YANKTON – Aberdeen Central continued its string of team victories Friday, claiming the crown at the Yankton Invitational with a score of 319 at Fox Run Golf Course.
That effort was spurred by three individuals in the top four finishers. Emma Dohrer finished second with a round of 72, just one shot back of medalist Lauren Knapp of Rapid City Stevens.
Dohrer was followed by Olivia Braun (75) in third and Kyley Wirebaugh (77) in fourth.
The team victory was Central’s second in as many days, though Friday’s victory was a bit more nip-and-tuck than Thursday’s win.
“Team-wise, a win is always good,” said Central coach Kim Zimmerman. “You’re never going to shy away from a win. I’m happy for the kids picking up a win when we maybe didn’t play as well as we would have liked. I don’t want to compare it to Thursday because it’s a different golf course that you’re playing, but it’s a little bit more comforting when you win by 20 than by seven.”
Friday also marked the first time the Golden Eagles have been led by someone other than Braun.
“Our top three have really been playing well, Kyley and Emma and Olivia, depending on what day it is which one steps up and goes above and beyond,” Zimmerman said. “Emma has been very consistent lately. She’s just been right there every time, probably our most consistent golfer in where she’s at. She doesn’t waver too much.”
Having that consistency is important, Zimmerman noted, because the sport of golf can often take more than it gives.
“Even the pros … as good as those people are, you’re not going to go out and post a good score every day,” he said. “I think that’s something we have to talk a little bit about and understand that golf is not easy every day. … We have to find a way to weather the storm sometimes and find a way to gut things out when they’re not going our way.”
Central, after three events this week, including back-to-back meets Thursday and Friday, will have a week off before taking to the links again next Friday at Mitchell. Zimmerman said the course will again post a challenge for the Golden Eagles, especially considering the long-range forecast.
“It’ll be different playing conditions next Friday than they were the whole week,” Zimmerman said. “The wind was pretty benign all three days. It’s going to be a different day next Friday, I anticipate, than they were the last three (meets).”
To see complete tournament results, click on the following link:
Track and Field
Class B athletes capture another five state titles
Track and Field
Area athletes rack up multiple State B championships
