Perham junior Mallory Belka is heading to the state girls golf tournament for the second time after winning the Section 8A championship in Bemidji June 7-8. She shot a 74 in the first round and a 75 in the second round for a total of 149, winning the tournament by 11 strokes.
Although the team didn't advance, head coach Cory Solberg said they played their hardest in the hot and humid weather.
"Sections was an absolute grind," Solberg said. "It was 90 degrees plus each day and day two was unbelievably humid. Our team played great for two days, shooting under 360 for both days. Mallory was exceptional for both days and deserved to be medalist."
Senior Rylee Hunt placed 11th in the tournament, shooting a personal best 88 on day two and finishing with an overall score of 183, according to Solberg. Senior Hope Rosen placed 24th with an overall score of 195, and junior Lexi Kunza finished 22nd overall with a 193.
Solberg was also pleased with how well Aubry and Addicyn Zimmerman played in their first section tournament.
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"Once they settled in, they hit some really good shots and gained some very valuable experience," Solberg said.
As medalist, Belka qualifies for the 2021 Class AA state tournament, which will be June 15-16 at the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. Solberg said she is looking to improve on her 2019 state appearance, when she finished in 16th place.
"I think she has really evolved as a player over the last two years and she has all the skills necessary to make a great run at the state tournament," Solberg said. "I am so impressed and proud of her and her brother Marcus for both of them making it to the state tournament. It will be a great tournament."
