Emma Peck was the top finisher for the Webster City girls cross country team on Tuesday evening at the North Central Conference meet in Humboldt. (Photo by Britt Kudla)

HUMBOLDT — St. Edmond’s reign atop the North Central Conference came to an end here Tuesday evening.

The Gaels were unable to overcome No. 11 (Class 3A) Clear Lake at the NCC cross country championships, but did best 14th-ranked (3A) Iowa Falls-Alden/AGWSR via the sixth-tiebreaker for runner-up honors.

Over the past four seasons, No. 9 (1A) St. Edmond has claimed two league titles and two more silvers.

The Lions placed all five counting scorers inside the Top-13, finishing with 39 points. The Gaels, who had all seven runners in the Top-26 and four among the first 15 finishers, scored 62 points.

Webster City’s top finish came courtesy Emma Peck, as she was 22nd overall in 24:43.46.

“Emma had another nice outing,” Lynx head coach Derek Turner said. “She competed well throughout the race and placed 22nd on a very challenging course.”

Freshman Nakia Ollivierre of Iowa Falls-Alden/AGWSR was crowned the meet winner to help the Cadets also post 62 points, as Humboldt placed fourth and Algona fifth.

St. Edmond freshman Anna Lursen crossed the line at Joe Sheldon Park in third overall with a time of 21:10.31. Michaela Leiting was 12th in 22:35.34 followed by Ellie Knox in 22:39.85.

Hannah Landwehr placed 16th (22:54), Anna Kolacia was 24th (24:56), Andee Barwin finished 29th (25:42) and Gracie Rial was 30th (26:12). Barwin’s placing in the team portion was what broke the tie with Iowa Falls-Alden/AGWSR, as she finished two places ahead of the sixth runner, Ivy McWerter.

Humboldt’s Brynn Malo was sixth overall in 21:27.75 with Meg Zweibohmer finishing 18th and Joslyn Orr 19th. Algona’s Moriah Knapp went 21:25.46 to earn fifth, while teammate Malyn Davis was 17th.

Underclassmen continue to dominate the NCC, two ninth-graders and a sophomore placed in the Top-3. Of the first 10 finishers, just three were seniors, while 15 of the Top-20 were underclassmen.

Lauren Hansch of Clarion-Goldfield/Dows placed 39th.