Lakota West's girls soccer team claimed the No. 1 spot in the weekly area soccer rankings with a 4-0 start. Both Lakota East soccer programs also cracked the top five as Greater Miami Conference (GMC) play begins.

The rankings, published Friday, Aug. 28 by Eric Hickey of The Report, slot the Firebirds at No. 1 on the girls side. Senior Anne Marie Wambugu has four goals through four games, and junior Emi Schmidt has added three assists.

Head coach Brigit Reder Wilder, a state-title winner at West, pointed to a deep roster as the engine behind the fast start. Wilder said a large, talented freshman class reinforced a balanced mix of upperclassmen.

"This year should be exciting as we've already achieved some positive results against quality teams but still have so much growth to go," she said.

Lakota East girls climb to No. 4

The Thunderhawks (2-1-1) landed at No. 4 after an 8-9-1 finish in 2025. Eight seniors and 10 juniors anchor the roster. Senior Bailey Bacher has three goals and three assists, and senior goalkeeper Emmaline Slusher leads the GMC with 25 saves.

East's girls face a pivotal stretch: at Ross on Tuesday, Sept. 1, then at Fairfield on Thursday, Sept. 3.

East boys land at No. 2

Lakota East's boys (2-1-1 overall, 1-0 GMC) ranked No. 2 after opening conference play with a 1-0 shutout at Middletown. Junior Miles Polacheck scored the lone goal, and senior goalkeeper Nick Maslin made four saves.

The early results are encouraging.

Coach Jeremy Hilen is in his eighth year leading the program. The Thunderhawks finished 5-10-3 in 2025 but have already posted two wins through four matches, with a quality victory over Little Miami and a draw with Lebanon. The lone loss was 1-0 to Milford.

East's boys host Walnut Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and travel to Fairfield on Thursday, Sept. 3.