PIERRE – Aberdeen Central turned in one of its best rounds of the season to open the Class AA State Girls’ Golf Tournament at Hillsview Golf Course on Monday. The Golden Eagles shot a team score of 316 and are in second place, seven strokes behind Mitchell.

“I’m really proud of how our girls played today, I really am,” said Central coach Kim Zimmerman. “If you would have told me we would come out on day one and shoot a 316, I would have been very satisfied with that. And that’s what they did. It just so happens one team played better today. That’s the way it goes.”

The Eagles were led by freshman Olivia Braun, who is currently in second place after a round of 73. Mitchell’s Allison Meyerink tops the field with a 70.

Central’s Emma Dohrer is tied for 13th with a 79. Most of the other Eagles were not much off of that pace.

“All in all a very good day,” Zimmerman said, “good scores on our behalf and how they performed today.”

Leah Gough is tied for 19th following a round of 81. Chloe Vikander and Morgan Jones both shot 83s and are tied for 25th. Kyley Wirebaugh shot an 88 and is tied for 40th.

“Chloe Vikander I believe had a personal best, today. When you get that at a state tournament, that’s something,” Zimmerman said. “For a first state tournament as a freshman and she goes out and posts an 83 today, that’s phenomenal. And Morgan Jones the same way. They played five and six for us all year and they were right there.”

As a result, most of Central’s golfers are all packed together heading into the final day.

“That’s what you hope for,” Zimmerman said. “You hope your scores are fairly low and that they’re bunched together in case somebody falters, and you can kind of rebound and bounce off that other one and don’t have to take such a high fourth score. That was good to see today.”

As a result, the Golden Eagles will be within striking distance of Mitchell when play resumes today.

“At least we’re in contention,” Zimmerman said. “It’s kind of an uphill battle from here, but anything can happen. Last year I know … the individual and the team that was leading after day one, didn’t end up winning on day two.”

The Eagles will now try to take advantage of their current position as they head into the final day of the season.

“You want to be playing in the last group on the last day,” Zimmerman said. “Not only are we doing that teamwise, but Olivia is contending, too. She’s only three strokes back.”

Zimmerman said his players know what the situation is. He just wants them to go out and play one more round of solid golf.

“I don’t think we have to try to do anything more than we did today,” Zimmerman said.

To see complete results, click on the following link:

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9578941199994083029