BROOKINGS – Aberdeen Central is right where it wants to be following the opening day of the State AA Golf Tournament on Monday.
The Golden Eagles shot a 327 and are just one stroke out of first place heading into today’s final round.
“I think we’re very satisfied with our position going into (Tuesday),” said Central coach Kim Zimmerman. “If I had my choice I would have wanted to be in the top four, which we are.”
Mitchell leads the field with a 326 following a stellar round by first-day leader Allison Meyerink who fired a 71.
“That was kind of the separation between us and them today,” Zimmerman said. “She just goes out and posts a phenomenal round today. That’s the difference.”
As they have all season, the Golden Eagles used a solid team effort with four girls shooting 85 or under.
Emma Dohrer is tied for fourth with a 78, while Olivia Braun is tied for seventh with a 79.
“Emma Dohrer stepped up big time for us,” Zimmerman said. “Olivia was Olivia.”
Leah Gough and Kyley Wirebaugh both shot an 85 and are tied for 22nd.
The Eagles have been an elite team all season, but Zimmerman noted that the state tournament is a whole different platform.
“You have to remember we have some young girls that have played in a state tournament, but not very many. You still get those jitters when you step on that first tee until you play a few holes,” Zimmerman said. “It is a different stage. For them to go out and still shoot a 327 today was a very good score for us. We’ll take that.”
Zimmerman was pleased that his squad was able to continue the same stellar play that it has shown all season.
“You play all year long and you’re one of the top teams, and sometimes it doesn’t work out that way on day one,” Zimmerman said.
That was not the case on Monday, though.
“I think the girls really went out and proved today that they deserved to be where they were,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman knows that there is still plenty of golf remaining when play resumes today, but there is no denying that the Golden Eagles are in a prime spot heading into the final round.
“I’m feeling pretty good about our position,” Zimmerman said.
To see complete first round results, click on the following link:
