Girls from Hellgate High School triumph in the MCPS Invitational, with Stensrud securing a 13-stroke victory in the competition.
Hellgate High School Golf Team Shines in Missoula Invite
The Hellgate High School golf team has made a strong start in the 2023 Fall season, with standout performances from Anna Stensrud in the first two tournaments.
After a week-long break, the team will compete in the final regular season tournament in the Flathead Valley. This tournament will follow their successful outing at the Helena Invitational, where they clinched a victory with a combined team score of 781, 4 shots ahead of the runner-up team, Helena High Bengals.
Anna Stensrud, a Junior and a returning All-State player, was a key contributor to Hellgate's success. Despite a slower start in the second round of the Missoula Invite, carding three bogeys in her first seven holes, Stensrud managed to turn things around. She quickly regained her form, going 2-under in her next three holes and setting a new personal best with a round of 74 (+2) on day two.
Stensrud's consistency and mental focus were evident throughout the tournament. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent pre-shot routine to hit fairways, greens, and sink putts. Stensrud stated that putting pressure on herself or thinking about what she could shoot would have negatively impacted her round.
Other notable performances from the team include Kat Helmer, who carded a two-day score of 212 (104-108), and freshman Presley Clark, who finished with a two-day score of 229 (108-121). Landrie Anderson also contributed with a score of 186 (98-88).
The weather presented a challenge for the players, testing their physical and mental game. Despite the rain and wind on day one, Stensrud held a 4-shot lead heading into day two and managed to maintain her position, placing 8th in the tournament.
The Montana AA High School golf competition has started, and with the first two tournaments completed, the teams are gearing up for Divisionals and State later in September. As the season progresses, the Hellgate High School golf team looks poised to continue their strong performance.
[1] It should be noted that Anna Stensrud was representing the University of Montana team in the Missoula Invite golf tournament, not Hellgate High School. However, her individual performance is a positive sign for the Hellgate team's prospects in the upcoming tournaments.
The Hellgate High School golf team will aim to replicate their success in the upcoming tournaments, drawing inspiration from Anna Stensrud's standout performance in golf, despite playing for the University of Montana in the Missoula Invite.
Stensrud's victory at the Helena Invitational, although achieved as part of the University team, demonstrates the quality of play that the Hellgate team can aspire to emulate in their upcoming matches.
