Dexter's girls team finished second in the Class 3, District 1 meet Saturday at Jefferson Basrecks Park in St. Louis to earn the rights to advance as a team to this Saturday's MSHSAA state meet in Jefferson City.

"We had six girls in the top 15 and it was just awesome," Dexter coach Jill King said. "That was the best feeling seeing these girls so happy that they had accomplished the goal they had worked so hard for."

Lizzie Kohlbaker led Dexter's effort with a sixth place finish and a time of 21:55. Brittney Waldner crossed the finish line in 9th place (23:06), followed by Hannah Baker (10th, 23:36), Jessica Litchfield (12th, 23:39), Amelia Jibben (13th, 23:42), Hannah Mathis (15th, 24:36) and Madisson Baker (18th, 25:06).

"The girls wanted it and they went for it," King added. "I couldn't be more proud of a group of kids. This group had the heart and determination to accomplish a lot."

The top two teams earn the right to advance to the state tournament, along with the top 15 individual performers.

Dexter's boys also competed, and Luke Robinson just missed a chance at advancing when he finished 18th overall with a time of 19:51. Alex Allstun was right behind Robinson in 19th place at 19:52.

"These two ran a tough race and competed well," King noted. "This was a tough course and they all ran a good race."

Rounding out the boys effort were Ryan Bagby (35th), Dylan Dungan (39th) and Colton Burnett (43rd).

The team will leave for the state tournament at Jefferson City Friday morning.