On a hot day and a hilly course, local cross country runners tested their mettle against the conditions and the field at the English Valleys Invitational Tuesday at Knoll Ridge Golf Course.

The girl’s race was highlighted by the second championship-in-a-row for Hillcrest Academy’s Marie Yoder, who sprinted by the field in 20:57, beating her competition by more than a minute. Yoder was also the winner last week at Fairfield. She helped lead Hillcrest to a second place finish with a team score of 50, behind EV’s championship 32 on their home course. Other Raven runners included Siena Stanerson ninth, Rya Scott 16th, Delaney Shaw 25th, and Brynna O’Rourke 27th.

Lone Tree was fourth of four teams with their score of 76. Leading Lion was Vivian Zaruba 17th in 24:44. Other racers for Lone Tree included Addyson Eiben 21st, Ava Christofferson 23rd, Jazmine Nino 26th, Abigail Zaruba 30th and Evelyn Mueller 47th.

The Sigourney Savages did not post a team score but were led by Brynn Clarahan in third overall with a 22:21. Other Sigourney runners included Addison Yates seventh, Ellie Yates eighth and Cloee Wilson 28th.

The WACO Warriors were paced by Elyssa Graber 12th in 23:46, followed by Josie Dykstra 14th, Justine Lynn 40th and Deedra Graber 46th.

Highland’s Olivia Edwards was 41st in 34:10.

The WACO Warriors led the way on the boy’s side, playing third as a team with 94 points. Durant won the meet with 59. Top Warrior was Jude Dykstra, runner-up in 18:18. Other performers included Gavin Slagel ninth, Tristan Luitjens 23rd, Keiran Luitjens 25th, and Kaden Donaldson 64th. EV’s Gage Heyne was the individual champ.

The Hillcrest Ravens were fourth with 96 points. Micah Gerber led in 12th at 20:23. Other Raven runners included Jesse Blossom 15th, Isaac Beachy 22nd, Braden Hartsock 34th, Jeremiah Danker 39th, Mateo Rodriguez-Yoder 47th and Kyle Neuschwander 51st.

Sigourney did not post a team score, but the Savages were led by Troy Klett in third at 18:56, followed by Levi Myers 29th, Jordan Anderson 30th and Isaac Jones 44th.

Brock Nebergall finished 13th for Lone Tree in 20:29. Highland’s Brayden Zywiec was 48th in 25:08, followed by Chase Hickenbottom 52nd and Jack Krotz 54th. Hunter Grandstaff finished 50th in 25:46 for Keota.