TIFTON — Tift County’s Lady Devils are headed back to the state tournament, courtesy of a second place finish at the area competition Saturday. Leading them to that position were three top 10 finishes, including first place from Emily Golden.

Golden ran the course at Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers in 19:44, 41 seconds ahead of second place, according to Milesplit GA. Ainsley Toews was fourth at area and Alexis Tucker was eighth. Golden topped Archer runners in the race, but Archer took the team title at 31 points. Archer had four top 10 runners.

The Lady Devils’ total of 69 points was 14 ahead of Camden County, which finished in third place. Beyond Golden, Toews and Tucker, Alexandria Vaughan was 26th and Rebekah Larger was 30th to count towards the team total. Just behind Larger was Katie McMillan (32). Noelia Sandoval finished in 47th.

Tift’s boys barely missed a state appearance, finishing seventh in the competition. The top six teams go to state.

Bryce Stephens was the Devils’ top finisher at 27th place. Yamari Snow was 30th and Jeremiah Thomas (45th) and Landon Johnson (48th) both finished in the top 50.

The Lady Devils will next compete at the state Class AAAAAAA meet at Carrollton Nov. 3.