Taking the top spot in the TRL has proven to the Lakeridge girls varsity soccer team that hardwork really does pay off.

Lakeridge has inherited six new players to their varsity team this year. Two freshman, Averi Basso and Annika Siddons, and four sophomores, Taylor Morrelli, Sarah Siddons, Eliza Donaghy and Kendal Ensing. With their new captain Natalie Bristol, the Pacer soccer team has many changes to their team, but the 22 players say they are working hard together to keep their spot at number one.

To start off the pre-season the Pacers had a 5-0 win against McMinnville and they ended the preseason with a record of 4-0-2. To start off league, Lakeridge tied 1-1 against Newberg and they lost against Tualatin with a score of  2-1.

“I think our biggest competition is going to be Sherwood,” said senior Morgan Kaye. “They were under- ranked last year but I think they’re pretty good.”

Last year Lakeridge lost to Sherwood 3-2.

“I think West Linn will be their biggest competition.” said freshman Sydney Utech (JV). When asked why, she said, “West Linn has been competing well against other schools and are going to want to do well against Lakeridge, too.”

When Lakeridge played West Linn last year, West Linn won with a score of 2-1.

The next girls varsity home game the Pacers will take on LO with battle of the lakes at 7 at home.