The Packer boys' golf team had its season ended at last Thursday's Section 1AA preliminary round at the Winona Country Club, but lone senior Adam Plotts continues his run at state with a top-tier score and advancement into today's Section finals.

Plotts shot 41-43--84 to emerge individually from the prelims as the only Austin boys' golfer with the chance of making it to state. The Packer squad shot its second-worst team score of the season -- 351 -- and finished 24 strokes out of eighth place.

"We started out the day with high hopes," Austin coach Corey Haugen said. "Our goal was to be one of the top eight teams advancing to the section finals.

"The guys played their hearts out all season and never gave up. I am very proud of the way the guys handled themselves and stayed motivated throughout the season."

The Packers battled inconsistency the entire year before finishing the regular season with their best team score -- a 323 at Rochester's Eastwood Golf Course -- in a pair of Big Nine Conference dual losses. Austin followed its best with its worst, carding a 10th-place finish with a 354 at the conference meet the Packers hosted.

"Next year is going to be a good year for us," Coach Haugen said. "We had our learning year. The team is going to have the same look, granted we lose Adam, but we have the experience now to improve and be a tough competitor in the Big Nine.

Plotts maintained his high level of play with another solid round at a tough golf course in Winona, advancing to today's Section finals at the Bellwood Oaks in Hastings. Plotts teed off this morning in hopes of finishing in the top five individually for the chance to make it to state.

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

Results:

Winona Country Club (par 36-35--71)

Team standings -- 1. Albert Lea 315; 2. Eagan 319; 3. Owatonna 320; 4. Red Wing 322; 5. Faribault 323; 6. Rochester Century 323; 7. Rosemount 325; 8. Winona 327; 9. Rochester Mayo 330; 10. Lakeville 337; 11. Rochester John Marshall 338; 12. Northfield 339; 13. Austin 351; 14. New Prague 358; 15. Waseca 359; 16. Farmington 363.

AUSTIN (351) -- Adam Plotts 41-43-84; Troy Hoefflin 41-46-87; Ben Meyer 46-42-88; Matt Ball 45-48-92; Jon Bain 41-52-93; Chad Peterson 47-47-94.