5 days ago
Aberdeen Central caps off strong season with ‘AA' state title
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Aberdeen Central girls golf team came up short of a state title last year. That fueled the Golden Eagles this season as they rolled into the state tournament with their eyes on the prize.
Aberdeen Central finished in third place at last year's class 'AA' state golf tournament, while standout Olivia Braun finished runner-up in the individual competition by one stroke.
'Both team and individual last year, we were kind of disappointed in how it turned out. Overall, I think we all came back stronger,' Braun said.
The Golden Eagles played in nine tournaments this year, finishing first five times. They carried that momentum into the state tournament, where Braun led the charge.
Olivia shot one-under par in the first round and followed that up with a 69, three-under in round two. She even birdied two of her last three holes, leaving no doubt that she would be this year's state champ.
'The last two years she been very close and it's come down to maybe the last few holes. It's tough to accept, but I feel like you have to lose some before you win. You have to take the good with the bad,' head coach Kim Zimmerman said.
'I put in a lot of work, especially after last year. I had that bitter taste in my mouth, but I just went out on the course, started practicing and it really showed off these last two days,' Braun said.
Aberdeen Central also came away with the team title. Along with Braun, two other Golden Eagles finished in the top five, including Emma Dohrer and Kyley Wirebaugh.
'I knew they were capable of it, but you don't win anything on just your capabilities. You have to go out and practice and show everybody what you're capable of and they really did step up this year,' Zimmerman said.
It was a full team effort that helped bring the first state girls golf title to the Hub City.
'I have a lot of emotions going through me right now and I'm sure they do as well,' Zimmerman said. 'I'm just very proud of our school and the golf team and how we represent the school.'
Aberdeen Central has finished runner-up four times for the team title. Olivia joins 2018 champ Sydney Wirebaugh as the two individuals to claim a state crown.
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