CLINTON — After a second place finish in the MAIS Class AA cross country state meet last year, the Trinity Episcopal girls made a commitment to winning the meet this year.

On Monday, thanks to a consistent performance from their runners, the Lady Saints made that goal a reality as they took home first place in Class A by a comfortable margin.

“This is something we have been working toward since last year,” cross country coach Doug Broom said. “We finished second last year in Class AA, and since we dropped down to Class A this year, we were going to try and win the state championship. The girls worked hard all fall trying to get in position for it and they did it.”

The Trinity boys cross country team was also successful, finishing third.

Chas Moroney finished first individually in the boys meet. The senior was named to the All-MAIS Class A team for his winning performance.

Trinity’s girls team had 21 runners competing in the race, but only the top five finishers from each team counted.

The top five finishers were Bethany Ogden in second, Jheri Ogden in fifth, Lauren O’Quinn in 10th, Abby Massey in 11th and Katelyn O’Quinn in 18th.

Those five finishing positions added together make 46 points.

The second place team, Desoto (Ark.) Academy, finished with 65 points.

“Consistency is the key to winning cross country meets,” Broom said. “You’ve got to have five good runners to have a chance and we did. This was a meet we prepared for all year, and for it to turn out so well is really rewarding.”

Bethany and Jheri Ogden and Lauren O’Quinn were all named to the All-MAIS Class A Cross Country Team.

The meet was hosted by Mississippi College and took place at Choctaw Trails in Clinton.