In the first girls 5K at the University Interscholastic League cross country championships Saturday, Northwest’s Katherine Chavez narrowly missed bringing home a top-10 medal.

The sophomore finished 13th in the 5A race, completing the Old Settlers Park course in 18 minutes and 27 seconds.

“It was not what I was hoping for, but it is a PR by seven seconds,” Chavez said. “I gave it all I had, and I can’t ask for more.”

College Station A&M’s Karis Jochen won the first 5K state crown in 17:18. She finished more than 12 seconds ahead of second-place Sandie Raines of Humble Kingwood.

Coming off winning the Class 5A Region I title last weekend, Chavez tried to hang with the leaders early. She was in sixth through the first 1,200 meters.

“It was a fast start,” Chavez said. “The first mile was really fast.”

In the second mile she fell back to 13th and held her spot to the finish line.

Chavez improved four spots on her finish at the state meet last year as a freshman.

“She’s such a great kid,” said Northwest coach George Lutkenhaus. “She’s worked her tail off all year. She’s a little disappointed. She wanted to run with the leaders. She’s still just a sophomore, and she will be back.”