The short game showed signs of coming around for the Austin girls' golf team, and the result was a third-place finish at the eight-team New Prague Invitational Friday afternoon.

The Packers slimmed three putts off their team average en route to a season-best team score of 351. Brittany Bertilson shot 40-40--80 to finish fourth overall to lead AHS.

"We played much better today," Coach Mark Anderson said. "A couple girls struggled hitting woods off the tee at times, and started to hit irons off the tee. We will get that fixed before our next meet on Tuesday."

Austin goes to Westfield Golf Course in Mankato for a double-dual with Big Nine Conference opponents Mankato West and Winona starting at 3:30 p.m.

"The girls were happy with their team score, but like any golfer they talked about how they could have easily shot four to five shots lower," Anderson said. "Chipping and our 50-yard approach shots are really starting to come around. We are just missing the two-to-three-foot putt after the great chip.

"The girls plan on working hard at that."

Claire Johnson made up some ground with an improved short game, shooting 41-45--86 to come in second on the team to Bertilson. Andrea Petersen added a 42-49--91 and Carissa Gabrielson remained in the scoring ranks with a 46-48--94.

Emily Lorenzen and Noelle Wiebelhaus were just on the outside of contributing to the team score, shooting 95 and 96 respectively.

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

Results:

Team standings -- 1. Waconia 340, 2. Bloomington Jefferson 340, 3. Austin 351, 4. Faribault 381, 5. Albert Lea 385, 6. Orono 388, 7. Redwood Valley 394, 8. New Prague 408.

Austin (351) -- Brittany Bertilson 40-40--80, Claire Johnson 41-45--86, Andrea Petersen 42-49--91, Carissa Gabrielson 46-48--94, Emily Lorenzen 49-46--95, Noelle Wiebelhaus 48-48--96.

Top Five -- 1. Kelli Groll 75, 2. Brittany Willborg 76, 3. Katie Myos 78, 4. Brittany Bertilson (AUS) 80, 5. Emily VanKirk.