In the first Big Nine Conference meet, the Albert Lea girls’ golf team took fifth place in the 12-team field thanks to play from a returning senior and an up-and-coming eighth grader.

The Tigers finished the meet with a score of 395 at Austin Country Club, just four strokes behind fourth-place Rochester John Marshall. Northfield won the meet, scoring 328 on the day.

Albert Lea 2018 state qualifier senior Emma Loch made her return at the meet and shot a team-best 90. Loch shot a 45 on both the front and back nines. Eighth grader Alyssa Jensen was not far behind, scoring a 92. Like Loch, Jensen shot a 45 on the front nine, but dropped two strokes on the back nine to card a 47.

Also scoring for Albert Lea were senior Charley Fleek with a 105 (51-54) and eighth grader Whitney Mullenbach with a 108 (54-54).

Junior Makenzie Herr and sophomore Grace Nelson also golfed for the Tigers, but missed out on scoring for the team. Herr finished with a round of 119 (56-63) and Nelson shot a 113 (58-55).

“That was a good showing for us,” said head coach Shawn Riebe. “The girls still see a need to get out on the putting green more and put some reps in improving their short games. A couple of our young girls are putting a ton of time in practicing and it is showing.

“Alyssa Jensen and Whitney Mullenbach play until dark after practice and their scores are helping us a lot. It is also great to have Emma shooting great scores for us again. I think a few other girls are close and should put some scores in coming down the stretch.”

The Tigers will resume their season Monday when they travel to Faribault to take on the Falcons.

 

Meet results

Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference tournament

1. Northfield 328

2. Red Wing 330

3. Rochester Century 361

4. Rochester John Marshall 387

5. Albert Lea 395

(12 teams)

Albert Lea individuals

Emma Loch 90

Alyssa Jensen 92

Charley Fleek 105

Whitney Mullenbach 108

Grace Nelson 113

Makenzie Herr 119