Girls lacrosse: Another new team joins the lohud Top 10 rankings

While some local girls lacrosse teams had as many as nine games remaining on their regular-season schedule as of Monday, others had only a couple.

The latest rankings reflect some minor changes, including previous-No. 9 Pelham dropping to the bubble after going 1-2 last week with two close losses to unranked teams.

Also, previously-unranked Holy Child joins the Top 10 and Rye Country Day exits after the Gryphons edged RCDS by a goal last week, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season.

Finally, the bubble list of teams just outside the top 10 has been expanded to include squads with solid records, even if their schedules lack the strength for the teams to merit top-10 inclusion.

Note: Records reflect games played through April 28.

Top 10 rankings

10. Holy Child (8-2) — Several teams could be considered for this spot, among them, Rye Country Day, which has fallen just outside the rankings after a one-goal loss to Holy Child. The Gryphons, cracking the top 10 for the first time, are hamstrung by the same problem facing RCDS and other private schools − a lack of reference points, since most play no area public schools. But here's a fact bolstering Holy Child: It's only two losses have come to Connecticut powerhouses, one of which, Sacred Heart of Greenwich, is ranked No. 11 in the country in by USA Lacrosse. Previously: Not ranked

9, North Rockland (8-4) — The Red Raiders haven't had the toughest schedule of lat,e but considering their recent wins and the fact their four losses came by a combined seven goals, they have earned a minor promotion. Previously: 10T

8. Bronxville (6-5) — The Broncos had a tougher time than expected in beating Mamaroneck by two goals, and also fell last week to Rye by only four goals The emphasis here is on the "only," given how very good Rye has been. The Broncos certainly aren't ducking anyone. Their two games this week are against Ursuline and Suffern. A win against either will translate to a rankings boost. Previously: 8

7. Yorktown (10-3) — Playing without some key players temporarily lost to injury or illness, Yorktown still boosted its season record last week. It has two games this week, the tougher of the two promising to be against John Jay-Cross River. If healthy, or, at least, healthier, the Huskers could stick around in that game. But John Jay-CR should be favored. Previously: 7

6. Albertus Magnus (8-1) — The Falcons coasted to a win in their only game last week. Things will assuredly be different this week. Magnus is scheduled to play three games, including one against Nyack. It would be shocking if Magnus won that game. But if it can stay within four or even five goals, it will be a statement game for this club. Previously: 6

5. Ursuline (7-2) — The Koalas slip, but not much, after a narrow win over unranked Tappan Zee and a six-goal loss to Rye. Ursuline has four games this week and should be favored in three. But, while it has a higher ranking than Bronxville, that game could potentially prove tough. Previously: 4

4. John Jay-Cross River (10-2) — Riding a four-game winning streak, the Wolves have two games on this week's slate. One, later in the week, is against Seciton 9 Minisink Valley. But of greater importance is Tuesday's game at Yorktown. John Jay-CR probably would have been favored anyway, but unless Yorktown gets most of its injured/sick troupes back, the potential for a bit of a close, see-saw game might be gone before the opening draw. Previously: 5

3. Suffern (9-2) —The Mounties were beaten fairly soundly by Long Island's Manhasset High but won two other games last week. It will have a non-region game against an upstate opponent early in the week before closing on Saturday in what could be a game to watch against pesky, talented Bronxville. Previously: 3

2. Rye (9-2) — Two games vs. two ranked opponents added up to two wins for the Garnets last week. Rye may have its hands full this week playing New Canaan (Connecticut), which USA Lacrosse has ranked as the No. 5 team in the country. But that game, win or lose, should be a positive for Rye, an already very, very good team that can only get better by playing a team like that. Previously: 2

1. Nyack (9-1) — The RedHawks' status as the only undefeated team in Section 1 ended Saturday in a loss to a Long Island squad during a showcase tournament. But that could well be Nyack's only loss before playoffs begin. Previously: 1

Girls lacrosse: With players out sick or hurt, Yorktown shows depth in 8-5 win over Somers

On the bubble: Fox Lane (8-3), Harrison (7-3), Hen Hud (6-3), Horace Greeley (7-3), Mamaroneck (5-6), Pawling (10-1), Pelham (5-5), Pleasantville (8-3), Rye Country Day (7-1)

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: Girls lacrosse: Holy Child joins the lohud Top 10 rankings