Class 3A Girls Golf: Simley’s Reese McCauley wins by one stroke

Simley freshman Reese McCauley (139) outdueled Roseville Area sophomore Olivia Salonek (140) by one stroke. The two were tied for the top spot at the end of the first day. Orono senior Camille Kuznik came in third with a score of 144 in Class 3A.

With the victory, Reese McCauley becomes the second McCauley sister to win a state title, older sister Bella was the state champion in 2019. Bella missed out on playing in this year’s state tournament due to her qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open in San Francisco, CA.

The Eagles of Lac qui Parle Valley earned their second Class A championship with a final score of 720. They won previously in 2018. Junior Sarah Halvorson, who tied for individual championship honors with a score of 166, was the top finisher for the Eagles.

Park Christian earned runner-up honors with a score of 746 and Badger/Greenbush-Middle River was third at 770.

Senior Emily Stueland of Park Christian will share top honors with Halvorson. Isabella Jacobs, a sophomore from Lac qui Parle Valley placed third with a final score of 169.

In Class AA, Lake City went home with its first title. Lake City finished with 673 strokes, outscoring the runners-up from Providence Academy by 24 strokes. Fergus Falls finished in third place with a score of 727.

Freshman Jordana Windhorst Knudsen led Lake City with a score 157. That score was also good enough to claim runner-up honors in the individual event.

Junior Mallory Belka of Perham emerged as the Class AA individual champion; she finished with 148 strokes. Providence Academy sophomore Grace Petzold claimed third-place honors with a final score of 158.

Alexandria Area claimed its fourth team championship in Class AAA. The Cardinals won their previous titles in 1977, 1978, and 1992. The Cardinals also made a record-setting 21st appearance at this year’s tournament.

Alexandria Area finished with 622 strokes this year. Maple Grove was second at 644 and Edina followed at 652.

Junior Cora Larson was the No. 1 golfer for Alexandria Area. She had a final score of 150 and placed ninth overall.