, Spalding, senior, midfielder: The former first-team All-Metro midfielder headed to Notre Dame is back after missing much of last season and is ranked as one of the nation’s top 40 seniors by Inside Lacrosse.

Tess DeLuca, Maryvale Prep, senior, goalie: The left-handed Clemson commit ranks as the No. 3 senior goalie in the nation, according to Inside Lacrosse, thanks to her agility, quick hands and smart decision-making.

Caroline Hoskins, St. Paul’s, senior, midfielder: The model of a true midfielder, the Florida commit can run all day, plays lockdown defense and last year finished with 45 goals and 60 draw controls, keying the team’s transition.

Erin Hussey, Severna Park, senior, midfielder: The Delaware-bound midfielder led the Falcons to the Class 3A state title last season, using her speed and endurance to rack up 58 goals and a school-record 112 draw controls.

Kit Laake, McDonogh, junior, defender:The speedy, Maryland-bound defender led an Eagles defense that allowed just six goals per game and also played a key role in starting her team’s potent transition game.

Leah Miller, South Carroll, senior, midfielder: The Maryland-bound midfielder fought through constant faceguards last season to finish with a Carroll County-best 82 goals to go along with 131 draw controls.

Marleigh O’Day, St. Paul’s, senior, attacker: The quarterback of the Gators’ offense is ranked No. 6 among senior attackers by Inside Lacrosse after finishing with 46 goals and 31 assists a year ago.

Emma Penczek, Manchester Valley, senior, midfielder: The Clemson-bound midfielder is ranked as the No. 2 player in her class by Inside Lacrosse after finishing with 81 goals, 31 assists, 130 draw controls and 34 caused turnovers.

Cayden Reese, Maryvale Prep, junior, attacker:Ranked as the No. 1 junior in the nation by Inside Lacrosse, the Maryland-bound Reese finished with 38 goals and 35 assists despite facing constant double-teams and also racked up 102 draw controls.

Preseason Top 15 poll

1. McDonogh

Coach: Megan Nicotra

Last season: 17-2 overall, ranked No. 2

Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist

Outlook: After falling a goal short in last year’s championship game, McDonogh returns with a veteran defense that appears to be the strongest in the IAAM A Conference. Senior defender Mckenzie Brown (Northwestern), junior defender Kit Laake (Maryland) and junior goalie Reagan O’Donovan (Syracuse) make up the core of a unit that last season allowed a league-low six goals per game. The Eagles, however, did lose several impact players from their attack and midfield and will be looking to integrate a host of new faces. Senior Payton Magday (North Carolina), an explosive two-way midfielder ranked as one of the top seniors in the nation, returns from an injury that kept her out all of last season. She’s expected to play a huge role on offense, along with juniors Ava Fossati (Boston College), Ayiana Rippon (Clemson) and Reed Pinkin.

2. Maryvale Prep

Coach: Brian Reese

Last season: 16-3, No. 3

Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: With 24 returning players from a year ago, the Lions have a ton of experience, led by attacker Cayden Reese (Maryland), who Inside Lacrosse ranks as the top junior in the nation, and senior goalie Tess DeLuca (Clemson), the third-best senior player at her position. Also back is Yale-bound junior Emma Mohn (51 goals, 5 assists), an all-conference attacker who scored a season-high seven goals against John Carroll. Maryvale Prep enters the season ranked anywhere from No. 4 to 6 in the nation but third in its own conference. If the Lions play up to their abilities, however, they could be vying for their first IAAM championship since 2002.

3. Spalding

Coach: Tara Shea

Last season: 12-5, No. 4

Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: Don’t sleep on the Cavaliers. Despite a few key graduations, they are a legitimate powerhouse, as IAAM-rival St. Paul’s found out in the season opener. That’s when sophomore midfielder Makenna Salta scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat the nation’s consensus No. 2 team, 9-8. Senior midfielder Maeve Cavanaugh (Notre Dame) is back at full strength after missing half of last season and has young talent all around her, including junior attacker Ella Jane Ostrowski (Army), junior goalie Ella Davis (Virginia), and senior defender Ella Doerschner (High Point), a three-year starter. Spalding is in search of its first IAAM championship.

