Field hockey: Weather sidelines some teams but 2 now tied at top of top 10

By the time last week's initial Journal News/lohud field hockey rankings came out, several teams had already played at least one game. One had played three.

But as the second top 10 launch, some teams still have yet to compete due to either concern over the combination of excessive heat and humidity or because of thunderstorms.

But the handful of games played last week proved interesting. In part, Horace Greeley confirmed it's the real deal, tying last week's No. 1 squad, Mamaroneck, 0-0.

That, of course, has changed the top of the rankings a bit with some other minor changes also appearing below. Teams that haven't played have not forfeited their previous ranked spots.

The top 10

Records are through September 10.

10. Bronxville (0-0-1) and Pearl River (3-0) — The Broncos clearly wanted to show they're better than a first-week tie but games against two tough opponents in Mamaroneck and Scarsdale were postponed. They're slated to play Croton this week, then North Salem. Pearl River hasn't been lighting it up offensively but what it has done in its three games is more impressive. It has proven it can win tight games. Its wins vs. Suffern, North Rockland and Yorktown were all by a goal. And Pearl River's defense has been excellent. It blanked North Rockland and gave up only one goal to both Suffern and Yorktown. This week will be a challenge, however, with games vs. John Jay-Cross River and Rye. Previously: Bronxville 10, Pearl River not ranked

9. Fox Lane (0-0) — The Foxes are scheduled to play Thursday at Suffern, a good test for both teams. So far, the weather forecast seems promising. Previously: 9

8. Clarkstown (0-0) — Clarkstown seems likely to finally get two games under its belt. Monday it's slated to play at Ketcham and Tuesday host Arlington. Previously: 8

7. Scarsdale (0-0) — Like so many teams, ranked and otherwise, Scarsdale has found itself in a holding pattern, waiting for its first game. That should come this week when, if the weather finally cooperates, it will play Monday at Somers. Previously: 7

6. John Jay-Cross River (1-1) —The Wolves evened their record last week after being routed a week earlier by Mamaroneck. They were probably expecting more than a 2-0 win over John Jay-East Fishkill. But JJ-CR is still very much a work in progress and a 12-4 advantage in shots on net for that game wasn't bad. Previously: 6

Last week's 1-10: Who's No. 1 in the first Top 10 rankings of the 2023 season?

5. North Salem (0-0) — The Tigers are among those teams with an unwanted perfect record with all of their games called off due to weather. So whether they'll be rusty or well-rested come Wednesday remains to be seen. But they'll travel to Bronxville for what should be a good game between two small schools that always play bigger than their enrollment numbers would indicate they should. North Salem will be favored but Bronxville, the defending Section 1 Class C champion, probably won't play like it recognizes that. Previously: 5

4. Rye (0-1) — Rye 's games last week, including what could have been a good one against Lakeland, were all called off, leaving it with its previous week's two-goal setback to Greeley as its only game of record. The Garnets are scheduled to play two games this week, their first Wednesday against Pearl River, which is off to that hot 3-0 start. Previously: 4

3. Lakeland (2-1) — At this point in the season, the Hornets aren't concerned as much about record as with simply improving. And there's little shame in falling by a goal to Mamaroneck, the only Section 1 team to beat it (also by one goal) last year. Still, it would be hard to recall the last time Lakeland lost two straight games. And this year's squad will be motivated to make sure that doesn't happen. So, look for a great game between two talented teams Tuesday when it travels to undefeated Horace Greeley. Previously: 2

1T. Horace Greeley (2-0-1), Mamaroneck (2-0-1) — No one charges admission to regular-season field hockey games but perhaps Greeley should rethink this when it hosts Lakeland on Tuesday. That's a game many would pay to see. Lakeland, the owner of 14 consecutive Section 1 championships, fell to Class A Mamaroneck on a late-game goal on Labor Day. This game should also come down to the wire. Last year, Lakeland beat the Quakers 1-0. No matter who wins, the game will probably be a preview of the Section 1 Class B final. Mamaroneck has one game this week and should win. Previously: Mamaroneck 1, Horace Greeley 3

On the bubble: Hackley (0-0), Rye Country Day (0-0), Sleepy Hollow (2-1), Ursuline (0-0-1), Yorktown (1-1),

Nancy Haggerty covers cross-country, track & field, field hockey, skiing, ice hockey, basketball, girls lacrosse and other sporting events for The Journal News/lohud. Follow her on Twitter at @HaggertyNancy.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Field hockey: Classic defensive game changes top rankings slot