Lake Oswego girls XC aiming to win league title

The Lakers, led by Kate and Ana Peters, think they can win the Three Rivers League.

The Lake Oswego girls cross country team won the biggest battles in the Three Rivers League last year, but failed to win the war.

The Lakers saw sisters Kate Peters and Ana Peters go 1-2 in the 2021 TRL district meet, but finished second behind Lakeridge at district and one place behind the Pacers at the Class 6A state meet.

In 2022, Lake Oswego would like to rectify both of those situations.

“Our team has a shot at winning our league championship this year,” said Lake Oswego coach Vince Kinney. “It will be close between us, Lakeridge and Tigard. The key for our success this year is to stay healthy.”

The Lakers return the best 1-2 punch in the league for ‘22, with senior Kate Peters back after winning the ‘21 TRL and Class 6A state titles, while sophomore Ana Peters returns after finishing second in the TRL and 40^th at state.

“Kate Peters … set the national record in the 2-mile in track,” Kinney said. “(She) and her sister Ana do a great job of connecting with their teammates and look to make huge improvements this year.”

There’s more talent back from last year’s varsity crew, too, including senior Brooke Plasse (45^th at district and 120^th at state), sophomore Sofie Howard (12^th at district and 82^nd at state), sophomore Noelle Plasse (31^st at district and 110^th at state) and sophomore Joelle Thompson (35^th at district and 113^th at state).

Newcomers to the LO varsity include sophomore Sydney Lim, freshman Grace Peng, freshman Cordelia Megowan and freshman Taylor Sheldon.

“Brooke Plasse … does a great job leading this team. She is a vocal leader and also leads by example,” Kinney said, adding that “we have some more depth on our team this year, but still need a healthy team.”

As to the coming 2022 TRL league race — the Lakers open league competition at the TRL Preview Meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Clackamas Community College — Kinney said that he expects his Lakers to battle both Lakeridge and Tigard for the top spot in 2022.

See the Lakeridge preview here.

See the West Linn preview here.