Spalding won its last nine games in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference to earn the top seed in the six-team playoffs set to start today with the quarterfinals.

The Cavaliers and second-seeded McDonogh (12-5, 8-2) — the three-time defending champions — earned first-round byes and head to Tuesday’s semifinals (5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The championship game will take place at 7:30 p.m. next Friday at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Here’s a closer look at the top two seeds and today’s quarterfinal matchups:

First-round byes

No. 1 seed Spalding (17-1 overall, 9-1 in conference play):Looking to bring home the program’s first MIAA A crown, Spalding has been across-the-board fantastic in earning the top seed. After opening the conference slate with a tough 10-9 loss at Boys’ Latin, the Cavaliers have averaged 13 goals while yielding just seven in rolling off nine straight conference wins. A strong commitment to team play has been the foundation. On attack, several players have produced in important moments with Brady Mollot and Joey Matassa among the catalysts. Long-stick midfielder Robby Hopper and defenseman Greyson Dunn bring game-changing talent with goalie Jacob Neuman the trusted glue in back. Poised and confident, Spalding will take on the Boys’ Latin-Loyola Blakefield winner in Tuesday’s 5 p.m. semifinal.

No. 2 seed McDonogh (12-5, 8-2): The Eagles are looking to accomplish a first in the MIAA A with a fourth straight championship. In the previous three seasons, their top players have stepped up in big moments and this year’s team has the experienced star power to continue the trend. Brendan Millon and Hunter Metz lead the high-powered attack, Bogue Hahn is a steadying force at midfield and goalie Aidan Seibel has produced in clutch situations with defenseman Michael Tan another anchor in back. Faceoff specialist Ciaran Sweeney, who has been out four weeks with an injury, has returned to practice and could provide a major boost at the X if deemed ready to roll. McDonogh will meet the Calvert Hall-St. Paul’s winner in Tuesday’s 7:30 p.m. semifinal.

Today’s quarterfinals

No. 6 seed St. Paul’s (8-7, 5-5) at No. 3 seed Calvert Hall (13-2, 8-2)

When: 4 p.m.

Outlook: Calvert Hall closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak that started with a tough 11-9 home win against St. Paul’s on April 25. For the Cardinals, faceoff specialist Ben Cuomo consistently gets the ball to a balanced attack led by Peyton Forte. Goalie Brady Stangle and defenseman Clay Stauffer are vital cogs in the back. The status of star attackman Jack Iannantuono, who has been hampered by injury this season, is big for St. Paul’s. When healthy and paired with fellow star Luke Bair, who has 54 goals this season, the Crusaders have one of the area’s most dynamic one-twos. Defensively, long-stick midfielder Tyler Clary and goalie Josh Marson will take lead roles in trying to contain the Cardinals.

No. 5 seed Loyola Blakefield (11-6, 6-4) at No. 4 seed Boys’ Latin (12-4, 8-2)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Outlook: Despite bringing back just one starter from last year’s team — standout attackman Matt Higgins — Boys’ Latin impressively stayed near the top with quality team play that improved every week. TJ Shaw and Lincoln Herring have been ideal complements on attack with defensemen Matt Meredith and Bryce Barrett strong in front of reliable goalie Garrett Held. The Dons showed capability with a huge 10-9 home win against defending champion McDonogh on April 29 that proved pivotal in their playoff run. Matt Joerres is a consistent threat on attack, and goalie Jesse D’Alonzo is tough to get shots past. In the teams’ regular-season meeting at Boys’ Latin on April 8, the Lakers grinded out an 11-9 win.

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