Division II girls lacrosse preview

Here’s a look at how the Division II girls lacrosse season might play out in 2015.

Favorites

• Windham (last year: 15-3): After winning two straight Division III titles, the Jaguars moved up to D-II a year ago, earned the No. 1 seed and finished second to Bedford. With a strong core back, led by seniors Ali Connors and Courtney Sweeney, Windham should again be contending for a title.
• Hanover (last year: 16-4): The Marauders lost an All-American in Hannah Seibel, but return two players in Christine Croitoru and Sophie Lubrano who both received all-state honors a year ago, when Hanover advanced to the semifinals.
• Winnacunnet (last year: 13-4): The Warriors came very close to knocking Windham off in the semifinals a season ago. Winnacunnet has 11 players back, including Kelly Arsenault and Meg Dzialo.

Contender

• Portsmouth (last year: 7-11):  After going undefeated in 2013, the Clippers missed the postseason despite making a late charge. Portsmouth has a strong returning cast back, led by Julia Ruff. The Clippers won the D-II title in both 2011 and 2013.

Sleeper

• John Stark (last year: 14-3): The Generals move up to D-II after finishing as the runner-up in Division III last season. With Bedford, Bishop Guertin, Merrimack and Dover moving up, and St. Thomas and Bow moving down, there should be an opportunity for John Stark to make some noise behind returning players Danielle Galli, Sam Valcourt, Casey Poirier and Hailey Nase.

The rest: Goffstown, Keene, Kingswood, Merrimack Valley, Pembroke, Spaulding, Timberlane.

Projected Final Four

1. Windham
2. Portsmouth
3. Hanover
4. Winnacunnet

Championship: Windham over Portsmouth.

Tournament Dates

• Quarterfinals: June 3, at higher seed, 5 p.m.
• Semifinals: June 6, at Bill Ball Stadium, Exeter, 2 and 4 p.m.
• Final: June 9, at Bill Ball Stadium, Exeter, 5 p.m.