Blooming Prairie Golfers Make it Back to State

Blooming Prairie's boys golfers won the section title Monday to qualify for their second straight trip to state. Taylor Christianson advanced to state for her fourth time.

The boys entered the second day of the Section 1A meet at Willow Creek in Rochester with a 25-stroke lead. They lengthened that to a 43-shot victory with a 339 team total on the day. BP shot 681 over two rounds. Fillmore Central finished second at 724. Lewiston-Altura was third with 725. Bethlehem Academy shot 757.

Tommy Braaten won the individual section title for the second straight year with 149. He shot 74 last week and 75 on Monday. Christianson  shaved six shots off last week's 95 for an 89 Monday. Her 184 was good for fifth overall. Jessica Ressler shot 103 Monday, up from 96 in round one and just missed making the state cut.

"The Blooming Prairie golf team had a great day at the section meet," coach Cory Hendrickson said. "I am extremely proud of our boys team. It's hard to repeat in anything and they really worked to get back to the state tournament. They are kids who love golf and enjoy the effort involved in getting better." BP finished fifth in the Class A tournament in 2016, their first appearance at state as a team.

Regarding the section individual title, Hendrickson says, "Tommy Braaten was so impressive today. He strikes the ball so well, he is mentally strong and he keeps a very even temperament." Braaten finished fourth individually last year.

Referring to Christianson, who will make her fourth appearance at state, Hendrickson says "Taylor Christianson didn't play as well as she would have liked but she will definitely be a threat next week at the state meet. She is another kid who has put in time and is very deserving of success." Christianson captured sixth place as a junior in 2016.

Lucas Noble tied for fifth overall with 166. Jake Ressler carded 174 and Kollyn Alwes shot 192. Austin Behne and Colin Jordison round out the team.

The golfers will play a practice round Monday at Pebble Creek in Becker, with the state meet on Tuesday and Wednesday June 13-14.