Although Cranston West has lost a solid leader and performer in now-graduated three-time first-team All-Stater Erin Lagasse, the Falcons still boast the second-fastest returning finisher from last year's State Championships in Nicole Cocozza.

She has already made two appearances on the All-State first team after twice placing third at the state meet and last year finishing as the top Rhode Island performer at the New England High School Cross Country Championships.

Cocozza has gotten her third season off to a great start, winning the Caswell Varsity One Race at the R.I. Interscholastic League's Girls Cross Country Carnival, Wednesday at Goddard Park, with a time of 19:41.

Cranston West coach Sheila Lagasse's squad also has the benefit of two other talented juniors in Haley Mathewson and Cassie Clarke, who placed third (20:21) and fourth (20:22), respectively, at this week's Injury Fund meet.

``They are fit and have some fresh young talent to help round out the team,'' Lagasse said of her outlook for the Falcons' season. ``I am not big on expecatations, rather the girls train hard and let the outcome speak for itself. As long as the preparation has been done, I can ask nothing more from the girls than their best effort.''