The Owls had four runners in a pack between sixth and 12th, including sophomore Nick Jenkins, to place third at the Moberly Invitational. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

MOBERLY -- The Marshall girls' cross country team came within a point of upending the host school Thursday at the Moberly Invitational.

Think of what the Lady Owls could have done if completely healthy. The Lady Spartans won the meet with a score of 57 points, with Marshall at 58 points and third-place South Shelby tallying 59. With sophomore Chanelle Koehn injured and sophomore Stormy Morrison under the weather, although finishing in 20th place (24:41), two of the Lady Owls' top five runners were affected.

There were no such problems for sophomore Katie Wells and freshman Arozo Shahabzada.

Wells (21:46) came in second, although nearly a minute behind all-state Hannibal sophomore Erin Burditt (20:52), and Shahabzada (22:07) was fifth. Both of the Lady Owls have medaled in all five meets this season.

Freshman Lauren McGrath (24:42) was 21st and sophomore Katie Arends (26:59) finished 35th in a field of 56 runners.

The Marshall boys were also in the hunt, although senior Hayden Legg (17:17) -- fourth in last year's MHSAA Class 3 Championships -- led Mexico to the team title with 40 points. The Owls were in third with 55 points, one point behind Hannibal and ahead of both of the other teams from Class 3, District 5 -- which will be run on the same course Nov. 1.

Marshall had four runners in the top 12, led by senior Matt Bledsoe (18:53) in sixth place. Sophomore Damon Thompson (19:00) came in ninth, senior Phillips Perkins (19:12) was 11th and sophomore Nick Jenkins (19:33) completed the Owls' pack. Although sick, senior Alex Jenkins (19:56) arrived 17th to cap the team scoring.

The junior varsity boys took the top four spots within seven seconds of one another. Junior Keeper Kays (20:23) finished ahead of junior Henry Yeagle (20:27), sophomore Jeremy Jalilvand (20:28) and freshman Logan Simmons (20:30).

Marshall will be back in action Tuesday at the Excelsior Springs Invitational.