The Austin girls' cross country team took to the Faribault Invitational Friday at Alexander Park, placing 13th out of 16 teams.

Katie Munk and Natalie Bowers led the Packer girls to the finish line, placing 29th and 50th respectively amidst a solid field of runners. Big Nine Conference powerhouse Owatonna finished second to White Bear Lake by two points, 74-76, with Apple Valley, Eden Prairie and Northfield rounding out the top five.

Of the eight Big Nine teams in attendance, Austin was fifth.

"The girls had another fine showing placing 13th in a field of 16 teams," said Austin coach Tony Einertson. "Katie and Natalie continue to run strong, placing 29th and 50th. Molly Thatcher led the second group of girls into the finish line. Mary Claire (Chao) and Megan (Wilson) continue to run personal-bests every time out."

The Packers have a pair of meets this week, starting at the Lakeville Invitational Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. Rochester Mayo hosts an invite Thursday, also at 4 p.m.

Results:

Team standings -- 1. White Bear Lake 74, 2. Owatonna 76, 3. Apple Valley 103, 4. Eden Prairie 108, 5. Northfield 148, 6. Winona 191, 7. Rochester Century 195, 8. Burnsville 207, 9. Stillwater 256, 10. Eastview 260, 11. Rochester Lourdes 299, 12. Rochester Mayo 302, 13. Austin 309, 14. Faribault 327, 15. Mankato West 376, 16. Albert Lea 459.

Individuals (top 10) -- 1. Ladia Albertson, Stillwater, 14:45.7; 2. Nicole McCann, Owa, 15:03.9; 3. Natalie Yarbrough, Eastview, 15:06.7; 4. Stacy Letourneau, WBL, 15:28.7; 5. Annie Knutson, AV, 15:33.0; 6. Margaret Landberg, WBL, 15:44.6; 7. Jenna Pederson, EP, 15:46.1; 8. Siri Lohmann, Northfield, 15:46.8; 9. Sarah Stacionis, EP, 15:49.1; 10. Julia Chapman, Winona, 15:50.2.

AUSTIN (309) -- 29. Katie Munk, 10 16:34.9; 50. Natalie Bowers, 10 17:07.7; 72. Molly Thatcher, 12 17:53.2; 75. Mary Claire Chao, 9 18:01.0; 83. Megan Wilson, 9 18:24.4.