The Hopkins girls’ varsity cross-country team placed third among nine teams Thursday at the Delton Invitational and the boys took sixth among 11 teams.
The Martin boys’ team finished ninth.
The races were held at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners.
Host Delton won the girls’ competition with 55 team points, edging runner-up Oliver by just one point and Hopkins had 66.
Junior Jasmine Fisher took individual medalist honors for the Lady Vikings for the first time this season, checking in second with a time of 20:29.59. Molly Thompson of Paw Paw was the only female runner to complete in the five-kilometer course in less than 20 minutes with a time of 19:25.51.
Hopkins’ Laura Velderman was fourth in 21:04.04. Sophomore Alyssa Bielby had her best placing of the season with 17th at 22:58 and fellow sophomore Gracie DeZeeuw was 19th in 23:01. Grace Beckwith completed the scoring in 31st place in 24:27.
Emma Helder, who customarily is Hopkins’ third fastest runner, did not compete because of injury.
Martin did not field a team, but entered four runners. Top Lady Clipper in the competition again was Danica Pallett, in 43rd place.
Hastings won the boy’s race with 48 points and Olivet had 55 and Battle Creek Pennfield 84. Hopkins had 165 and Martin 232.
Junior Dan Rausch had his best placing of the season, taking second in 17:22.97 and sophomore Todd Henley was fourth at 17:27.78 for the Vikings. Zach Nutter was 44th in 19:50.12, Chris Tortorelli 75th and Joe Ludlam 77th.
Brysan Young again turned in the best time for Martin, at 19:12.85, good for 35th, freshman Carsen Young was 45th in 19:51.55, Seth Hentschel was 48th, freshman Kyle Pallett 52nd and Josh Visser 85th.
