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Area girls up to the task in Algona

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Humboldt's Brynn Malo runs on Monday at the Algona Invitational. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

ALGONA — The competitive waters get deep for the St. Edmond girls from here on out.

On Monday, the seventh-ranked (Class 1A) placed sixth in a stacked field at the Algona Invitational.

No. 19 (4A) Mason City (46) was the winner, followed by No. 17 (3A) Clear Lake (61) and fourth-rated (2A) Forest City (93). Spencer (115) was fourth, Humboldt (143) fifth and the Gaels (161) were next.

“We finished sixth in a very tough field,” said SEHS head coach Mike Szalat. “Ellie (Knox) had a great race, and Naomi (Valles) was strong for us again. Anna (Lursen) battled through, and we needed her to be up there.”

On a hot, humid evening, it was a challenging race for the entire field, as athletes looked to complete the daunting trek.

West Bend-Mallard junior Tyra Schupbach (19:31.30) came away with the individual title, topping Clear Lake’s Addison Doughan (19:59.50) by almost 30 seconds.

Bishop Garrigan’s Julia Swift (20:24.60) was fourth and Humboldt’s Brynn Malo (20:44.0) took eighth for the Wildcats.

The Gaels turned in a strong pack performance, with Knox (22:12.50) in 18th, Valles (22:28.10) in 20th and Lursen (23:09.80) in 29th.

Alex Leiting (24:28.00) was 49th and Nina Smith (24:51.70) 56th. Also running for St. Edmond was Betsy Gruver in 68th and Lily Eslick in 70th.

“We have a strong group that really works well together,” Szalat said. “They are somewhat disappointed (in the finish), but considering everything (weather), I’m not.

“They can right the ship. We have over a week now to regroup and rest up.”

Fort Dodge was 10th, led by Madeline Stephan (24:09.70) and Saiya Noborikawa (24:11.00) in 43rd and 44th, respectively. Dodger Paige Lewis (24:38.10) was 66th, followed by Zoey Balm (26:02.10) and Madison Carmody (26:22.90) in 73rd.

“The girls ran hard. We are missing a few runners that have picked up some injuries,” said FDSH head coach Joe Jackson. “Maddie had a good race and Saiya ran a PR.

“It was definitely a tough night to run with the heat and wind.”

Humboldt’s Aubry Fisher (21:38.80) grabbed 14th place. Algona’s Mara Davis (21:53.6) was 16th.

The Dodgers are back in action next Thursday when they host the Fort Dodge Invitational at Lakeside. The Gaels will be in attendance as well.

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