Cross country scoring is brutal math: individual brilliance cannot single-handedly overcome a wall of opposing jerseys. While Fergus Falls celebrated Lill's first-place ribbon, Alexandria put on an exhibition of team management. Alexandria swept both the boys' and girls' team titles by running in tight pods, effectively denying Fergus Falls the low-displacement numbers needed for an upset.
For Fergus Falls, claiming dual runner-up trophies was nonetheless a major validation. The squad's third, fourth, and fifth runners shaved crucial seconds compared to their marks seven days earlier. Closing the 1-to-5 spread remains the central assignment for the Otters coaching staff if they intend to challenge Alexandria's postseason stronghold at sections.
