The Superior Express -

The Superior High School girls golf team competed at the state Class Championship played over the Elks Golf Club Course at Columbus. The five team members, along with coach Kirk Utecht, have been savoring the experience of a return trip to the event.

The team went into play with high expectations. They faced a formidable challenge as the girls golf scene is a highly competitive score. The sheer number of outstanding golfers in this class who are only freshmen or sophomores is staggering. They knew they had their work cut out for them. Mother Nature at least turned a kind eye on the field as temperatures were in the 80s Tuesday. The wind was another matter as gusts of more than 30 miles per hour were recorded.

There are 93 individual golfers. There are 15 teams competing in the event. Teams representing Broken Bow, the defending champion and current leader, Minden, Scotus Central Catholic, Adams Central, Archbishop Bergan, O’Neil, Valentine, Wayne, Oakland-Craig, Lincoln Christian, Laurel-Concord Coleridge, Lincoln Lutheran, Hershey and Chadron

Superior finished their first day of play, Monday in 12th place after the first 18 holes with a team score of 407. The four lowest individual scores make up the team score.

Rayne Biltoft led the Wildcats with her round of 90 and posted a round of 100 for Tuesday. Haley Blackstone finished with a 98 Monday and a round of 100 Tuesday. Neah McMeen carded a round of 100 Monday followed with a round of 98 Tuesday. Nadia McMeen finished with a round of 119 for her Monday round and followed with a round of 123 on Tuesday. Lauren Tietjen finished with identical rounds of 129 on Monday and Tuesday.

Superior was assured of at least a 12th place finish, an improvement over their 15th place finish last year. Just playing in the event for two consecutive years is accomplishment enough. Well done and there is next year with a bright future for Biltoft, Nadia McMeen, Tietjen and their new teammates.