The Albert Lea girls’ and boys’ cross country teams placed fifth and 10th, respectively, Thursday at the Ev Berg Invitational in Owatonna.

Chrissy Monson won the girls’ race, followed by Haley Harms (14th) and Rachel Kenis (34th).

Issac Staat finished first for the boys’ team in 41st overall, followed by Luc Malimanek (48th) and Blair Bonnerup (47th).

“These are all positive signs for both teams as

we head into the biggest three weeks of the season,” Tigers coach Jim Haney said. “Runners are becoming racers, and they are believing that the goals they have set for themselves as well as the team can come true.”

Haney said all the boys finished within 30 seconds of each other.

“They have come so far, and it’s a true pleasure to watch how they compete,” Haney said.

Albert Lea girls’ race

1. Chrissy Monson

14. Haley Harms

37. Rachel Kenis

46. Emma Behling

47. Morgan Haney

Albert Lea boys’ race

41. Issac Staat

47. Blair Bonnerup

48. Luc Malimanek

51. Brandon Bonnerup

62. Jay Skaar