skip navigation

Alexandria Girls Win Class AAA Golf Title, Fergus Falls Takes Second in AA

By Craig Olson, 06/15/22, 11:30PM CDT

Share

Fergus Falls held onto their second place standing after round one to finish with runner-up honors in the Class AA Girls Golf State Tournament at Ridges at Sand Creek on Wednesday.  Their score of 530 (357-173) was 39 behind the winning team, Lake City (330-161=491).

The Otters were led by senior Ellia Soydara (83-42=125) and sophomore Annika Jyrkas (83-42=125) both days.  They finished in a 4-way tie for fourteenth place.  Annie Mayer (96-44=140) and Olivia Jurgens (95-45-140) tied for 42nd place, Ella Mayer was 58th with a 145 (99-46) and Lexi Metcalf was 66th with a score of 150 (105-45).

“Our depth definitely played a role in our second place finish,” stated Fergus Falls Head Coach Ben Jurgens.  “The conditions were difficult both days as the heat index on Tuesday was 105 degrees and today we had a 5-hour lightning and rain delay.  Coach Hovland and I are so proud of these girls and how they compete and conduct themselves on the golf course.  These girls, our Queens, are the true definitions of a team.  It saddens me to see Ellia and Ella leave the program due to graduation, but I know they are going to do amazing things in the years to come.  We would like to thank the gracious donations to our state tournament experience from Kevin Swenson at SwenDog golf, Mike Alt at Edward Jones Financial, Donnie Olson at Olson Oil, Dennis Tuel, JR, and Scott DeBrito at FM Bank.  These people allowed the girls to experience the State Tournament at the highest level and it does not go unnoticed and is very appreciated. Thank you to the Fergus Falls community for all the well wishes and texts of support to the girls throughout this amazing experience!  Fergus Falls is truly one big family who supports one another!”

Perham senior Mallory Belka is the Class AA State Champion after turning in a two-round total of 114 (76-38).  Second place went to Ella Matzke of Lake City with a 117 (79-38) and Park Rapids golfer Anna Eckmann was third with a 119 (79-40).  Madysen Maninga of Park Rapids was tied for seventh with Sophie Cook of Hawley at 121 as both golfers shot round of 84 on Tuesday and 37 on Wednesday.

Battle Lake senior Adysen Tysdal of Ottertail Central claimed fourth place in the individual competition at the Class A State Girls’ Golf Tournament on Wednesday at Pebble Creek in Becker.  Tysdal was tied with three other golfers with a two-day total of 174 (89-85).  Emily Brandt of Legacy Christian Academy won the individual title with a 165 (81-84) and Kianna Johnson of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley was second with a 166 (85-81).

Ashby senior Celi Nelson was 22nd with a score of 188 (95-93) and Underwood senior Amber Frigaard was tied for 32nd place with a 197 (102-95).  Paige Beyer of Border West also shot a 197 (99-98) and Sophie Hillman of OTC turned in a score of 207 (105-102).

“Amber played in her first State Golf Tournament and finished in the middle of the pack with a better score in her second round,” noted Underwood Head Coach Chuck Ross.  “Amber started up golf two years ago, so it was quite an accomplishment to reach State this year.  She worked hard at it and it paid off!”

Legacy Christian Academy won the Class A championship with a 716 (354-362).  Lac qui Parle Valley finished second with a 723 (354-369) and Park Christian School was third with a 741 (368-373).

Alexandria captured first place in the Class AAA Girls’ State Tournament at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids with a team total of 628 (318-310).

"The Girls put the finishing touches on an undefeated season, as they captured their 2nd straight State AAA Golf Title," stated Alexandria Head Coach Tim Zupfer.  "The Cardinals had a 9-shot lead after the first day of competition.  They were able to build on that lead and complete the tournament with a 16-shot victory over runner-up Maple Grove.  This is the 2nd year we have gone head to head with Maple Grove for the title.  Eastview also proved to be a very worthy opponent, as they finished 3rd.  The first day of competition was played in extremely warm and windy conditions.  Scoring was tough because of the wind, and the heat made 18 holes seem like a marathon.  The Cardinals were able to handle the conditions the best and finished Day 1 with a 9-shot lead.  The second day of competition we encountered a little rain early in our round and then a 30 minute suspension of play, due to lightning.  This occurred when the players had completed 7 - 9 holes.  Before the lightning delay, Maple Grove had reduced our lead to 8 shots.  Once play resumed, we quickly built a 12 - 13 shot lead.  Our final 9 holes were played in beautiful conditions with sun, a 75 degree temperature, and very little wind.  Not surprisingly, the scoring was better for many players the second day of play."

Kathryn VanArragon of Blaine won the individual state title with a score of 135 (65-70).  Isabella McCauley (67-70=137) and Reese McCauley (68-71=139) of Simley finished second and third, respectively.  McKenna Mallow of Detroit Lakes with fifth with a 145 (70-75).

Here are the Alexandria individual scores:
6. Cora Larson 146 (75-71), 10. Hannah Boraas 150 (76-74), 25. Lauren Rebrovich 161 (80-81), 48. Aisling O’Connor 171 (87-84), T55. Rachel Bowen 176 (91-85), T70. Ella Sticha 184 (92-92).

"The two seniors, Cora Larson and Lauren Rebrovich along with juniors Hannah Boraas and Aisling O'Connor just completed 4 impressive varsity golf seasons together.  (Would have been 5, but we lost a season to COVID)," noted Coach Zupfer.  "This group has won 4 CLC titles together.  They suffered 2 heart breaking missed section titles by 1 shot each, and now have won back to back state titles.  They have continued a very strong tradition of high school golf in Alexandria.  Senior Isabella Hagen was part of last year's state title team and she will be missed along with Cora and Lauren.  The 2 juniors, freshman Rachel Bowen, and 8th grader Ellie Sticha will be searching for a few teammates to join them on their quest to continue the tradition next year.  Our success would not be possible, without the strong support we have with the Alexandria Golf Club, the Geneva Golf Club, and the Scott Dirck Golf Academy.  Our access to these facilities plays a huge role in our success."