JORDAN — The focus for the final 18 holes is on individual improvement for the Albert Lea girls’ golf team.

With a score of 380, the Tigers are in eighth place Tuesday on Day 1 of the two-day Class A state golf tournament at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.

“I think we’ve been playing close to our potential,” said Albert Lea coach Shawn Riebe. “It’s a tough group of schools that we’re here with. What we’re looking at is shooting our best score and playing the best we can.”

The Tigers shot a 372 Monday when the team previewed the course.

“We really felt positive feel in the practice round, and I think it showed them that they can score on this course,” Riebe said. “They like the course, and that always helps.”

Samantha Nielsen, Bailey Sandon and Natalie Nafzger led Albert Lea with scores in the 40s for both rounds.

Nielsen posted a 43 on the front nine and 46 on the back. She will start the final 18 holes in 54th place out of 88 individuals. Her favorite part of the course is the variety of distances that range from 75 to 430 yards.

“It makes you think more on your tee shots, which makes it a lot more fun, too,” Nielsen said. “You have to keep that in mind when you’re playing.”

Sandon shot a 45 on the front nine and 48 on the back to enter Day 2 in 63rd place, and Nafzger shot a 49 and 47 for 69th place.

Sara Rasmussen and Emma Loch rounded out the Tigers’ scoring by completing 18 holes in 102 strokes each.

Riebe said Loch excelled on the 14th and 15th holes.

“Emma had two great pars in a row and had a sand save that was really difficult,” he said. “That was a good run for her.”

Loch’s brother, Brady, competed at the state meet for the second consecutive year for the boys’ team.

“Her grandparents are following, and her brother is playing here, too,” said Riebe. “They’re a golf family, and that’s huge. She’ll be playing all summer long.”

Kayla Jensen added a score of 118.

The Tigers will tee off for the last 18 holes at 12:45 p.m. today.

“I just want everyone to play as well as they can and have fun, and maybe we can get some personal records,” Nielsen said.

 

Albert Lea at Class AA state meet

1. Detroit Lakes 312

2. Red Wing 319

3. Pequot Lakes 325

4. Minnewaska 325

5. Breck 338

6. St. Cloud Cathedral 366

7. Blake 376

8. Albert Lea 380

(8 teams)

 

Albert Lea individuals

54. Samantha Nielsen 89

63. Bailey Sandon 93

69. Natalie Nafzger 96

78. Sara Rasmussen 102

78. Emma Loch 102

87. Kayla Jensen 118

(88 individuals)