First-place finisher Linnea Ousdigian, a sophomore from Mounds View, had the course to herself at the start of the classic portion of the girls Nordic pursuit race at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Last year’s champions are this year’s champions in Minnesota high school Nordic skiing.

Two sophomores, Logan Drevlow of Hopkins and Linnea Ousdigian of Mounds View, successfully defended the boys and girls Nordic pursuit state titles they won as freshman, taking dominant victories Thursday at Giants Ridge in Biwabik.

Pressure was different this time around, but not everything had changed. It was Ousdigian’s third time competing in the state meet, and she found this year’s victory just as special as her first, she said. She was especially excited about changes to the course.

“I was excited for it to be on this course because there are more hills and one big lap instead of multiple laps,” Ousdigian said.

Ousdigian and Drevlow also were honored as All-Metro Nordic Skiers of the Year by the Star Tribune last season.

For more on Nordic skiing state meet, click here to read this story on startribune.com.