Austin's boys' golf score of 328 in Monday's triangular at the Austin Country Club was respectable by all accounts. The Packers improved 11 strokes from their season-opening meet despite playing without their top individual golfer.

But Big Nine Conference foes Rochester Century -- the defending Class AA state champion -- and Albert Lea were better in Monday's double-dual.

The Panthers, who returned three of their top six from last year's conference and Section 1AA championship squad, scored a combined total of 11-over par to take first in Monday's triangular. Albert Lea shot 11 strokes back of Century, while Austin was 29 shots out of first and 18 back of the second-place Tigers.

"Century and Albert Lea have stable and strong teams," said Austin coach Corey Haugen. "They played the course really well."

The Packers were led by freshman Ben Meyer, who shot an 8-over par 80. Austin had only five team members golfing for the varsity.

"Saw a number of improvements from varsity guys," Haugen said. "We improved 11 strokes from Friday and we have a way to go yet, but the guys are working hard. It was nice to see some of our younger guys coming in with strong scores."

Meyer's team-leading round came in his first varsity meet. He is one of three underclassmen golfing varsity for the Packers. Sophomores Troy Hoefflin and Jon Bain shot 83s to contribute to the final team score. Junior Mike Osboe shot consistent rounds of 41-41 for an 82, while junior Matt Ball shot 85.

"Consistency and short game is going to be our focus this week," Coach Haugen said. "We need to improve our play around the greens."

Austin's next scheduled meet is Friday at the New Prague Invitational, in which the Packers placed second out of eight teams last season. Albert Lea is the defending champion after shooting 312 to win it. Austin finished in with a 318 at last year's invite.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.

Results:

Rochester Century (299) -- Andy Link 36-36--72, Lee Schlosser 40-34--74, Reed Reynolds 40-36--76, Nate Schunke 40-37--77, Marcus Specks 40-37--77, Jake Newhall 40-40--80.

Albert Lea (310) -- Adam Boelter 39-37--76, Dan Breuer 38-39--77, Ryan Thompson 39-39--78, Adam Elseth 40-39--79, Josh Jones 40-39--79, Josh Tubbs 43-40--83.

Austin (328) -- Ben Meyer 40-40--80, Mike Osboe 41-41--82, Jon Bain 40-43--83, Troy Hoefflin 42-41--83, Matt Ball 41-44--85.