Peabody, Dedham, and Danvers alone have a combined seven of the top 10 point getters in EMass, an unusually high number. Peabody has the top goal scorer in Hayley Dowd (36), while Emily Manoogian leads in assists with 24. Victoria Digiacomo has also contributed 35 points, good for ninth in EMass.

Dedham’s duo hasn’t surprised anyone; Jenna Savi (38 points) and Patrice Vettori (34 points) were known as two of the top players in the state coming into the season. Also, Danvers features two of the most talented scorers in the area with Brittany Russo (45 points) and Corey Persson (39 points).

While the big schools might get all the focus, there is top offensive talent in some of the smaller conferences as well. The Independent Girls Conference features another outstanding tandem in Montrose’s Olivia Aha and Alice Pottackal. The two have combined for 37 goals and 50 points on the season, leading coach Betsy Keefe’s squad to a 11-2-2 record. Expect more scoring from the two next year; Pottackal is a junior, while Aha is only in the eighth grade.

Smooth Sailing for Undefeated Clippers Norwell has risen from No. 19 in the preseason rankings all the way to No. 4. The Clippers are 16-0-1, thanks to a balanced offensive attack spearheaded by Krista Prouty, Bridget Conway, and Ali DeBenedictis.

Prouty has 21 goals and 15 assists on the season, and her 36 points place her eighth in EMass. Conway (15 goals) and DeBenedictis (13 goals) have split the defensive focus, allowing Prouty to spring free.

As good as Norwell’s offense has been, its defense and goalkeepers are perhaps even better. Blessed with two starting-caliber goalkeepers, the Clippers’ defenders know that they can take chances moving the ball upfield when either Brooke Alman (0.57 goals against average) or Kathleen McDonald (0.90 GAA) is in the keeper box.

The platoon has worked wonders for Norwell and will be an advantage in the state playoffs when the Clippers will always have someone fresh in goal. Only Monday’s match with Hanover (7-7-1) stands between the Clippers and an undefeated regular season.

Top Teams Await Thursday’s Pairings There are seven undefeated teams left in the final regular-season top-20 rankings of 2009. Acton-Boxboro, Winchester, Peabody, Danvers, Norwell, Arlington Catholic, and Dartmouth still have not lost as the regular season comes to a close. Each team has played a tough conference schedule, but missed each other in non-league play. This will only add to the drama in the state playoffs, when EMass soccer fans will be treated to top matchups. All eyes will be turned to the MIAA on Thursday, when playoff seedings and matchups will be announced.