WINONA &045; The toughest course in the Big Nine failed to derail the Albert Lea High School boys’ golf team.

The Tigers won another triangular Friday, this one at Winona Country Club, to run their Big Nine record to 8-1 and make them a favorite for the championship heading into Monday’s conference tournament at Austin.

&uot;Our fate is basically in our own hands right now,&uot; said coach Doug Christopherson. &uot;All we need to do is play well (Monday).&uot;

The Tigers played well on a very tough course Friday, shooting 319 to Mankato East’s 332 and Winona’s 339.

Dan Breuer was the medalist with a 76, followed for the Tigers by Josh Jones, 80; Adam Boelter, 81; Ryan Thompson, 82; Adam Elseth, 84; and Josh Tubbs, 92.

&uot;The guys played very well,&uot; said Christopherson. &uot;It’s probably the most difficult golf course we play and, to shoot under 320, I was happy.&uot;

The Tigers improved to 11-1 overall, the same record the junior varsity finished with after another win Friday. Scoring for the JV: Ross Stadheim 81, Cory Ellertson 84, Matt Bennett 86, Jon Breuer 88.

The Big Nine tournament is Monday at 9 a.m. at Austin Country Club. The conference championship is determined by a combination of regular-season results and the conference tournament.