Bears freshman Anna Stirek carded just 94 strokes and qualified for state Monday as both the Blair and Arlington golf teams participated in district competition.
The BHS standout took 48 swings on the front nine holes and 46 more on the back at Pioneers Golf Course in Lincoln, finishing 10th — the last automatic qualifying spot — during the Class B District 4 Tournament, according to coach Rachel Brown.
Stirek, the younger sister of four-time BHS state qualifier Mallory Stirek, next plays Oct. 13 during the NSAA Class B State Golf Championships at Scotts Bluff Country Club in Scottsbluff. On Monday, though, she was one of three Bears who carded less than 100 strokes across 18 holes in Lincoln.
Diane Mitchell finished just three strokes short of qualifying for state at the conclusion of her senior season. The golfer finished with 97 strokes, while Sophie Kern finished with 99.
Additionally, Blair’s Macy Schrad finished the district tourney with 106 swings to go with Quinn Thompson’s 117. The Bears finished with 396 strokes altogether — four under a self-imposed goal, Brown said.
BHS’ district tournament start was delayed an hour by rain as was the Arlington Eagles’ in Columbus. Coach Cailyn Ross’ team ultimately played through damp and cold conditions and finished with 537 strokes during the Class C District 2 Tournament at Quail Run Golf Course.
Junior Aspen Smutz led her AHS team with 116 strokes, while Ava Pfingsten finished her freshman campaign with 128. Ally Meyer had 141 swings in the rain, too, while both Honora Andreasen and Addie Thomas had 152s.
The Eagles finished 12th overall, finishing ahead of full lineups from Fullerton and Humphrey-Lindsay.
For the full story on these tournaments and additional AHS photos, come back to enterprisepub.com/sports later this week. Coverage will appear in the Oct. 14th Washington County Enterprise edition as well.
