Laker Girls Place Fourth at Stacked Invitational The Spring Lake girls cross country team rose to the occasion against a field packed with top programs, earning a fourth-place finish with 136 points. The Lakers showed impressive depth and balance, holding off Coopersville (139) and Zeeland West (148) in a tightly contested battle for top-five honors. Senior Alexis Kotkowicz led the way for Spring Lake, powering to a 12th-place overall finish in 19:40.71. She was supported by a tightly packed group of teammates that kept the Lakers’ score low. Junior Cora Parker (28th, 20:34.95) and freshman Matia Battjes (29th, 20:36.44) crossed the line nearly together, followed closely by senior Meghan Guczwa (31st, 20:37.62). Sophomore Kaleigh Clark (36th, 20:53.40) rounded out the scoring five, helping secure Spring Lake’s spot inside the top four. Freshman Charly Braidwood (39th, 21:02.90) and sophomore Briella Kohley (58th, 22:04.50) added depth for the Lakers, while senior Samantha Conley (84th, 23:24.32) and junior Shannon Losee (65th, 22:19.05) contributed steady efforts. Holland West Ottawa (49 points), Otsego (51), and Holland Christian (63) claimed the top three spots, but Spring Lake’s ability to keep its scoring runners within a tight one-minute window proved the difference in earning fourth place. The Lakers continue to demonstrate both veteran leadership and emerging young talent as they move deeper into the season.