The spring is just getting underway and it’s time to look at Oregon’s Class 6A softball teams.
The Three Rivers League was dominant last season, with Tigard and Oregon City playing for the state championship in Eugene. The Tigers would end up lifting the trophy in an extra-inning classic.
This year, look for Oregon City to get its revenge as the Pioneers are returning a big class of players from last year. But keep an eye on teams like Lakeridge and West Linn.
Here’s a look at the teams in the Three Rivers League, listed in alphabetical order:
LAKE OSWEGO LAKERS
Coach: Chris Gobel
2022 record: 12-17
Top players departed: Infielder Chloe Carnegie is the only graduating senior from last year.
Players to watch: Senior pitcher Paris Richards, junior infielder Madison Douglas, senior infielder Ava Brenden, senior infielder Riley O’Mara, junior outfielder Lia Komitor and senior outfielder Madeleine Herion.
Outlook: Gobel did not respond to requests for comment.
LAKERIDGE PACERS
Coach: Howard Hoyle
2022 record: 13-12
Top players departed: Pitcher Holly Beeman, catcher Ella Hoyle and Ella Peake all graduated and were four-year varsity players.
Players to watch: Top returners are senior outfielder Lucie Lappin, junior catcher Elayna Jansen, junior pitcher/first baseman Delaney Hoyle. Jansen missed time last season due to injury and Hoyle said he’s excited to have her back in action.
Outlook: Hoyle said the key to the team this season is how hard the players work. With a lot of young talent, Hoyle said he’s looking to see them grow as the season goes on.
OREGON CITY PIONEERS
Coach: MacKenzie Washington
2022 record: 22-8
Top players departed: Third baseman/catcher Phoebe Borkus was the only starter to graduate.
Players to watch: The Pioneers are returning 14 of 16 players that played in the state championship game in 2022, including eight starters. This includes senior pitcher/second baseman Allyson Nordling, junior pitcher Lily Riley, junior outfielder Chloe Grimmer, sophomore outfielder/pitcher Ellie Joseph and sophomore third baseman/catcher Chloe Stromme.
Outlook: With so many players returning from last year’s team that played for the state title, the Pioneers are easily the favorite this season. Washington said Oregon City has a lot of experience and team cohesion. The biggest thing, she said, was to stay grounded.
TIGARD TIGERS
Coach: Pete Kostel
2022 record: 29-3
Top players departed: Tigard graduated pitcher Makenna Reid (the state pitcher of the year) and third baseman Kani Korok.
Players to watch: Top returners include senior catcher Karen Spadafora (who hit the game-winning double in the state championship game), junior Ella Dardis, junior Hailey White, junior Macy Witt and senior Quindlan Kelleher.
Outlook: With losing the state’s top pitcher, the Tigers will have some growing to do. Kostel said the team is young this year but will have some strong bats as they see more varsity-level pitching.
TUALATIN TIMBERWOLVES
Coach: Eric Wadsworth
2022 record: 18-8
Top players departed: Pitcher Camile Schmitz.
Players to watch: Top returners include Sadie Guyette, Paley Sullivan, Ava Jensen, Ava Diaz and Mabry Martin.
Outlook: Wadsworth said the Timberwolves have great team chemistry early in the season. The team is focusing on team speed, defensive fundamentals and playing aggressive offense.
WEST LINN LIONS
Coach: Gina Garvey
2022 record: 9-19
Top players departed: The Lions graduated Ava Sin and Cydney Hess.
Players to watch: Top returners include Jenna Wheeler, Rebecca Gomez, Courtney Williams, Chloe Dehlin, Rylee Gaustad and Gracie Gabel.
Outlook: Last year’s Lions made it all the way to the state quarterfinals before falling to Oregon City. And that includes starting with a 1-14 record. This year, Garvey is hoping West Linn starts a little bit better, and that will come with the grit the Lions have shown. The key early in the season comes with the team playing smart defense and getting the bats going early.
-- Nik Streng, nstreng@oregonian.com, @NikStreng
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