By Austin Vitelli
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 2/25/17

Preseason TopLaxRecruits.com Midwest Girls’ Rankings (records from last year):

1. Loyola Academy (IL) 23-5
The Ramblers have won eight straight Illinois state championships and have eight D1 commits in the senior class. Ranked No. 20 in the Summit Lacrosse North America Rankings, they’ll have another tough out-of-state schedule, including a matchup with national powerhouse Sts. Stephen & Agnes (VA) on April 1.

2. Upper Arlington (OH) 22-0
The Golden Bears’ undefeated 2016 season led to an Ohio DI state championship, which they’ll look to defend beginning March 18 at Westminster School (GA).

3. Rockford (MI) 20-2
The Rams won the Michigan DI state championship last year and have an early season meeting with No. 2 Upper Arlington on March 25.

4. Jackson, Massillon (OH) 20-1
The Polar Bears didn’t lose last year till the state championship game and will have a chance to restart an unbeaten streak with their season opener March 21 against Lake (OH).

5. New Albany (OH) 19-4
The Eagles have a schedule loaded with top Ohio opponents, and their season will begin March 18 against Springboro (OH).

6. New Trier (IL) 19-5
The Trevians were Illinois state runner-ups and will start the 2017 season against Lovett (GA).

7. Sycamore (OH) 17-2
The Aviators’ 2016 season was cut short in the playoffs after starting the year with 15 straight wins. They’ll begin 2017 with a matchup at home against Brighton (MI) on March 25.

8. East Grand Rapids (MI) 17-4
The Pioneers look to begin their campaign to defend their Michigan DII state championship with a season opener against Caledonia (MI).

9. Hinsdale Central (IL) 13-9
The Red Devils always play one of the toughest schedules in the Midwest, which begins March 25 against Potomac School (DC).

10. Eden Prairie (MN) 18-1
The Eagles won the Minnesota MSHSL state championship and finished the season with their lone loss to No. 1 Loyola Academy.

Others to Watch: Apple Valley (MN) 14-2; Blake School (MN) 16-3; Cathedral (IN) 16-2; Cor Jesu Academy (MO) 20-1; Everest Academy (Ontario, Canada) 0-0; Fisher’s-HSE (IN) 16-2; Forest Hills United (MI) 19-5; Hill Academy (Ontario, Canada) 1-4; Indian Hill (OH) 16-4; Kentucky Country Day (KY) 22-3; Lafayette (MO) 19-3-1; Marquette (MO) 20-4; MICDS (MO) 14-4; Noblesville (IN) 21-1; Prior Lake (MN) 16-2; Sacred Heart Academy (KY) 18-3; St. Francis DeSales (OH) 19-2; Stillwater Area (MN) 16-2; Thomas Worthington (OH) 17-4; Ursuline Academy (OH) 15-3