Centennial League

Favorite: Cherry Creek

Contenders: Mullen, Smoky Hill, Grandview

Outlook: Few have forged a year-by-year dominance in any sport in Colorado more prominent than Cherry Creek. There are no signs the Bruins will end their run of appearing in every championship game since 1998. Mullen should earn a high playoff seed behind its midfield, led by seniors Savannah Khanna and Tulley Stapp. Look for new coach Ali Craig to keep the Mustangs playing well. Cherokee Trail can only improve after a 1-14 season, while Boulder/Centaurus covets better than a No. 16 playoff seed. The team allowed 30 goals to Kent Denver in last year's first round.

Top players: Lisa Archibald, Grandview, Jr.; Nora Behnfield, Boulder, Jr.; Christina Burnett, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Amy Cerbo, Eaglecrest, Sr.; Izzi Demara, Boulder, Jr.; Meredith Dodd, Boulder, Jr.; Ashley Emmons, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Annette Greenberg, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Stephanie Hiller, Grandview, Sr.; Lauren Johnson, Cherry Creek, Jr.; Savannah Khanna, Mullen, Sr.; Brittany McMorris, Mullen, Jr.; Lindsey McMorris, Mullen, Jr.; Karra Peterson, Eaglecrest, Sr.; J.J. Smith, Grandview, Jr.; Tulley Stapp, Mullen, Sr.; Ashley Walters, Grandview, Jr.



Continental League

Favorite: Heritage

Contenders: Arapahoe, Chaparral, Regis

Outlook: The league is pretty wide open with new coaches at Heritage, Arapahoe and Regis. The Eagles probably have the most talent returning, led by junior standout Olivia Annalora. Senior center Chloe Adelmann should help new coach Katie Peksa groom a balanced bunch, while Regis will play a much tougher schedule as one of Bruce Barker’s first priorities. Dix Baines is anticipating his Chaparral team to keep contending in what is probably the tightest league from top to bottom. The Wolverines will compete with an improved Douglas County team under second-year coach Nicole Robbins.

Top players: Chloe Adelmann, Arapahoe, Sr.; Chelsea Cyester, Chaparral, So.; Meredith Dunn, Regis, So.; Lacey Floral, Chaparral, Sr.; Amber Garfield, Douglas County, Sr.; Katie Gerhard, Arapahoe, Jr.; Kelsey Goings, Douglas County, Sr.; Brittany Kang, Douglas County, Sr.; Kerry Keoh, Heritage, Jr.; Liz Mann, Heritage, So.; Alexis Rawlings, Regis, So.; Addison Rounds, Arapahoe, Jr.; Molly Smith, Regis, Sr.; Dani Trelfa, Chaparral, Sr.



Jefferson County League

Favorite: Golden

Contenders: Dakota Ridge, Green Mountain

Outlook: The league is not as deep as others, but Golden is a formidable contender to make a deep playoff run after a semifinal appearance last year. Crystal Sagan takes over as coach for Nancy Baruch, and she is anticipating another strong season behind first-team all-league selections Ally Mast, Jamie Hamilton and Sarah Hebberd. Dakota Ridge returns its two top scorers and a strong defense but will be small in numbers. All-State softball player Cat Jenks also led Ralston Valley’s lacrosse team in goals and will aid the Mustangs' surge toward the postseason. Columbine returns seven starters and will shake things up a bit.

Top players: Jordan Caldwell, Golden, So.; Amber Guame, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Sarah Hebberd, Golden, Sr.; Caitlin Jenks, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Ally Mast, Golden, Sr.; Lynnsie New, Dakota Ridge, Sr.; Lauren Noll, Columbine, Sr.; Erynn Overly, Columbine, Sr.; Erin Piller, Columbine, Sr.; Addison Piper, Dakota Ridge, Jr.; Emily Shangraw, Dakota Ridge, Sr.; Rachael Ziemer, Ralston Valley, Sr.

Metro League

Favorite: Kent Denver

Contenders: Colorado Academy, Denver East

Outlook: There is a pretty wide gap between the top three teams and the bottom four in the Metro, as St. Mary’s Academy, Steamboat Springs, Thomas Jefferson and newbie Mountain Range figure to struggle mightily to keep up. Kent Denver has a strong defense once again, and Erin Tochihara returns as the state’s top goalie. Colorado Academy matches up with the Sun Devils in every area of the field, but junior goalie Olivia Ross is going to have to play strong in her first year starting. Denver East will be looking to extend its playoff run past the quarterfinals behind Nellie Hayes.

Top players: Logan Brown, Colorado Academy, Sr.; Shannon Cudahy, Kent Denver, Sr.; Ashley Felber, Denver East, Sr.; Georgia Grey, Colorado Academy, Jr.; Alyssa Nelson, Denver East, Sr.; Olivia Ross, Colorado Academy, Jr.; Kara Secora, Kent Denver, Jr.; Stefanie Tuder, Denver East, Sr.

Southern League

Favorite: Air Academy

Contenders: Cheyenne Mountain, Liberty

Outlook: There’s no question Air Academy has the potential to shake things up in the race for the state title. The Kadets have a powerful midfield and attack, and if the defense holds it end the final four is in reach. Cheyenne Mountain will face Air Academy in its last league game, and an upset would pay huge dividends in playoff seeding. The Indians attained the No. 15 seed and got walloped by Cherry Creek last year. Junior twins Tiffany and Alex Mead will anchor a Liberty team eager for its first playoff appearance, while Pueblo West is looking to blossom in its first full varsity season.

Top players: Cheysea Beal, Air Academy, Jr.; Missy Bolman, Liberty, Sr.; Tierra Bonser, Pueblo West, Jr.; Lauren Duffey, Air Academy, Sr.; Trish Freeman, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Jamie Hannenkrat, Air Academy, Sr.; Karlee Keller, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Jordan Letosky, Pueblo West, Sr.; Alex Mead, Liberty, Jr.; Tiffany Mead, Liberty, Jr.; Amanda Montoya, Pueblo West, Sr.; Kelly Parker, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.