The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva cross country teams hosted the NRHEG invite on Thursday at Riverview Golf Course in New Richland.

The Panthers girls’ team finished 5th for its best finish of the year, while the boys’ team finished in sixth place.

Abby Crabtree led the girls team with a time of 17 minutes flat to take third place overall as an individual.

“Abby Crabtree was third, taking a medal home and running a great time,” NRHEG coach Mike Weber said.

Following Crabtree, Emily Habeck took 21st place with a time of 19:15, while eight seconds later Shantaya Olson finished with a 25th place finish and a time of 19:23.

Miss Malakowsky finished in 34th with a time of 20:16 and Destinee Meyer recorded a time of 21:18 to finish in 38th place.

Rounding out the Panthers line-up was Crystal Olson, who recorded a time of 21:32 and a 39th place finish and Ash-Lee Conley, who finished with a 22:05 and placed 42nd.

“Emily Habeck broke from her comfort zone and took off a half minute. Shantaya Olson seems to always run well at home and did so again,” Weber said. “Missy Malakowsky had her second varsity race, coming in with a respectable time. Destinee Meyer battled and wasn’t too far off her normal time. Crystal and Ash-lee each ran some of their best at home tonight.”

The Boys’ team finished in sixth place with 133 points.

“As a team, sixth is respectable for us,” Weber said. “It helped to have our friends and families cheering for us at home.”

TJ Schiltz led the boys’ with a time of 18:17 to just miss being on the awards stand.

“TJ ran a great race with a great time,” Weber said. “This is now the second consecutive race where he has been off the awards stand by one place. I am hoping we can break this streak soon.”

Jade Waltz followed with a time of 21:23 to finish in 37th place, while Dustin Burshem finished four places back in 41st with a time of 22:37.

Rounding out the Panthers lineup was Raece Johnson, who finished with a time of 22:47 for 43rd place, and Tyler Holz, who finished in 46th place with a time of 25:23.

“Jade Waltz lowered his time,” Weber said. “Dustin Burshem had one of his best races, taking off chunks of time. Raece Johnson had his best race to date. Tyler Holz took off major time.”

The Panthers are off until next Tuesday when they travel to Blooming Prairie.