Girls lacrosse Top of the Crop for March 23

Mar. 23—TOP OF THE CROP

Girls lacrosse

1: Chagrin Falls (0-0)

2: Chardon (1-0)

3: Kenston (0-0)

4: Riverside (0-0)

5: Lake Catholic (0-1)

Watch List: NDCL (1-0), Gilmour (0-0)

Crop comments: It's the first-ever lacrosse Crop, and the top three couldn't be closer. The Tigers get the nod as the first team to grace the top of the rankings as the state runners-up look to get back to Columbus. They will need Alex Chinnici, Bailey Corto and Oakleigh Niethammer to handle the scoring duties this season with Kiera Moran in goal. They still have some time before they take the field as their first game isn't until April 4 against Hawken. ... The Hilltoppers return next to everyone on both ends of the field and have a chance at a run to the regional final. With Stella Parrish and Payton Platz on the front end and a defense anchored by Makenna Ricketts in goal, Chardon comes ready to strike. The Hilltoppers started their season with a 13-8 victory over Lake Catholic. ... Kenston comes into the season with some question marks, specifically in the attack as it needs to replace its top two attackers and top two midfielders. The inexperience can be a problem but the Bombers have experience from last year's run to a regional semifinal to rely on. They get their season started with a rematch of said regional semi as they travel to Canfield on March 24 ... It's an experienced bunch for Riverside, but the Beavers need to have the defense help a new goalie get used to the game. Chloe Banno takes the reigns of the attack. They begin their season at home against Orange. ... Lake Catholic takes the final slot in the inaugural Crop. The offense will be led by Rylee Anderson as she finished last season with 88 goals and 43 assists. The defense features anchor Alexa Udovicic. While they lost their season opener to Chardon, the Cougars look to right the ship against Gilmour on March 23.