4. St. Paul’s

Coach: Mary Gagnon

Last season: 16-5, No. 1

Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion

Outlook: As usual, the Gators’ roster is brimming with talent, but they will need to fill a couple of critical roles to win their fourth title in the past five years. Gone are three-year starting goalie Susan Radebaugh (Florida) and four-year starter Kira Balis (Clemson) on the draw. That said, Gagnon returns an experienced attack, led by senior Marleigh O’Day (Clemson), who acts as the quarterback of the offense, and senior Maggie Porter (Penn State). At midfield, both senior Caroline Hoskins (Florida) and senior Rileigh Vasile (Southern California) are athletic players who’ve had success on the draw, and senior Sofia Herrera (Maryland) leads what’s expected to be a strong defensive unit. St. Paul’s suffered a 9-8 overtime loss to Spalding during the first week of the season.

5. Severna Park

Coach: Annie Houghton

Last season: 19-1, No. 5

Postseason: Class 3A state champion

Outlook: The two-time defending Class 3A state champions will be searching for three straight this season, buoyed by a strong core of returners and several newcomers expected to make an impact. The midfield looks especially strong, with both senior Erin Hussey (Delaware), a first-team All-Metro selection, and junior Maria Bragg (Florida), a second-teamer, back in the mix. Last year, the pair combined for 107 goals, 37 assists, 178 draw controls and 47 caused turnovers. Also look for senior attacker Bella Van Gieson (William & Mary), junior midfielder Quinn Allison (Towson), senior defender Avery Saviano (Yale), junior defender Bella Mazzola (Davidson) and sophomore goalie Lucy Davis to make key contributions.

6. Manchester Valley

Coach: Shelly Brezicki

Last season: 17-1, No. 7

Postseason: Class 2A state semifinalist

Outlook: The return of 17 varsity players — and one do-it-all midfielder named Emma Penczek — will once again make the Mavericks an unstoppable force in Carroll County. Penczek (Clemson), a former All-Metro Player of the Year who’s currently ranked as the No. 2 senior in the nation by Inside Lacrosse, dominates draw controls, forces turnovers and commands the attention of defenders, opening scoring chances for talented teammates such as sophomore midfielder Taylor Fique (69 goals, 24 assists), Mount St. Mary’s-bound senior attacker Haylee Bittinger (25 goals, 7 assists) and Liberty University-bound junior Addison Meyer (32, 16). Senior defender Sophie Baer (Jacksonville) returns for a team that had its 36-game winning streak halted by Glenelg in last year’s state semifinals.

7. Broadneck

Coach: Katy Kelley

Last season: 14-5, No. 8

Postseason: Class 4A state champion

Outlook: Despite graduating much of their scoring punch, the four-time defending state champions will benefit from a strong group of returning seniors and juniors. On the attack, senior captain Sienna Miller and junior Nora Lopes (Louisville) lead the way, while senior Savannah Libby (Salisbury) and junior Nya Williams (Cincinnati) will anchor a defense that held opponents to single digits in eight of the final nine games last spring. Look for this team to improve throughout the season and blossom around playoff time.

8. Dulaney

Coach: Kristi Korrow

Last season: 13-6, No. 9

Postseason: Class 3A state finalist

Outlook: Though seeking their first state title since 2016, few teams have been as consistent as the Lions in the postseason, advancing to the final in four of the past six seasons and to the quarterfinals and semifinals the other two years. Now, this young squad is hungry to finish the job. Despite graduating five seniors, Dulaney returns several of Baltimore County’s top players, including a trio of first-team all-county selections in senior defender and midfielder Maxine Yeakel (Denver), who caused 24 turnovers; senior attacker Heidi Schmidt (Dickinson), who scored a team-best 58 goals; and sophomore goalie Torunn Spencer, who last year saved over half of the shots against her. Junior midfielder Sarah Crowley (St. Joseph’s), junior defender Mia Edwards (Delaware State) and senior defender Becca Melito also will play key roles.

9. Glenelg

Coach: Alex Pagnotta

Last season: 18-1, No. 6

Postseason: Class 2A state champion

Outlook: The young Gladiators have some big shoes to fill after graduating several of their top players, but might have the talent to make some noise in the postseason. Pagnotta, The Baltimore Sun’s 2024 All-Metro Coach of the Year, returns first-team all-Howard County attacker Regan Kelleher (Virginia Tech), the quarterback of the team’s offense who finished with 32 goals and 64 assists as a sophomore, as well as senior midfielder Kayleigh White (High Point) and senior defender Madelyn Renehan (UMBC). Senior Reilly Kelleher (Virginia Tech), a first-team all-county defender, will miss the season for the second time in three years with a knee injury. A year ago, Glenelg allowed just 23 goals over its final nine games and never allowed more than four goals in any playoff game.

