Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Aubrey Bemrich of St. Edmond won the first individual title of her career on Monday in Emmetsburg.

EMMETSBURG — After missing out on a chance to compete this past weekend, the St. Edmond cross country team took full advantage of their opportunity here Monday night.

Aubrey Bemrich won her first individual race as the Gaels swept both team titles at the Emmetsburg Invitational.

Bemrich finished in 22:22, sprinting past Sibley-Ocheyedan’s Bria Wasmund, who finished in 22:53.

St. Edmond scored 41 team points to place ahead of the host E-Hawks as Michaela Leiting was fifth, Hannah Landwehr seventh and Reese Lemberg 13th.

“It was definitely a great day to race,” Bemrich said. “The weather was awesome and the course was pretty much flat, which makes a race 10-times better.

“Getting my first win was super awesome and definitely motivating for the rest of the season, but I have to give credit to my teammates.”

Bemrich, a senior who has helped the Gaels reach the state meet, admitted she “wasn’t being the most positive person” prior to the start of the race.

“Jacey Ash and Sydney Schulte gave me some encouraging words to boost me up,” she said. “This team is what makes it so much fun, whether it’s a win or not.”

Ash would go on to win the junior varsity event, with Schulte placing second as St. Edmond filled the Top-5 with Andee Barwin third, Addie Schulte fourth and Elly Berry fifth.

Gracie Harvey finished 15th overall, Kelli Kersten was 16th and Caroline Shelly 18th for the final SEHS varsity runners.

“Aubrey ran a fantastic race,” Gael head coach Mike Szalat said. “She passed the runner-up around the two-mile mark and just ran a really smart race.

“Our girls team is so deep, and I thought that showed. We stuck to our plan and had a great day.”

St. Edmond finished atop the boys team standings with 39 points as Garner-Hayfield/Ventura was second.

Aaron Lursen placed third overall, Ronnie Orres was sixth, Devon Wirtz seventh, Grant Heldorfer 11th and Hayden Mayer 12th. Drew Szalat (18th) and Joe Li (22nd) rounded out the varsity lineup.

“Just like the girls, the boys ran a smart race and stuck to what we asked of them,” Szalat said. “We had a really tough week of practice last week, but I thought they all did a wonderful job.”

Zach Loerts claimed the junior varsity race for the Gaels with Sam Mericle finishing second, Braydon Smith third and Thomas Cosgrove fifth.

St. Edmond returns to action next Monday at Humboldt.