By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/20/08
The playoff season is in full bloom as District One play begins Wednesday and Thursday in Classes AA and AAA, while Archbishop Carroll shoots for another Catholic League title Thursday. The ninth Phillylacrosse.com Scholastic Girls Top 10 Poll:
1. Radnor (19-0) – The Central League champion Red Raiders have the top seed in the District One Class AAA field and open their title run Thursday at home against Souderton. Last week: No. 1.
2. Bayard Rustin (14-2) – The Golden Knights won the Ches-Mont league American Conference crown and open their playoff drive Thursday at home vs. Avon Grove as the No. 3 seed in Class AAA. Last week: No. 3.
3. Springfield-Delco (15-3) – The Cougars, who placed second in the Central League, are the No. 2 seed in AA and host Interboro Wednesday in the first round. Last week: No. 4.
4. Great Valley (16-3) – The Patriots relinquished a share of the Ches-Mont League American Conference title when they lost to giant-killer Unionville last week. They still took the top AA seed and host Marple Newtown. Last week: No. 2.
5. Strath Haven (16-3) – The Panthers have won eight straight, have the No. 3 seed in AA and host Springfield-Montco Wednesday in the opening round. Last week: No. 5.
6. Downingtown West (18-2) – The Ches-Mont League National Conference champion Whippets are the No. 2 seed in Class AAA and host Cheltenham Thursday. Last week: No. 6.
7. Archbishop Carroll (14-4) – The Patriots whipped St. Hubert, 20-0, Monday in the Catholic League semifinals and shoot for their eighth straight league crown Thursday against Archbishop Wood at St. Joseph’s University. Last week: No. 7.
8. Boyertown (17-3) – The Bears quietly won their fifth straight Pioneer Athletic Conference title, toppling Spring-Ford, 14-8, Friday. They are the No. 4 seed in Class AAA and host Council Rock South Thursday. Last week: No. 8.
9. Abington (17-1) – The Ghosts probably lost four spots in the Class AAA seedings – from No. 2 to No. 6 – when they lost to North Penn (which took No. 5 on a coin flip) two weeks ago. They host Suburban One National Conference rival Council North in the first round of districts Thursday. Last week: No. 9.
10. Episcopal Academy (15-4) – EA edged Agnes Irwin, 12-11, Tuesday and has clinched the Inter-Ac League championship with a relatively young team. Watch out next year. Last week: No. 10.
Under consideration: Villa Maria Academy, Downingtown East, Unionville, North Penn, Conestoga, Archbishop Wood.
