The reigning Class A Girls Golf State Championship winners at Lincoln East are getting ready for this year’s state tournament during fall break on October 14 and 15. They have had a successful year so far, placing in the top three for almost every tournament they’ve been a part of. There is a lot of hard work and dedication going into the next couple days leading up to the competitions.
The girls will be competing for the team title, and the individual. In order to win the team title, all five of the of the five varsity players will need to shoot the lowest combined score. The individual win will go to the singular player who shoots the lowest. East’s top five players are 1- senior Isabella Elgert, 2- senior Addison Shirk, 3- freshman Tasha Kolbus, 4- senior Kellie Peitzmeier, and 5- freshman Emily Kumm.
“I am very excited for state, as we have a shot at winning,” senior Addison Shirk said. “Our team is a little less experienced than last year, as we have three players that haven’t competed in state before, but I think we will do well under pressure. It will be a fun upcoming week.”
On October 7, the team clinched the district’s win with a combined score of 332. They fought against Millard West (393), Lincoln Southeast (398), Papillion La-Vista (429), Papillion La Vista South (434), Lincoln High (486), and Omaha Benson (559). It was good practice for what is to come at state, and a great victory.
The teams that are looking to be East’s biggest competition in the state tournament are Omaha Marian, Omaha Westside, and Lincoln Southwest. Marian had a score of 311 at districts, Westside had 335, and Southwest had a 341. All of the teams are similar in skill level, and anything can happen at the state tournament.
“I’m excited, but also a bit nervous for state,” senior Kellie Peitzmeier said. “We have some heavy competition like Marian, Westside, and of course Southwest. As long as we keep our minds focused and put in the work during the postseason, I think we’ll have a good chance of placing well.”
The Class A tournament this year will be held all day in Grand Island at Riverside Golf Club, a par 72 course. Best of luck to the team this year in their efforts to repeat a state championship.
