With most of its starting lineup back from 2012, the East Ridge boys' soccer team has big expectations this season. The Raptors' strength is their experienced defense, but they proved more than capable on offense in their first two games, beating Bloomington Kennedy 4-0 and Duluth East 2-1. Junior forward Zack Boerjan had the hot foot in the victories, scoring three times.

In the swing

The top three place winners in the Stillwater Invitational girls' tennis tournament were all from Washington County. Mahtomedi took first place with 24 points, Stillwater was second with 22 and Forest Lake had 20. Stillwater's Jenna Sherrick and Hannah Quinn took first place at No. 1 doubles. Forest Lake's No. 3 doubles team of Risa Anderson and Lindsey Tilton also won its bracket.

Different paths,

same result

The girls' soccer teams of Forest Lake and Park of Cottage Grove are off to identical 4-0 starts, but they've gotten there in different ways. Park, loaded with seniors and strong on defense, has yet to give up a goal. Meanwhile, Forest Lake has been downright offensive, scoring 14 goals in its first four games.

Basketball clinic

The 6th Annual Hoops Net Basketball Coaches Clinic will be held Sept. 28 at Tartan High School. Among the coaches who have committed to speak at the clinic, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., are Minnesota's Richard Pitino, Wisconsin's Bo Ryan and Drake's Ray Giacoletti. For more information, contact Tartan boys' basketball coach Mark Klingsporn at mklingsporn@isd622.org or 651-336-1386.

JIM PAULSEN