WATERTOWN, S.D. — Mitchell positioned itself in contention for a top finish after the opening round of the Class AA State Girls Golf Tournament on Monday at Cattail Crossing Golf Course.
The Kernels shot a team score of 308, finishing the first day in third place at 20-over par. Mitchell trails only Aberdeen Central, which leads the tournament at 295, and O’Gorman at 304 heading into Tuesday’s final round.
Aberdeen Central built an 11-stroke advantage over Mitchell after the first 18 holes, while the Kernels hold a 13-shot cushion over fourth-place Sioux Falls Lincoln (321).
Mitchell placed four golfers among the top 13 individuals on the leaderboard, led by Maddie Childs. Childs fired a 3-over-par 75 and is tied for eighth place overall, seven shots behind individual leader Ari Jacobs of O’Gorman, who opened with a 2-under 70.
Brynlee Sabers added a 5-over 77 and sits 12th individually, while Mia Larson and Londyn Hajek each carded 6-over 78s to share 13th place. Anna Eliason rounded out Mitchell’s scoring lineup with a 12-over 84, tied for 25th. Elliot Smith posted a 28-over 100.
The strong team effort kept the Kernels within striking distance of the tournament leaders entering the final day.
Aberdeen Central placed five golfers among the top 16, led by Olivia Braun’s even-par 72 and three players tied for fourth at 74. O’Gorman also received a boost from Jacobs’ tournament-leading round and had three golfers inside the top 16.
Brandon Valley sits fifth at 330, followed by Sioux Falls Jefferson and Watertown, which are tied for sixth at 350.
The second and final round of the Class AA State Girls Golf Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday at Cattail Crossing Golf Course, where Mitchell will attempt to close the gap on the leaders and secure a top-three finish.