The latest update to the NJ.com Girls Lacrosse Top 20 rankings, reflecting results through April 6–7, 2026, has introduced a measurable reshaping of the statewide competitive landscape. While Oak Knoll retains the No. 1 position despite an early-season loss to a nationally recognized opponent, the movement throughout the rankings—driven by key upsets and emerging contenders—signals a season defined by depth, volatility, and legitimate parity across multiple tiers of competition. This evolving structure continues to reinforce New Jersey’s standing as one of the most competitive high school lacrosse environments in the country, a reality consistently tracked across Explore New Jersey’s High School Sports coverage.
Girls Lacrosse Top 20 (Week of April 6/7, 2026) [1]
| Rank [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] | Team | Record | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oak Knoll | 1-1 | Remains #1 despite season-opening loss to Episcopal (PA). |
| 2 | Chatham | 3-0 | Holding steady with dominant early-season wins. |
| 3 | Moorestown | 1-0 | The South Jersey power remains a top contender. |
| 4 | Kent Place | 1-0 | Undefeated start keeps them in the top 5. |
| 5 | Pingry | 1-1 | Maintaining high rank after strong early performance. |
| 6 | Summit | 1-0 | Ranked #10 nationally in public school rankings by USA Lacrosse. |
| 7 | Westfield | 2-1 | Slipped following a 9-5 upset loss to Rumson-Fair Haven. |
| 8 | Haddonfield | 2-0 | Strong Group 1 start with wins over Bishop Eustace and Holy Spirit. |
| 9 | Mendham | 2-0 | Rising after key early-season victories. |
| 10 | Allentown | 4-1 | Jumped into Top 10 after edging out Lawrenceville 5-4. |
| 11 | Ridgewood | 2-0 | Moving up after taking down Northern Highlands. |
| 12 | Morristown | 0-2 | Facing a tough early-season schedule against top-ranked opponents. |
| 13 | Trinity Hall | 1-0 | Holding firm as a rising Shore Conference power. |
| 14 | Rumson-Fair Haven | 3-0 | Huge riser after upsetting then-#7 Westfield and beating Lawrenceville. |
| 15 | Morris Knolls | 1-1 | Stayed in Top 20 despite a loss to #2 Chatham. |
| 16 | Sparta | 3-0 | New entry to Top 20 after an undefeated start. |
| 17 | Cherokee | 4-0 | Currently the top-ranked team in Group 4. |
| 18 | Paul VI | 4-0 | Maintaining a perfect record through the first week. |
| 19 | Cherry Hill West | 1-1 | Holding onto a Top 20 spot despite early stumbles. |
| 20 | Bridgewater-Raritan | 1-3 | Hanging on after a difficult opening slate of games. |
Oak Knoll’s hold on the top position reflects a broader evaluation beyond a single result. Despite a season-opening loss to Episcopal Academy of Pennsylvania, a national powerhouse, Oak Knoll’s body of work, roster strength, and overall consistency sustain its position at No. 1. This decision underscores the distinction between isolated outcomes and program-wide capability, particularly in the early stages of the season when schedules often include elite out-of-state competition.
Behind them, Chatham has established itself as a clear No. 2, opening the season undefeated and demonstrating both offensive efficiency and defensive control. Their early performances have been decisive, positioning them as one of the most complete teams in the state. Moorestown, representing South Jersey’s strongest presence near the top, remains firmly in contention at No. 3, continuing its tradition as a program capable of competing for championship-level outcomes.
Kent Place and Pingry round out the top five, each maintaining position through controlled early-season play. Summit, ranked No. 6 and recognized nationally within public school rankings, continues to build momentum, reinforcing the depth of talent across both public and non-public programs. Westfield, however, experienced one of the most significant shifts within the top tier, dropping to No. 7 following a 9–5 loss to Rumson-Fair Haven—a result that has become one of the defining moments of the current rankings cycle.
Rumson-Fair Haven’s rise to No. 14 is the clearest example of upward movement driven by performance. Their victory over Westfield, combined with additional early-season wins, establishes them as a legitimate contender within the broader Tournament of Champions conversation. This is not a marginal improvement—it is a structural shift that introduces a new variable into an already competitive field.
The middle of the rankings reflects a tightly contested group of programs where weekly results are producing measurable movement. Haddonfield, Mendham, and Allentown have each capitalized on early opportunities, with Allentown’s narrow win over Lawrenceville serving as a key differentiator in its move into the top ten. Ridgewood and Morristown present contrasting trajectories—one gaining ground through strong performances, the other navigating a challenging early schedule that has impacted record but not necessarily long-term outlook.
Further down the rankings, Trinity Hall, Morris Knolls, and Sparta illustrate the depth of competition across conferences, while Cherokee and Paul VI remain undefeated, reinforcing South Jersey’s continued strength across multiple classifications. Cherry Hill West and Bridgewater-Raritan round out the Top 20, each maintaining position despite early-season inconsistencies that reflect the difficulty of their respective schedules.
One of the defining characteristics of this update is the presence of meaningful milestones alongside competitive shifts. Westfield’s Gillian Cohen reaching the 200-point mark in her career adds a layer of individual achievement within the broader team narrative, highlighting the caliber of talent present across the state. These milestones, while individual, contribute to the overall profile of New Jersey lacrosse as a high-level, development-driven environment.
The current rankings also introduce a competitive fringe just outside the Top 20, with programs such as Ocean City, Mountain Lakes, and Manasquan positioned to enter the rankings with sustained performance. This layer of depth ensures that the Top 20 remains fluid, with the potential for continued movement as the season progresses.
What distinguishes this early-season update is the balance between established programs maintaining position and emerging teams disrupting expectations. The upset-driven movement is not an anomaly—it is indicative of a broader competitive structure where the gap between teams is increasingly narrow. Execution, rather than reputation, is determining outcomes, and that dynamic is reshaping the hierarchy on a weekly basis.
Looking ahead, the implications of these rankings extend into upcoming matchups that will further define positioning. Games involving top-tier programs such as Chatham, Summit, and Moorestown, as well as rematches and conference showdowns, will serve as immediate tests of consistency and adaptability. For teams like Rumson-Fair Haven, the challenge now shifts from proving capability to sustaining performance against heightened expectations.
Within the broader context of New Jersey sports, the current state of girls lacrosse reflects a system operating at a high level of competitive balance. The presence of multiple legitimate contenders, combined with the ability of emerging programs to disrupt established rankings, creates an environment where every result carries weight. As the season continues, the Top 20 will remain a dynamic measure of performance, shaped by execution, resilience, and the increasing parity that defines New Jersey girls lacrosse in 2026.
