For many girls' lacrosse teams, just reaching the state tournament is the reward, while for a few, the goal is much higher. In this year's tournament, seven Jersey Sports Now-area teams will participate, but only one appears to have a real hope of making some serious noise.

Here's a rundown of each team's playoff scenario:

North Group I

Four local teams are in this section, including the defending sectional and state champion, Mountain Lakes. Once again, the Lakers are coming off a regular season that featured some disappointments, but just as they did last year, this team seems to be peaking just at the right time.

The Lakers are the second seed in this bracket and start with Montclair Kimberley. If they can reach the section final, they'll likely face Glen Ridge. Last year in the sectional final, the Lakers dominated the Ridgers, but Glen Ridge beat Mountain Lakes in overtime during the regular season.

Also in this bracket are sixth seed Kinnelon and #11 seed Pequannock. Those two teams square off in a first-round encounter that's a rematch of a game played a few days ago. Kinnelon won that one by one goal--this one could be a nail-biter too. The winner likely goes up against a very good Madison team in the next round.

The final local entry in this section is #9 seed DePaul, which travels to Morris Catholic for a first-round showdown. If the Spartans can get past that game, they'll face a much sterner test against Glen Ridge.

North Group II

First-year varsity program Lakeland deserves a great deal of credit for truly earning a state berth, with an above-.500 record. The Lancers are the 12th seed in this section, which means a first-round game against a solid Mahwah team. It would appear to be a very difficult task, but should be a great learning experience for this young squad.

North Group III

Two local teams are in this group, but the seeding did neither of them a great favor. Wayne Valley managed to get to .500 right at the cutoff and received the 16th seed in this section. It's hardly a prize, as it means the Indians must face top seed Mendham, one of the state's powerhouses and a team that will be looking to take out its anger on someone after an upset loss in the Morris County tournament final.

Wayne Hills, fresh off winning the inaugural Passaic County tournament, only got the ninth seed, and must travel to face Ramapo. The Green Raiders routed the Patriots way back on April 1st, so Wayne Hills will be looking for a little revenge. The winner almost certainly earn a trip to play Mendham in the next round.

-- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now