The front nine holes at Bunker Hills played a major role in keeping Austin High School senior Brittany Bertilson from vastly improving upon her state golf showing in her final season at the year-ending meet.

The Packer ace scored one stroke better on the second and final day of Class AA Girls' State Golf play, finishing in a three-way tie for 11th overall. Bertilson tied for 12th last year at state.

"She struggled with her second shot on the front nine," said AHS coach Mark Anderson. "She just couldn't get into position to go for birdie or par at all."

Bertilson shot identical rounds of 44 each day on the front nine, but her last nine holes of the tournament were her best scoring-wise. She shot 44-39--83 to complete her career with an 84-83--167 and another top-12 finish in the state field.

"She just couldn't get going on the front and struggled, but never gave up," Anderson said. "She kept working and grinding and finished with a pretty good round. She finishes her high school career on a good note and has been a wonderful person to coach and get to know."

Results:

At Bunker Hills (par 73-73--146)

Individual (top 20) -- 1. Amy Schmucker, Rocori, Cold Spring, 150; 2. Dana Moening, Rocori, Cold Spring, 156; 3. Krista Swanson, Forest Lake, 158; 4. Aino Lange, North Branch, 161; Katie Reese, Mahtomedi, 161; Samantha Braschler, Red Wing, 161; Sarah Harper, Rochester Mayo, 161; 8. Chrissie McArdle, Eden Prairie, 162; 9. Stacey Linduska, Woodbury, 165; 10. Erica McKenzie, Hastings, 166; 11. Brittany Bertilson, Austin, 167; Katie Mettling, Red Wing, 167; Katie Myos, Faribault, 167; 14. Jesse Shin, Mankato West, 168; Lauren Huhnerkoch, Burnsville, 168; Meredith Waterston, Holy Angels, 168; Tricia Nelson, Alexandria, 168; 18. Britta Henderson, Red Wing, 169; Brittany Willborg, Waconia, 169; Kaley Kosak, Grand Rapids, 169.

Team standings -- 1. Red Wing 671, 2. Alexandria 700, 3. Fairmont 705, 4. Grand Rapids 717, 5. Elk River Area 720, 6. Woodbury 722, 7. Burnsville 738, 8. Robbinsdale-Armstron 777.

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