-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Alyssa Richman of Manson compete in the girls 5k run during Dodgers Invite on Thursday at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge

Alyssa Richman used a Top-10 finish last year at the Fort Dodge Invitational to propel herself to a bronze at the state meet.

The Manson Northwest Webster senior is hoping to do the same this fall.

Richman finished eighth here Thursday behind runners from Class 4A powers Dallas Center-Grimes, Ankeny Centennial, Johnston and Ankeny at the home of the state championships, Lakeside Golf Course.

Sophomore Piper Messerly of Dallas Center-Grimes won by nearly seven seconds over senior Anika Mohrhauser from Ankeny Centennial while Johnston won team gold behind Alyx Woodley and Grace Beasley, who were third and fourth overall.

“It’s always a good day when you’re able to race at Lakeside,” Richman said. “Some fierce 4A competition makes it even better. It was a pretty big confidence boost heading into postseason.

“Hopefully I’ll find myself back here in a couple weeks one last time.”

West Des Moines Dowling dominated the boys field with all five counting runners placing in the Top-15. The other two were in the Top-20 as Norwalk was second followed by Waukee Northwest.

Ankeny’s Ethan Zuber, a defending 4A state champion, won the individual title in 15:11.

Richman, who recorded a time of 18:52.6, was just six seconds out of the Top-5 for the meet.

“I was able to begin around 11th place and worked my way up to eighth. I got out better than I have in the past, which set me up for a great shot at the Top-5,” Richman said. “Unfortunately, my legs just didn’t have it in the home stretch. Though that may have been the case, I found myself with a 1-second personal best.

“I also was reminded when and where to kick.”

Raygin Anderson was the second-fastest Cougar, as MNW placed 23rd overall ahead of Carlisle and Sioux City East. Anderson finished 160th, Ella Niewoehner was 168th, Bianca Aquino was 169th and Azy Felix was 170th.

For the Cougar boys, Thatcher Oswald was 81st overall in 17:13. Tysin Anderson placed 148th, Kyle Widlund was 151st, Rowan Poutre finished 167th, Brody Proctor was 176th, Connor Proctor was 180th and Logan Meyer placed 182nd.

Manson NW was 25th, placing ahead of Ballard, Fort Dodge and Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson.

A total of 2814 ranked teams made up the event, including top-ranked (4A) Dowling on the boys side along with five others in the Top-10. For the girls, six of the 4A Top-10 were in attendance.