POWERS — It was Superior Central’s turn to shine here Monday as its girls cross country team earned top honors at the North Central Invitational.

The Cougars, who won for the first time since Sept. 11, placed five among the top 11 and scored 36 points. Runner-up Stephenson had 78.

“The girls did a real good job,” Cougars coach Holly McDonnald said. “I think this is a confidence builder going into the (Upper Peninsula Division 3) Finals.”

Those finals along with races in Divisions 1 and 2 were scheduled for this morning at Gentz’s Homestead Golf Course in Chocolay Township near Harvey.

Mid Peninsula senior Landry Koski collected her fifth straight victory on Monday, covering the 3.1-mile course in 22 minutes, 6.3 seconds on a sunny and warm afternoon.

“It was hot, but I felt pretty good,” Koski said. “I had a few cramps in my ribs. Maybe I didn’t drink enough water. I think I have some momentum going into the finals. I have the right mindset. I’m praying for cooler weather. (The weather forecast) sounds like heaven right now. We’ve had a real warm season.”

The Stephenson boys brought home the championship trophy after placing five in the top six and scoring 17 points. They were followed by Norway with 67 and Rapid River 83. SC was among several schools not posting a team score.

“The course was flatter today,” Stephenson coach Kate Kuntze said. “I thought we’d have some faster times. The boys have been going back and forth (within the ranks). I get excited for the finals.”

Stephenson junior Griffin Brown won in 19:31.4, followed by teammates Ethyn Lusardi and Tyler Engel.

North Central sophomore Gracie Kleikamp placed second in the girls’ race in 24:01.43, followed by Stephenson’s Kayela Putnam (24:05.78), Superior Central’s Bree Swajanen (24:27.43) and Rapid River freshman Emma Sundling (25:43.58).

“I know Mid Pen has a girl who’s an amazing runner, and Kayela is also very good,” Kleikamp said. “I just pushed myself to the limit. Stephenson has a real strong team, and I try to push myself to beat them.”