Girls’ soccer power rankings Sept. 22
1. Squalicum (preseason rank: 1): The Storm look scary good with a goal differential of 29-2 through first six, and it wasn’t against exactly poor competition.
2. Burlington-Edison (preseason rank: 4): The boys’ season was a battle between the Tigers and Storm for the NWC title; it appears to be the same for the girls.
3. Meridian (preseason rank: 7): A win over Bellingham shows this team could be considered one of the top 1A teams in the state.
4. Bellingham (preseason rank: 6): Five straight state qualifiers to open season is tough, but Red Raiders got two wins out of it before losing to Meridian.
5. Sehome (preseason rank: 2): Scoring has been a bit of a struggle so far this season for the Mariners. Devin Grahn’s absence in the middle is noticeable.
6. Ferndale (preseason rank: 3): Haven’t looked as sharp as expected after losing a few to graduation. Clearly missing Carly Bannerman and Jordin Bartel.
7. Lynden (preseason rank: 5): The Lions’ offense has looked superb this season. Sierra Smith (seven goals) is a star as only a sophomore.
8. Lynden Christian (preseason rank: 8): The offense has been great early on, but the defense has had a few too many slip-ups against stiff competition.
9. Blaine (preseason rank: 11): Ashley Quesada has scored eight of the Borderites’ 11 goals this year. She’s a fantastic player.
10. Sedro-Woolley (preseason rank: 9): The Cubs have been competitive, but the defense is clearly a work in progress.
11. Anacortes (preseason rank: 12): They can score goals in bunches, but 21 goals allowed in five games is something to work on.
12. Mount Baker (preseason rank: 10): The Mountaineers were held scoreless through their first four games, two of which were against 1A opponents.
13. Nooksack Valley (preseason rank: 13): When 25 of your 28 goals are scored by one girl and she graduates, there are bound to be growing pains.
This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 8:45 PM with the headline "Girls’ soccer power rankings Sept. 22."