10. Marriotts Ridge

Coach: Amanda Brady

Last season: 14-4, No. 10

Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist

Outlook: After losing a close game to Dulaney in last year’s state semifinals, the Mustangs enter this season with high expectations and a loaded young roster capable of backing them up. All but three starters return, including first-team all-Howard County attacker Katie Leader, who scored a team-high 43 goals as a freshman, and sophomore Jenna Cratin, a midfielder who can excel all over the field. Two other returners, senior defender Isabelle Perry (Florida Tech) and junior midfielder Allison Custer (George Washington), also should make key contributions on a team that is expecting to give valuable minutes to several talented freshmen.

11. Mt. Hebron

Coach: Samantha Hall

Last season: 10-6, No. 12

Postseason: Class 3A South Region I finalist

Outlook: The Vikings have been bounced in their region each of the past four years by either Marriotts Ridge or Westminster, but now might have the talent to make it back to the state tournament for the first time since 2018. The feisty and athletic squad features standouts all over the field, led by first-team All-Howard County midfielder Kaitlyn Magdar (Pittsburgh), who last year finished with a team-high 58 goals to go along with 16 assists, 62 draw controls and 25 caused turnovers. Also back in key roles are senior Brooke Wertz (defense), junior attacker Ella Berger (York) and junior midfielder Tylar Fleck, with freshman Molly Kelley also expected to get key minutes on offense.

12. Century

Coach: Becky Groves

Last season: 14-2, No. 11

Postseason: Class 2A West Region I finalist

Outlook: The team that consistently gave Manchester Valley the most headaches in Carroll County was Century, which suffered its only two losses last season to the Mavericks by a total of three goals. And despite graduating seven starters, the Knights have plenty left in the tank, led by their strong nucleus of seniors. Allison Fling (Florida), a transfer from Garrison Forest, is a four-star talent who will split time between attack and midfield and excels all over the field, particularly on the draw. Natalie Opatovsky (Shenandoah) is the team’s top returning scorer (54 goals, 20 assists), and defender Abby Kristian (UMBC) and goalie Becca Mullinix (Mount St. Mary’s) will lead a strong back end.

13. Notre Dame Prep

Coach: Mac Ford

Last season: 10-9, not ranked

Postseason: IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: The Blazers return most of their starters on defense, including Ohio State-bound senior Ella Cox, but lack experience on the offensive end of the field. Senior Addie Carey (USC), an all-conference pick last spring, leads the midfield and senior Lily Peek (James Madison) the attack for a squad that gave eventual conference champion St. Paul’s all it could handle in last year’s tournament quarterfinals. NDP has finished .500 or better in the IAAM A Conference each season since 2016, including 7-6 a year ago.

14. Bel Air

Coach: Kristen Barry

Last season: 12-5, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: The defending Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference champions are looking to build off their first regional title in six years, and appear to have the players to do just that. Despite graduating four starting defenders, the Bobcats return the majority of their attack and midfield, led by All-Aegis first-team selections Paige Feick (Temple) and Riley Manzo (Charlotte). The two senior midfielders dominated a year ago, each scoring 60 goals and, along with senior attacker Darby Doehring, winning the vast majority of their draws. Those three, along with senior attacker Delaney Burrows (Frostburg), last year helped Bel Air score at least 16 goals seven times.

15. South Carroll

Coach: Brigid Scanlon

Last season: 10-5, not ranked

Postseason: Class 1A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: All-Metro midfielder Leah Miller (Maryland) leads a team coming off a regional title and is ready to battle for its first state championship since 2019. Miller as a junior led Carroll County with 82 goals and dominated on the draw (131 controls), including nine draw controls in the team’s regional final win over Liberty. She will get plenty of support on offense from senior midfielder Charlotte Harrington (Flagler), junior midfielder Cathryn Yankle (UMBC) and junior attack Ava Krantz (UNC Charlotte), who together combined for 57 goals. Junior Rowan Miller leads a defense that didn’t allow double-digit goals in its final seven games last year.

Others considered: Fallston (12-6), Hereford (10-3), Liberty (9-6), St. Mary’s (10-8), Towson (7-7)

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13.