Hillsboro’s golf team qualified for the Class 2A state golf tournament Monday at Salina by placing third among five schools with a total score of 368.
Sacred Heart, the host school, won the title with a score of 290. Republic County was second at 330, Central Plains fourth at 394 and Valley Heights fifth at 415.
Elias Werth paced the Trojans’ four-man score with an 84 over 18 holes. Elliot Ollenburger carded a 92, followed by Colin Settle at 96, Joe Knoll 96, Caroline Roth 101 and Carson Herbel 105.
“Obviously, I am pleased with the third-place team finish and an opportunity to return to the 2A State Tournament,” coach Scott O’Hare said. “However, aside from Elias shooting his career-low round, I don’t think anyone else is really pleased with the score that they posted.
“Luckily, they did enough to earn another shot next week,” he added. “This entire group seems to be so close to breaking through.”
O’Hare referred to “a couple pretty decent rounds” by Ollenburger in the low 80s, and Werth having shot two rounds now in the low- to mid-80s.
“Caroline, Carson and Joe have all shot in the upper 80s, and Colin has been very close multiple times,” O’Hare said.
“If they could all just eliminate a couple bad shots or bad holes, they really have the potential to post very solid scores—and if they can do it on the same day, this team has great potential.”
O’Hare said confidence will be the key as the team prepares for the state tournament at Buffalo Dunes at Garden City next Monday.
“I know it’s easier said than done, but if they can do that, I think this team could have a solid state tournament.”
