DICKINSON, N.D. -- Of all the concerns with the game of golf, the least of Fargo South's worries was the weather.
The Bruins bucked gusting winds of 45 mph to set themselves up for their fifth consecutive state title Monday at the first day of the North Dakota Class A state high school girls golf tournament at Heart River Golf Course.
Fargo South closed out Day 1 with 322 strokes; 46 shots ahead of second-place Dickinson, which shot a 368.
"The wind was brutal today, but I was very impressed with our girls and their scores today," South first-year coach Sue Kasowski said. "We knew the scores were going to be higher today, so I didn't expect them to do as well as they did. The wind played a factor, but they have worked very hard to play the way that they do. They were able to adjust to that."
Fargo Shanley is currently third at 371. Bismarck Century (373) and Bismarck (378) rounded out the top five.
ADVERTISEMENT
South dominated the field, led by Jeana Dahl and Kelly Weisgarber, who both fired 79s. Jenny Henderson was next with an 80, and Merritt Brothen finished in a two-way tie for fourth with an 84. Ashley Anderson ended up sharing 10th place with an 88.
"We go back and forth, but the same four that have carried us all year carried us today," Kasowski said. "Overall, I'm very happy with how we played and that they came back in with those scores."
The weather forecast for today is calling for less wind and more cold, which will be another adjustment for the Bruins and the rest of the field.
"I don't know where we struggled the most, but it was probably with the wind," Kasowski said. "Tomorrow (today) we'll adjust to whatever's out there."
Dickinson matched its season-best score of 368, even though it is in second place.
The last time the Midgets played their home course, on Sept. 5, they carded a 355.
Dickinson was led by Kristen Stolt, who placed sixth individually with an 85.
Megan Fisher followed with a 92, Lyndsey Kent had a 93, Erin Wanner had a 94 and Nikki Koppinger had a 97.
ADVERTISEMENT
For complete results, see Scoreboard on page D2.
Alexander is the sports editor at the Dickinson Press, a Forum Communications newspaper
