1. York: The defending Class B undefeated state champions are loaded again and primed to repeat. Led by junior center midfielder Lily Posternak – last year’s Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year with 15 goals and 16 assists – the Wildcats will be tough to beat. Devon Datsis (17 goals, 10 assists) and Alie Jones (16 goals, 4 assists) add to the offense. Catherine Marcoulier and Allie Lawlor pace the defense.

2. Thornton Academy: Well, if anyone is going to topple Scarborough atop South Class A, it’s probably the Trojans. They return all-state senior forward Libby Pomerleau (school-record 20 goals and 5 assists last year) and senior midfielder Grace Pickering, who leads the transition game. Grace Decker has a lot of experience on the defensive end. Sophomore Claire Decker helps the offense. A dangerous team if the defense holds up.

3. Scarborough: Yes, Scarborough graduated four all-state players and a lot of its scoring. But the defending Class A state champs cannot be overlooked. Scarborough still has three dangerous scorers in Kristen Levesque (10 goals, 15 assists), twin sister Ashley Levesque (12 goals, 14 assists) and Lily Nygren (15 goals, 9 assists). Emma Hall is a top defender and Alyssa Souza returns in goal. Don’t underestimate the Red Storm.

4. Massabesic: The Mustangs lost only four players from last year’s playoff team and are pretty young with seven sophomores. But they are very skilled, led by returning all-state senior Abbie Staples, who is moving to center midfield. Senior Maggie Redman and sophomore Emma Rutledge will pace the offense. Links Logan Champlin and Emma Desrochers will be key players as well.

5. Kennebunk: The Rams made it to the regional B semifinals last year and are skilled enough to go at least that far again. Senior forward Olivia Sandford returns after scoring 12 goals and four assists last year, and will be joined up front by sophomore twins Lindsey Gregoire (9 and 4) and Britney Gregoire (6 and 3). Goalie Liv Kudas is back for a third year to anchor the defense and junior Alli Gregoire is strong in the midfield.

6. Sanford: It doesn’t matter how many players the Spartans lose from year-to-year, they always compete for a championship. Coach Diana Walker, starting her 33rd season, has some nice talent. Senior forward Liz Helmreich, an all-state selection with 16 goals last year, will return to pace the offense, with help from junior wing Morgan Champagne and senior center midfielder Allison L’Heureux. A lot depends on how well the defense comes along.

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7. Yarmouth: The Clippers, who lost in the regional Class C semifinals last year, move up to Class B but could still make a long playoff run. Senior goalie Tori Messina, an all-state selection last year, is back to pace the defense and Breanna Morrill, who tore her ACL late last year, is fully recovered and ready to lead the offense. Forwards Abby McDowell and Cara Ricciardi will help the scoring.

8. Portland: The Bulldogs have a very experienced team and could go further into the playoffs than last year’s prelim. Senior Gianna Gaudet is a four-year starter in goal and keys the defense along with Alysha Alling. Senior forward Lauren McIntyre scored 13 goals last year and looks even better this season. Seniors Holly Hinchliffe and Ashley Paisley are leaders as well.

9. Cheverus: The Stags are an intriguing group. They made a nice playoff run last year and graduated only two starters from that squad. They have a very strong offense, led by seniors Emily Michaud and Becca Archer. Senior Abby Ford is strong in the midfield. The key is on the back end, where Cheverus needs to find a new goalie and stabilize the defense.

10. Westbrook: Looking for a darkhorse? Try the Blazes. Westbrook missed the playoffs last year and is still relatively young. But there is talent – the sophomores and freshmen never lost in middle school. Seniors Abby St. Clair and Delaney Derrig will pace the offense while sophomores Madison LeBeau (center midfield) and Camryn LaPierre (back) are tough. Watch for freshman goalie Kimmy Goddard.

— Mike Lowe


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