YAKIMA — Ephrata’s cross country runners proved their grit Saturday at the Apple Ridge Run Invite. The Tigers pivoted to Apple Ridge after their scheduled meet in Wenatchee was called off earlier in the week due to smokey air. Coach Lyndsy Roberts said the Tigers responded to one of the season’s toughest meets, which featured three different three-mile courses, with standout efforts across the board.

Both Tiger squads placed fifth overall in a field of 18 teams. The boys posted 81 points while the girls finished with 113. Selah swept the team titles, but Ephrata’s results made them the second-highest placing Central Washington Athletic Conference program at the meet.

Maddax Iverson led the way for the boys’, clocking 19:07 for a third-place finish overall. “Maddax races hard and has a tremendous amount of mental toughness,” Roberts said. “The harder the challenge the more he steps up. Really proud of his effort at Apple Ridge.”

The girls’ team put three runners in the top three of their races. Hannah Malone, battling illness, pushed through for a time of 19:31. Rebecca Wiser fought to the line finishing at 20:05. Savannah Harper climbed a hilly course, posting a personal best time of 20:08.

Roberts also singled out Jillian Bair, who set a personal record of 25:37. “Jillian quietly crushed that race! She is a joy to coach,” Roberts said.

Junior runners made their mark as well. Connor Liffengren earned his first varsity spot, finishing sixth on the team in 18:33. “Connor has tremendous running talent,” Roberts said. “He set a goal to run in the top seven and then went out and accomplished it.”

Zane Sieg bounced back from a difficult outing the previous week to take 20th in 19:07, just 12 seconds off his personal best. “It’s important in this sport to understand that not every race is going to be perfect,” Roberts said. “Really enjoyed watching Zane turn it around today.”

The Tigers are back in action 4:30 p.m on Thursday at Rotary Park in Ellensburg for their first conference race of the season.