The Tigers are chasing second place after Lakeville North built an insurmountable lead during the first round of the Section 1AAA Tournament on Tuesday.

Albert Lea finished tied for sixth with Fairbault, having shot 320 after the first 18 hole, but made the six-team cut because their fifth best individual score was lower than the Falcon’s.

Lakeville North shot a 291, one-under par after the first round, finishing 25 strokes ahead of Rochester Mayo and Lakeville South, both tied in second.

“It’s the lowest score I’ve ever heard of for a section high school score,” head coach Riley Worth said of Lakeville North’s impressive performance.

The Tigers were led by seniors Tyler Brackey and Casey Marka, who each sank five-foot putts on the final hole to draw a tie for sixth place.

“If either of those guys miss that putt, we don’t go to the second round,” Worth said.

With Lakeville North in a strong position to win the section and advance to the state tournament, the golfers will focus on advancing to state individually.

“We’ll be playing as six individuals,” Worth said.

To advance to state as an individual, a golfer must place within the top five in a leaderboard that does not include the members of the team champion.

Brackey finished round one tied for second place with a score of 76. Marka followed with a 79 and senior Sam Matheson shot an 82.

“Matheson shot a good second round score last year at sections,” Worth said. “He is capable of coming back and competing.”

Nate Stadheim will begin round two action on Thursday, teeing off at 10 a.m. from Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings .