MITCHELL – A third different Aberdeen Central golfer earned medalist honors this spring, while the Golden Eagles won yet another team championship during the Mitchell Invitational golf tournament on Friday.
Emma Dohrer won the individual title with a 72 to lead five Central golfers who finished their rounds up 80. Central finished with a team score of 297, 10 better than host Mitchell.
“The fact that we beat a really good team today on their home course, that’s very gratifying. … They should feel very good about that,” said Central coach Kim Zimmerman.
It was the first tourney victory of the season for Dohrer. She joins teammates Olivia Braun and Kyley Wirebaugh as a medalist. One of those three has won every tournament Central has competed in this season.
“We have three number ones and they’ve each won,” Zimmerman said. “The meets that Olivia hasn’t, her teammates have won, so what more can you ask for.”
Zimmerman was proud that Dohrer was able to top a loaded field to win the event.
“A lot of credit goes to Emma. I’m glad for her. She won a tournament. A state tournament field,” Zimmerman said. “You had a state tournament feel in terms of the teams. … A lot of quality individuals. She was able to win today. I’m really proud of her and glad for her, the time and effort she’s put in, that she’s able to accomplish that today.”
Braun tied for second with a 73, Wirebaugh was sixth with a 74, Chloe Vikander tied for 12th with a 78, and Carli Withers tied for 14th with a 79.
“It’s kind of a coach’s dream when you can have your number five one stroke off of your fourth score. That’s ideal. That’s what you hope for,” Zimmerman said. “It doesn’t always happen, but today it did. We welcome that any time, especially when they were as low as they were today.”
Zimmerman noted the round turned in by Withers.
“Just a shout out to Carli, too. She’s an eighth-grader,” Zimmerman said. “She shot a 79 today. What a great round for her.”
While the Golden Eagles continue to put together a stellar season, Zimmerman pointed out that there is still room for improvement, noting that his players need to be able close out rounds strong.
“The message today was you just gotta finish the round of golf. … Regardless of what the situation is, you have to finish the golf tournaments,” Zimmerman said.
Central has two meets next week before hosting the Eastern South Dakota Conference Tournament May 26 at Moccasin Creek Country Club. On Tuesday, the Golden Eagles head to Watertown where they will get a chance to play on the upcoming state tournament course, and then play at Brookings on Thursday.
To see complete tournament results, click on the following link:
