AUSTIN — Out of 60 golfers at the Big Nine Conference tournament in Austin on Friday, Albert Lea’s Lucas Peterson shot a 76 to tie for second place.

“It feels really nice to know all my hard work paid off,” Peterson said.

Will Leaf of Winona took first place with a score of 74.

The meet was held at Austin Country Club, a par 72 course.

Going into the tournament, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Winona and Rochester Century were all vying for the upper-hand in conference placing.

Winona was leading, Owatonna was second, Albert Lea was third and Century was fourth.

Following the results, Winona placed first and Albert Lea edged Owatonna to take second.

According to Tigers coach Riley Worth, Albert Lea fell to Winona by just four shots in the regular season and by six shots in Friday’s tournament.

“They are undefeated, but we gave them a good run both times,” Worth said.

Scoring for the Tigers were Peterson, Brent Nafzger, 80, Brady Loch, 80, Brady Falk, 82, Nate Stadheim, 82, and Adam Syverson, 87.

“This is the most proud I’ve been,” Worth said of his seven years as a coach for Albert Lea.

For the tournament, Winona placed first, Albert Lea second, Rochester Century third and Owatonna fourth.

Pending official All Conference results, Worth said there are Tiger athletes that will receive the title.

Sections are scheduled for Thursday.

Big Nine tournament standings
1. Winona 312
2. Albert Lea 318
3. Rochester Century 319
4. Owatonna 326
5. Rochester Mayo 330
6. Faribault 334
7. Austin 339
8. Mankato West 342
9. Rochester John Marshall 351
10. Mankato East 363

Overall Big Nine standings
1. Winona 19
2. Albert Lea 16
3. Owatonna 15
4. Rochester Century 14
5. Rochester Mayo 11
6. Faribault 8
7. Austin 6
8. Mankato West 5
9. Rochester John Marshall 4
10. Mankato East 2