The Dawson County High School varsity girls cross country team is fighting some injuries, but continues to compete hard.

The team's drive and determination were evident at the Mountain Invitational at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Oct. 3.

The Lady Tigers finished in 11th place out of 21 teams with a team total of 323 points.

South Forsyth captured the team title with 73 points. West Forsyth was close behind with 74 points. Finishing in third place was White County with 118 points.

Freshman Bailey Cotter led the Lady Tigers with a 53rd place finish and a time of 22:39. There were 145 runners in the varsity girls' race.

Cassidy Lecours finished with a time of 23:08 and a 63rd place finish.

Also posting times for the varsity were: Melanie Rimawi (23:19), Isabel Queen (23:22), Faith Sinclair (23:42), Ansley Costley and Taylor Grindstaff.

Winning the individual title was Jenna Bearing from White County with a time of 18:38. Runner-up went to Savannah Carnahan from South Forsyth with a time of 18:58.

"On the girls' side, inexperience still plagued us somewhat," said head coach Charles Beusse. "We have a few injuries that the girls are dealing with which doesn't help either.

"However, the times run by the DCHS girls yesterday indicated a solid effort. Bailey Cotter led the girls by running a 20 second personal best time. Melanie Rimawi ran aggressively as well and had a very strong performance."

The junior varsity girls also raced at Unicoi and finished in ninth place out of 14 teams with 238 team points.

Jaylee Leete led the Lady Tigers with a time of 25:37 and a 34th place finish out of 168 runners.

Lady Tiger Dana Little also ran well. She covered the 3.1-mile course with a 38th place finish and a time of 26:03.

Also running for the junior varsity were: Laryssa Carlisle (26:48), Brianna Burt (27;13), Emma Daniel (27:28), Rebecca Blythe (28:17) and Heidi Collett (28:52).

Winning the junior varsity girls race was Taylor Coleman from South Forsyth with a time of 22:03. Finishing in second place was Allie Brown, also from South, with a time of 22:07.

Several middle school girls also competed in Helen. The younger girls were led by Lindsey Lebaron. Lebaron posted a time of 17:01 in the shortened distance for middle school runners.

Hope Bennett, Jessica Butler, Mackenzie Smith and Hayley Burt all competed in the event.

There were 238 middle school runners.