The Albert Lea girls’ golf team competed in the first round of the Section 2AA tournament Tuesday morning in New Prague.

The Tigers turned in their best performance of the year and still have many golfers in contention to earn a trip to the state tournament.

As a team the Tigers shot a score of 369, putting them in second place — 23 strokes behind first-place Jordan. Other teams rounding out the top four and moving on to day two are Waseca with 374 and St. Peter with 386.

“We also shot our season best round of 369, but really didn’t play how we needed to,” said head coach Shawn Riebe. “The girls put themselves into positions to score, but it just didn’t work out for them today. I think we will put some better rounds together Monday.”

The best score for the Tigers came from junior Emma Loch, who finished with an 86. After the first 18 holes of competition, she finds herself in fifth place — just four strokes out of the lead.

Senior Maddy Carstens currently sits in 12th place with a score of 92, and is followed by senior Natalie Nafzger with 94.

Senior Lexie Simon is in a tie for 17th place with a score of 97; junior Charley Fleek sits in 20th place with a score of 101 and senior Emma Grossman rounds out the Tigers in 31st place with a score of 120. All members of the team are still qualified to compete in the individual portion of the tournament.

To qualify for the state tournament, the Tigers either have to win the tournament outright or be one of the top five scoring individuals not on the top team.

The Tigers will resume action at 9 a.m. Monday with the final 18 holes of the tournament.

 

Standings after 18 holes

1. Jordan 346

2. Albert Lea 369

3. Waseca 374

4. St. Peter 386

Albert Lea individuals

5. Emma Loch 86

12. Maddy Carstens 92

13. Natalie Nafzger 94

T17. Lexie Simon 97

T22. Charley Fleek 101

31. Emma Grossman 120