OBSERVER Staff Report

WEST SENECA — Silver Creek cross country star Ellie Decker took first place in the West Seneca Invitational on Saturday at Sunshine Park, while leading the Silver Creek girls to a third place finish.

Decker’s time of 20:56 was good enough to win while running from behind for most of the race. On the 3.1 mile course, she was in fifth place at the one mile mark, took the lead near the 2.5 mile mark, and held on the rest of the way, according to Silver Creek coach Mike Janisch.

“She ran an outstanding race,” said Janisch.

Juliana Flick finished 10th in 21:57 for Silver Creek. Daisy League (23:15), Julia Kennedy (23:34), Lily League (24:15), Emma Romanik (24:18) and Melanie Wilson (24:20) all finished in the top 40.

The Silver Creek boys team was incomplete, but Riley Wilson finished in 18th place with a time of 19:29. Gabe Rhodes finished 22nd in 19:45, while Josh Bunnell was 40th in 21:37.

Silver Creek’s next meet is on Tuesday.