The Bronco boys and girls golf teams got their seasons started this past weekend playing in the Brainerd Early Bird Invitational at the Preserve Golf Course and the Pines Golf Course.

The Falls girls placed sixth out of 16 teams. The Broncos’ team score was 357 at the Preserve and 379 at the Pines for a two-day total of 736.

The girls team scores were: St. Cloud Apollo 349/338, Pequot Lakes 333/355, Grand Rapids 342/362, Brainerd 348/375, Bemidji 353/343, International Falls 357/379, Hermantown 382/368, Monticello 390/354, Staples 396/382 and Moorhead 394/399.  

The meet medalist was Katie Sheets of Grand Rapids, who posted 18-hole rounds of 76 and 80 for a 156 total.

Leading the Broncos was senior Kelly Blair carding at 84/87 for a 171 total. She was followed by Malinda Porter (93/92—185), Alyssa Bergstrom (91/98—189), Katie West (89/102—191) and Jenna Anderson (107/102—209).

“This was a great start for the girls”, said Falls head coach Bill Mason. “We beat our Section rival Hermantown, which will give us confidence that we can beat them this year.

“The girls have some things to work on, as you find out after playing a tournament, mostly short-game things, short pitch shots, chipping and putting. All of this will get better the more we get into the season, and with practice.”  

The Bronco girls play again on Friday at Bemidji, and then on Saturday in Grand Rapids.

Falls boys 18th

The Bronco boys also began the 2012 season Friday at the Pines Golf Course and posted a 340 team score, good for 18th place in the 32-team field.  

Lakeville North won the tournament with the low score of  296, followed by Staples and Grand Rapids (307), West Fargo (310), Forest Lake (312), Roseau and Hill Murray (313), Bemidji (315), and Herman-town and Virginia (319).  

The second day was rained out after the first 9 holes. The meet medalist was Troy Dale of Bemidji, who shot 71.

The Broncos were led by Lucas DeBenedet carding a 79, followed by Brett Musich (80), Brady Walls (89), Eric Cann (94), Zach Manka (95) and Wes Gunnerson (105).  

“The boys, as the same as the girls, probably left a lot of wasted shots out there, especially with the short game shots, and putting,” Mason said. “This should come around with more practice and meets.

“Hopefully the weather can get a little warmer and the players can get out and get some better practice and playing time in, which will certainly help everyone out.”  

The boys next meet will be Friday and Saturday at the Grand Slam hosted by Grand Rapids and Greenway.