![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
West Linn topples rival Lakeridge in a thrilling rematch of the State Championship
See video above.
About half-way through the regular season, Thursday night was long awaited. Coined by many to be the best rivalry in the state, West Linn met Lakeridge for the first time this year, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Lakeridge Pacers (10-4) still had a sour taste in their mouths after a biting loss in the state championship game last year to the West Linn Lions (8-3). The pacers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Their intensity coupled with their shut-down defense, helped the pacers thoroughly control the early stages of the game.
It was until the second quarter when Ryan Klose, Junior catalyzed a spark in the Lions offense sending them on a 4-0 run to close out the half at 4-3. Klose ended with 5 goals, and the Lions squeaked out yet another thrilling, last-second victory over their rivals 8-7.
The Lions next game is Tuesday at Clackamas High School.
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![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-600x450.jpg)
