Titan girls golf ready for AA challenge

With a successful season in the books and a talented group of returners, the Tea Area High School girls golf team is teeing off this spring with high hopes and a new challenge—competing at the Class AA level for the first time.

Head coach Nick Berg, now in his second year leading the Titans, is confident in the group’s potential. “We have a great mix of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers,” Berg said. “This team is a strong group that’s always pushing each other to improve and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.”

Last season, the Titans had nine top-ten individual finishes at meets, including a standout second place finish by Abby Munson at West Central. The team also earned second place at the West Central Invitational and third at the Elk Point-Jefferson meet. Tea Area qualified three golfers for the state tournament, with Izzy McNaughton leading the way with a 12th-place finish.

The team didn’t graduate any seniors last year, which means they return a strong core of experienced players: Abby Munson, Elizabeth Mehlbrech, Taylor Lowe, and Kenna Vavra. This year’s roster also includes promising newcomers who are expected to add depth and competition to the lineup.

“We have a strong leadership from our seniors that bring experience and consistency to the team,” said Berg. 

While the team’s move to AA brings new opponents and unfamiliar courses, Coach Berg is optimistic. “There’s always a little uncertainty of what the competition will be like and playing courses that we have not experienced in the past,” said Berg. “I know that the girls are up to the challenge and are ready to compete at a high level.”

The key to success this season will be staying focused, continuing to improve, and leaning on the leadership of the veteran players. 

“We have a great group of girls who are dedicated and eager to compete,” said Berg. “If we stay focused and keep improving, we have a real shot at making a run at the AA ranks.” 

With their talent and team chemistry, Berg believes the Titans will have golfers competing for medalist honors at every meet.

Returning starters include: Abby Munson, Lizzy Mehlbrech, Taylor Lowe, and Kenna Vavra. Additional team members are: Addison Brech, Brandt Greve, Camie Powell, Ava Andersen, Jannah Ricaldi, Kinsley Gass, Mikayla Berg, Emery Voelker, Rylee Loe, Kemry Lauck, Bella Jensen, and Axyl Henricksen.