1. Windham: The Eagles averaged just over five goals per game in going 19-0 and winning the Class A state championship in 2021. Despite losing a lot of talent to graduation, Windham returns a strong team that should contend again. It starts with senior Abbey Thornton, the SMAA Offensive Player of the Year. Sophomore defender Stella Jarvais was a first team all-conference player as a freshman. Senior midfielder Elizabeth Talbot was a second team all-SMAA player.

2. Scarborough: After winning three consecutive Class A South titles from 2017 through 2019, the Red Storm made an uncharacteristic early exit from the playoffs in 2021, falling to Thornton Academy in the regional quarterfinals. With two of the top offensive players in the state in senior Ali Mokriski and junior Lana Djuranovic, Scarborough has the firepower to again be among the top teams. Both were first team all-SMAA selections last season.

3. Yarmouth: The runner-up in Class B South last season, Yarmouth has the talent to capture its first state title since winning back-to-back crowns in 2016 and 2017. Ava Feeley returns after leading the Clippers with 24 goals and six assists. Grace Lestage is another scoring threat. Kadin Davoren was a first-team all-Western Maine Conference back, and Regan Sullivan returns as the goalkeeper.

4. Brunswick: The Dragons reached the Class A state championship game for the first time since 2009, falling to Windham in the final. With a number of talented players back, Brunswick should contend in Class A North again. Alexis Morin was the KVAC Class A Player of the Year as a freshman last season. Sophia Morin returns in goal, and Kynli Van Leer, Ella Gustafson and Maddie Chaput also return to a lineup that is full of veterans.

5. Cape Elizabeth: After winning the last three Class B state titles, the Capers are reloading a little, but they still have more than enough talent to contend for another championship. Gone are All-Americans Maggie Cochran and Emily Supple, who combined for 51 goals last season. Piper Duryee is a veteran returning to the midfield who can distribute the ball to a new crop of goal scorers. That group of potential offensive leaders includes sophomore CC Duryee, Piper’s sister, and freshman Noelle Mallory. Defensively, the Capers are led by senior Juliet Moore and junior Evelyn Agrodnia.

6. Thornton Academy: The Trojans surprised some with a win over Scarborough to reach the Class A South semifinals last season. Sophomore midfielder Charlotte Belanger was an all-SMAA honorable mention choice. Junior midfielder/forward Serra Rich led the Trojans in scoring with 10 goals, and junior Hadley Stoddard returns to the midfield. Thornton will try to reach the Class A South final for the first time since 2013.

7. Gorham: While Gorham graduated 15 seniors from the team that was the Class A South runner-up, including three first team all-conference players, the Rams have talented players who should help the team compete in the always-tough SMAA. Two starters return – senior midfielder Faith Connolly and senior forward Katie Gooch. Connolly and Gooch earned all-SMAA honorable mention honors last season. Ashley Connolly, a sophomore forward, could emerge as a scoring threat.

8. North Yarmouth Academy: The Panthers won their third straight Class D state championship last season, and with talented players back all over the field, they could be even better this year. NYA outscored opponents 105-5 in 2021. Angel Huntsman is the offensive catalyst and is coming off a 33-goal season. Hayden Wienckowski scored 11 goals, and Anna Belleau and Emily Robbins each scored nine. Charlotte Harper-Cunningham is back in goal, and Ella Giguere returns at center back, giving the Panthers experience in the middle of the defense.

9. York: The Wildcats went 11-5-1 last season. All five losses came to either Yarmouth or Cape Elizabeth, including a 4-1 loss to the Capers in the Class B South semifinals. Chloe Bourque is York’s most experienced player, scoring six goals with 10 assists last year despite playing center back or midfield most of the season. Shea Haseltine scored four goals and had three assists and can play at midfield or on the wing. Madison Raymond is a defensive stopper who also can provide an offensive spark. Ella Boissonneault scored six goals last season, and Coach Nick Hanlon thinks she can take a big step forward offensively.

10. Old Orchard Beach: The Seagulls won 11 games before falling in the Class C South semifinals to eventual state champion Maranacook. With the entire starting lineup back, Old Orchard Beach should be a contender again. All-region selection Elise MacNair (33 goals, 13 assists) has the speed and talent to be one of the top Class C players in the state. Goaltender Summer St. Louis posted five shutouts and was first team all-Western Maine Conference. Midfielder Camryn Blatchford scored six goals and six assists and excels at getting the Seagulls in transition from defense to offense.