Young golfers to lead O-F girls' squad in 2024
OSSEO - The 2024 prep girls' golf season is underway and for the Osseo-Fairchild High School squad youth is served.
Two freshmen golfers, Alexis Ness and Sophie Pernsteiner, join with senior Hailie Knudtson to make up this year's team and the results have been good so far.
In the Thunder's first meet of the season played Tuesday, Aug. 20 hosted by Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau at Trempealeau Mountain Golf Course, Ness placed fifth individually with an 18-hole score of 86 while Knudtson shot a 90 to finish ninth overall and Pernsteiner shot a 138. The following day in the Joanie O Invitational at Sparta's River Run Golf Course and several Division 1 teams competing, Ness shot a 101 and Knudtson shot a 103 to finish in the top 25.
"The girl worked hard the first week of practice," new O-F head coach Kelsey Higley said. "They're striking the ball well and improving on their short games."
Knudtson was an All-Clover/Croix Conference golfer last season and qualified for sectionals. She shot a 92 in the regional meet hosted by Stanley-Boyd and was the top individual qualifier not on a qualifying team. along with being one of the top returning golfers in the league. Tymeka Eisberner also made the all-conference team for the Thunder but she has graduated along with Melanie Anderson.
Defending league champ Colfax/Elk Mound, led by conference individual and regional champion junior Belle Kongshaug, is the favorite to repeat as champs again this season. Higley believes the Thunder could be up their too if they can find one more golfer to join with them.
"In my opinion if the girls work hard on their short game to improve around the greens, a lot of strokes will be saved," Higley said. "We have one experienced senior in Hailie and two motivated freshmen in Alexis and Sophie. These girls are determined and show a lot of potential, if we can get a fourth player we should be able to compete for a conference title."
The conference season begins Thursday, Aug. 22 at defending regional champion Bloomer. Each team in the league (Bloomer, Osseo-Fairchild, Colfax/Elk Mound, Stanley-Boyd and Mondovi) will host league meets this season. OFHS's first home meet will be on Sept. 9 at Osseo Golf Club beginning at 4 p.m.
