Twenty-seven strokes was in fact too much for the Austin girls' golf team to overcome in hopes of advancing to the Class AA state tournament, but Brittany Bertilson's lead over the field held up to allow the Packer senior a second run at the final event.

Bertilson, after tying a pair of Red Wing golfers for the top spot after last Thursday's first day at Northern Hills in Rochester, finished in a three-way tie for third to advance to state as one of the top five individuals in Section 1. Bertilson shot 79-89--168 and scored her second straight trip to state after Tuesday's section finals at Cannon Falls. The Class AA meet runs June 4-5 at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids.

"Brittany didn't have her best game for second day of sections, but played well enough to qualify for state," said Austin coach Mark Anderson. "Her 79 on the first day was huge. It was one of those days she struggled with everything during her round. The most important part was she never gave up because things weren't going her way.

"She just kept grinding and staying focused on the job at hand. I am very proud of her."

Bertilson's AHS career will end with the second day of the state tournament, where last year she tied for 12th place in Class AA.

Red Wing's Samantha Brashchler and Mallery Voight took the top two overall spots, but their placings did not count against the individual standings after the Winger team finished atop the eight-team field.

The Packer contingent had an improbable task of overcoming 27 strokes to take defending state champion Red Wing from the top team spot. Austin maintained its second-place standing and brought home the runner-up Section 1 trophy.

"They never quit and never ever complained about weather conditions, the course, or what ifs," Anderson attributed. "Red Wing is very good, I don't know if anyone in th state can beat them the way they are playing.

"I am very proud to be associated with the girls' golf team and girls from Austin. It is my privilege to coach such outstanding girls on the golf course, in the classroom, and as members of our community."

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

Results:

Individuals -- Samantha Brashchler (RW) 160, Mallery Voight (RW) 161, 1. Katie Myos (FAR) 163, 2. Sarah Harper 165, 3. Brittany Bertilson 168, 3. Jenny Pokrzywinski 168, 3. Laura Salmon (WIN) 168.

Team standings -- 1. Red Wing 660, 2. Austin 717, 3. Rochester Mayo 724, 4. Rochester Century 732, 5. Lakeville 735, 6. Owatonna 737, 7. Winona 751, 8. Faribault 770.

AUSTIN (717) -- Brittany Bertilson 79-89--168, Clarie Johnson 91-87--178, Noelle Weibelhaus 93-92--185, Andrea Petersen 94-92--186, Emily Lorenzen 108-93--211, Carissa Gabrielson 115-100--215.