LINTON, N.D. — The Valley City Hi-Liner girls golf team faced a challenging test Thursday at Linton Country Club, finishing fourth at an individual state qualifying tournament featuring eight teams from around the region.
Hot and muggy conditions combined with a demanding course filled with hills and trees to produce a difficult day for the entire field. Scores were high across the board, with only two golfers reaching the score needed to qualify for the state tournament. Both had already qualified earlier in the season, meaning no new individual state qualifiers emerged from Thursday’s tournament.
The Linton Lions claimed the team championship with a score of 381, while Linton senior Megan McCrory earned individual medalist honors with an 85.
For Valley City, senior Kylie Van Bruggen marked a significant milestone as she competed in her 40th varsity meet in a Hi-Liner uniform. Van Bruggen finished 10th individually with a 101. It was her first round over 100 since midway through last season.
Senior Ashlynn Hartsell tied for 17th with a 115, followed by senior Anna McMenamin with a 130. Junior Emily Hoff rounded out the Hi-Liner lineup with a 158.
While the scores weren’t what the Hi-Liners hoped for, Thursday’s difficult conditions provided valuable experience as the team continues to prepare for the postseason. The Hi-Liners will now turn their attention to the final opportunities to extend their season.
Valley City will travel to CrossRoads Golf Course in Carrington on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for its final individual state qualifying opportunity. The Hi-Liners will then return to CrossRoads on Monday, Sept. 14, for the team state qualifying tournament.
With the individual qualifying season nearly complete, Valley City will look to regroup and prepare for its final team qualifier and an opportunity to continue its season.