Men…
Mapelton (VCSU) – VCSU senior Tanner Schnathorst won medalist honors, and Valley City State University golfers took home the top four spots Tuesday as the Viking men won the chilly VCSU Invite at Maple River Golf Club.
Schnathorst fired a 1-over 73 to lead the Vikings, pacing a strong team effort in their final meet of the fall season. Senior Cameron Rall placed second with a 75, VCSU junior Taylor Finlayson (golfing unattached) was third with a 77, and senior Collin Hoss took fourth with a round of 78.
As a team, Valley City State totaled a 312 team score, defeating M-State Fergus Falls (328) and Dickinson State (340) for the team title. It was the second time this season that the men’s team and Schnathorst took first place. They also accomplished the feat at the M-State Invite in Fergus Falls back on Sept. 14, finishing the fall season with two individual titles and two team titles.
“Each of our men’s players have stepped up at different tournaments this year to come through for the overall team score and contribute to our success” said VCSU head coach Kari Bodine. “Our seniors on the team are truly leading us this year and their experience has really shown with the consistency they have played with this fall.”
Golfers battled cold conditions throughout the round on Tuesday with the actual temperature in the mid-40’s and the feels-like temperature hovering around 40 degrees. The cold weather contributed to some higher scores with only five men’s golfers – four of them Vikings – shooting under 80.
Outside of the top four places, the Vikings also had Jayden Ewoniuk (86) place 12th, Brady Warcken (89) take 13th and Hunter Berg (106) place 17th.
“Overall, I’m very happy with the fall season we’ve had,” said Bodine. “Everyone in this group has contributed to the team, shown leadership, invested in the golf program, and committed to getting better.”
Up next: Valley City State will resume competition in the spring of 2020, hoping to play a few more regular season meets before the NSAA Conference Championships on April 27-28 in La Crosse, Wis.
Women…
Mapleton (VCSU) – VCSU sophomore Jocelyn Braunberger tied for first place Tuesday as the Viking women’s golf team wrapped up the fall season by hosting the VCSU Invite at Maple River Golf Club.
Braunberger carded a round of 92, tying with Dickinson State’s Natalee Hafer for first place during the final tournament of 2019. Golfers battled cold conditions throughout the round with the actual temperature in the mid-40’s and the feels-like temperature hovering around 40 degrees.
“Today’s meet was definitely a challenge for a lot of the women based on the higher scores across the board,” said VCSU head coach Kari Bodine. “With it being so cold the ball doesn’t travel as far and the added clothing makes it more challenging for mobility. It gives us a preview of what we can expect in the spring season when the weather is so unpredictable.”
A total of nine women’s golfers competed at the small meet Tuesday. VCSU freshman Hayley Shanks placed third with a 95, while Gabrielle Wilkie (107) tied for sixth and Madeline Wilkie (108) tied for eighth. As a team, the Viking women finished with a score of 402, placing second behind Dickinson State University (391).
It was the second win of the season for Jocelyn Braunberger, who also tied with Hafer for first place at the DSU Dual back on Sept. 4. The Viking women finished the fall season with three individual titles as Shanks won the M-State Invite on Sept. 14.
“Overall, I’m very happy with the fall season we’ve had,” said head coach Kari Bodine. “Everyone in this group has contributed to the team, shown leadership, invested in the golf program, and committed to getting better. Our women have had consistent scores throughout the fall season which is important. Our lowest scorers on the team are also underclassmen so it’s good to have those experiences early to build some confidence going forward.”
Up next: Valley City State will resume competition in the spring of 2020, hoping to play a few more regular season meets before the NSAA Conference Championships on April 27-28 in La Crosse, Wis.
