After qualifying for the state meet last spring, the Wright City girls 400-meter relay team expected to return all four runners to Jefferson City this season.

That plan was briefly put on hold when it was announced junior Emajahnai Hunter wouldn’t be with the team.

She was replaced by last year’s alternate, Morgan Rohan, who joined returners Danielle Dyer, Kia Campbell and Mercedes Wray.

The group finished third at last month’s meet at Montgomery County, and the Wildcats’ depth was tested again last week at the St. Dominic Crusader Invite.

Dyer missed the meet with an illness, and was replaced by freshman Mackenzie Repp.

The lineup change didn’t affect the Wildcats, who won the race in 57.9 seconds.

“We were happy with the girls 4x1 performance,” Wright City Head Coach Billy Garrett said. 

“With Danielle out sick, Mackenzie stepped up and filled in to help the team still have a solid race. Morgan will be replacing Emajahnai in the 4x1, and Ashley Lawson will fill in in the 4x2 while Emajahnai focuses on areas away from track this spring.”

Lawson, a sophomore, finished fourth in the open 200 (30.13 seconds), while Campbell ran a 13.91 in the 100 to finish third.

Lawson, Campbell, Rohan and Wray joined together in the 800 relay as well, finishing second behind Warrenton in 2:00.76.

“Ashley has been running very well this spring and should be a strong leg in the 4x2,” Garrett said.

Freshman Peyton Hart helped the Wildcats with a first-place finish in the high jump, posting a final height of 4 feet, 4 inches.

“Peyton had the high jump won after her first jump, so with the cold weather we decided to jump the bar up and try to set the school record with her next jump,” Garrett said. “She was close, but didn’t quite get it. She should be there soon, though.”

Hart joined Lawson, Evelyn Bruno and Maryanna Hale in the 3,200 relay, finishing third in 12:10.33

Sophomore Jeanette Woehrle also picked up points in the shot put and discus, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.