Big Nine’s Red Wing is Class AA State Girls Golf Champs

The Red Wing Winger girls golf team is the Minnesota Class AA champions after winning the state tournament by three strokes over fellow powerhouse Detroit Lakes at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan on Wednesday.

The Wingers tallied a 634 score and Detroit Lakes a 637. The Big Nine's other representative in the Class AA tournament, Albert Lea, finished eighth.

Individually Detroit Lakes junior Kate Smith won her fourth title with a two-stroke victory over Minnewaska senior Jenna Janu 137 to 139. Smith could become the state's first five-time winner next season. Red Wing's low score belonged to Stephanie Herzog. The sophomore finished tied for fifth place with a 150. Lake City sophomore Lexi Geolat was tied for eighth.

The Class A state champion, Legacy Christian Academy, ran away from the competition with a 679 team total after two days, 22 strokes better than Section 1 representative Fillmore Central.

Heritage Christian Academy sophomore Kiera Smith earned medalist with a 153, five strokes better than Legacy Christian sophomore Kayla Ruf. Blooming Prairie sophomore Taylor Christianson carded a 173 and finished tied for 12th place.

In Class AAA, Edina captured the state title by 27 strokes over Buffalo 630-657. Section 1 representative Winona finished in fourth place.

New Prague junior Taylor Ledwein won the medalist by four strokes over Winona senior Abbe Partington 149-153. Lakeville North junior Brianna Vetter tied for 10th with a 159 and teammate freshman Megan Welch was 16th with a 162. Apple Valley senior Rachel Harty tied for 17th place. Owatonna senior Maddie Preglow finished with a 36-hole total of 182 and Northfield senior Laine Fischer had a 191.