PIERRE — Junior Allison Meyerink and the Mitchell High School girls golf team got off to a good start Monday in the state Class AA tournament at the Hillsview Golf Course.
Meyerink shot a 2-under 70 to grab a three-shot lead in the individual race and helped the Kernels grab a seven-shot advantage in the team standings.
Mitchell shot 309, followed by Aberdeen Central (316), Rapid City Stevens (320) and Watertown (325).
Aberdeen Central freshman Olivia Braun shot a 73 for second place behind Meyerink. Huron senior Bryn Huber is third at 75. Dannenbring and Huber each tied for third in last year’s state tourney.
“You don’t know how a team will react until you actually start playing in a state tournament,” said Watertown head coach Tommy Mattingly. “I was proud of how the girls settled into their rounds and posted some very competitive scores.”
Emma Dohrer (13th, 79), Leah Gough (18th, 81) and Chloe Vikander and Morgan Jones (25th, 83) also contributed to Aberdeen Central’s strong day on Monday.
Senior Riley Zebroski shot a 78 to lead Watertown. She is tied for ninth. Shelby Pearson and Gabi Olson (20th, 80), and Natalie Pearson (25th, 83) also sparked the Arrows.
“Riley did a really nice job of responding after a tough start on the first two holes, which is why she has been a great leader for us this year,” said Mattingly. “A quality our team had to learn this year was that when it comes to competitive golf, you often need to continue to grind and find ways to work around the golf course. Our scores today reflected that mentality.”
The tourney concludes with 18 holes on Tuesday. The top six teams and 25 individuals each medal.
“”We wanted to be in position after Day 1 to accomplish our team goals,” said Mattingly. “Tuesday will be a great opportunity for us. The girls are looking forward to playing their best golf to end the season.”
Team Scores: Mitchell 309, Aberdeen Central 316, Rapid City Stevens 320, Watertown 325, O’Gorman 336, SF Lincoln 339, Yankton 345, Pierre 352, Brookings 353, SF Washington 376, Brandon Valley 390, SF Jefferson 400.
Top 25 Individuals: 1. Allison Meyerink, Mitchell 70; 2. Olivia Braun, Aberdeen Central, 73; 3. Bryn Huber, Huron, 75; 4. Delilah Fuhs, Brookings, 76; 5. (Tie) Ella Homstad, Yankton; Lauren Knapp, RC Stevens; Quinn Dannenbring, Mitchell; and Allison Kennedy, Spearfish, 77; 9. (Tie) Riley Zebroski, Watertown; Mattie Weidenbach, Harrisburg; Kamryn Shull, RC Stevens; and Paydyn Peterson, O’Gorman, 78; 13. (Tie) Emma Dohrer, Aberdeen Central; Olivia Rink, Huron; and Erin Hurd, O’Gorman, 79.
16. (Tie) Tanna Phares, RC Stevens, and, Ava Eliason, Mitchell, 80; 18. (Tie) Leah Gough, Aberdeen Central, and Madilyn Brakke, Pierre, 81; 20. (Tie) Megan Christoffels, SF Washington; Shelby Pearson and Gabi Olson, Watertown Brinly Sanderson, Harrisburg; Lara Widstrom, Mitchell; 25. (Tie) Maddie Childs, Mitchell; Natalie Pearson, Watertown; Morgan Jones and Chloe Vikander, Aberdeen Central; Morgan Sandness, SF Lincoln; and Sara Sudenga, SF Roosevelt, 83.
Other Watertown Golfers: 31. (Tie) Avery Palmquist, 85; and 50. (Tie) Aspen Reynolds, 92;
Other Aberdeen Central Golfers: 40. (Tie) Kyley Wirebaugh, 88.
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on Twitter @PO_Sports.
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Highlights from the 2023 state Class AA girls golf tournament at Pierre