From staff reports

Alayna Merkle led a swarm of Chambersburg Trojans across the finish line and captured the girls victory at the Enos Yeager Invitational.

Chambersburg produced the top three girls finishers and six of the top fourteen in Friday's race at the Tim Cook course.

In boys action, the Trojans posted three finishers in the top five led by Garrett Myers and five in the top 11.

"Our team as a whole had a tremendous day," Trojan girls coach Chris Monheim said. "They're all really excited about the really good start. It was neat to see Merkle, McKenzie Doyle and Maeve Charlesworth go 1-2-3."

Merkle finished with a time of 15:49.1, while Doyle and Charlesworth were in hot pursuit.

Doyle posted a 12:42 while Charlesworth crossed a second later.

"They were only separated by three seconds," Monheim said. "This was Merkle's first victory in a big invitational and it was well-deserved."

Bekah Elbel led the next trio of Trojan runners across the finish line in 12th through 14th place.

Elbel finished in 16:37, Laurie Jones followed in 16:46 while Hayley Jones was 14th in 16:58.

"Elbel, Laurie Jones and Hayley Jonesall ran well together to sneak into the top 15," Monheim said. "I was impressed by my new crew of young runners. Ashley Reinhardt and Carolyn Dann are both new to the team and were able to get into the top 20."

"Today proved that working out over the summer makes a difference. We're much further ahead

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this year than last year."

Enos Yeager Invitational

Friday, at Tim Cook course

GIRLS

1.Alayna Merkle (Chambersburg), 15:49.1; 2.McKenzie Doyle (Chbg), 15:51; 3.Maeve Charlesworth (Chbg), 15:52; 4.Colleen O'Dowd (Gettysburg), 15:55; 5.Taryn Weaver (Northern), 16:03; 6.Morgan Mahlock (Carlisle), 16:10; 7.April Schlusser (Car), 16:12; 8.Charmayne McFadden (Greencastle-Antrim), 16:15; 9.Becky Hoy (Car), 16:17; 10.Meagan Boucher (Nor), 16:24; 11.Kaylin Delvecchio (Nor), 16:29; 12.Bekah Elbel (Chbg), 16:37; 13.Laurie Jones (Chbg), 16:46; 14.Hayley Jones (Chbg), 16:58; 15.Mary Ward (G-A), 17:05.

Other top Trojan runners: 19.Ashley Reinhardt, 17:16; 20.Carolyn Dann, 17:23; 21.Jenna Young, 17:25; 23.Kelsie Miller, 17:48.

Other top G-A runner: 27.Kari Mellott, 18:04.

Top Waynesboro runner: 29.Kelsey Nu, 18:10