They were followed by Baraga 67 and Munising 97.

“We have a good program,” Hancock coach Jennifer Smith said. “The girls know what they have to do. Our tradition is huge. You have to be tough to run cross country. There’s not a lot of glory, but like no other sport we’re all supportive of each other.”

Ironwood senior Aubrey Smith earned her first U.P. title by covering the 3.1-mile course in 19:57.

“It’s a relief to finally win one,” she said. “I was just playing it by ear and ran my own race. Whatever happens, I’ll just do my best out there. This is a great way to end my high school cross country career.”

The Baraga girls cross country team poses after finishing second in the Division 2 during the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Finals in cross country held at Pictured Rocks Golf Club in Munising on Saturday. (Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press (Escanaba))

The Bulldogs placed four among the top eight, led by senior Ella Keranen in second at 20:22.9 on this sunny and mild day at the Pictured Rocks Golf Course.

“This wasn’t my best race, but I’m happy with taking second,” she said.

Gogebic (Wakefield-Marenisco) senior Alyssa Shirkey, who placed third at 21:13.2, has drawn recruiting interest from Bay College.

“Their coach (Scott Carhoun) has expressed interest,” she said. “He recommended some workouts to do after school and we’ve arranged things through the Internet.

“My strategy is always to stay with Aubrey. I attribute my success to summer training and did some eight-mile practices. I think being a senior provided me with special motivation to keep going.”

The Ewen-Trout Creek girls cross country team poses after winning the Division 3 UP cross country title during the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Finals in cross country held at Pictured Rocks Golf Club in Munising on Saturday. (Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press (Escanaba))

Hancock freshman Alena Pietila was fourth (21:33.6), followed by Baraga freshman Princess Pierre (21:36.9), Hancock junior Jill Berg (21:56), Baraga sophomore Sophie DesRochers (22:08) and Hancock senior Rayna Towles (22:09).

Houghton junior Tessa Rautiola became D-1 champion for the second time in 19:31. She was followed by Marquette junior Ella Fure (19:44), Houghton freshman Sela Niska (19:51.8) and senior Roman Trevino Peterlin (20:21).

“It was very close,” Rautiola said. “Their girl taking second was key for them. It was a nice season for our team. We just put in a lot of work. The future looks bright for our team.

“I knew I had to go out and attack all the straight stretches. I just wanted to have a good race. I won as a freshman and I’m so happy to regain the individual title.”

Houghton senior Lily Ross placed 11th (20:35.2) and sophomore Norah Woodruff was 13th (21:18.3).

The Houghton girls cross country team poses after finishing second in Division 1 during the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Finals in cross country held at Pictured Rocks Golf Club in Munising on Saturday. (Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press (Escanaba))

Freshman Elli Harju was Calumet’s pacesetter in 26th at 23:08.7.

Ewen-Trout Creek was crowned D-3 champion for the first time with 54 points. The Panthers were followed by Engadine 100 and defending champion Chassell 102.

“What’s even better is our top five runners are coming back,” E-TC coach Brad Besonen said while noting this was the first time the Panthers had a full team for the U.P. Finals. “This is going to be a great builder for us. I think this will help the girls’ side and the boys’ side as well. Our season is so difficult. We ran against Hancock in two-thirds of our meets and Baraga in all but one race and often against Houghton. We had to work for everything we got.”

Eastern U.P. runners grabbed the top four spots, led by Pickford junior Talya Schreiber who was clocked at 18:48.8.

Newberry sophomore Abby Taylor (19:49.1) was runner-up, followed by her junior sister Samantha Taylor (19:55.9) and Engadine eighth-grader Molly McNamara (20:14.4).

Chassell sophomore Sylvia Aho placed fifth (21:26.8) followed by E-TC freshman Bree Besonen (21:28.9)

“We’re like a little family,” Bree Besonen said. “We’re always pushing each other in practice. We’re a young team which makes it better. Having a full team is very helpful. It’s a big motivator.”

E-TC junior Emma Besonen took eighth (21:58.6) and eighth-grader Alyssa DeCremer was 10th (22:08.8).