Lily Bredemeier is defending individual champion in the East Region girls golf tournament. The Grand Forks Red River senior won’t be the favorite at Monday’s regional, however.
Rather, she’ll be one of many sharing the favorite’s role.
In eight Eastern Dakota Conference meets this season, six different players have won meets or been co-medalists. That crowded field includes Bredemeier, who has won one meet and been a top-three finisher in four other meets.
“Usually there is a favorite in the tournament,’’ Red River coach Eric Sanders said. “To have six different meet winners, that’s pretty unusual. There is no dominant player in the region this year.’’
In the Red River Invitational on Wednesday, nine players finished within three strokes of medalist honors. “That pretty much tells how the season has gone,’’ Sanders said.
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“Lily obviously is in the running. She’s playing with confidence. She’s coming off her first win of the season followed by being one stroke behind the winner at our meet. She’s been solid all year.’’
Bredemeier (81.6 season average) finished second in the EDC in season average behind Fargo Shanley’s Greta McArthur. Two other Grand Forks golfers, Red River’s Lexi Laframboise (fourth) and Central’s Clara Hanson (10th) were in the top 10 in the EDC in season average.
“I think Lexi is in the mix,’’ Sanders said. “She’s hitting the ball solidly and she’s one of the better putters in the region.’’
Laframboise has an 85.3 season average. Hanson is at 86.2.
“Clara has a good shot,’’ Central coach Nate Olson said. “She’s been pretty consistent.’’
Shanley favored
If the run for the top spot individually in the region golf meet, to be held in Wahpeton, is up in the air, Fargo Shanley is a clear-cut team favorite.
The Deacons have won all eight EDC regular-season meets. Red River was runner-up in all eight. “To catch them, we’d have to play our best golf of the season,’’ Sanders said.
The top six teams and top 10 individuals on non-advancing teams, as well as any individuals shooting within 15 strokes of the medalist or par, advance to state.
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Grand Forks Central also figures to contend for a state berth. The Knights closed the season with fourth-place finishes in four straight meets.
“We’re getting near our potential,’’ Olson said. “We haven’t placed below fifth in a conference meet all year. Hopefully we can keep our composure and take care of our business.’’
Homecoming for Olson
Carolyn Olson will be in an unfamiliar position in a familiar gymnasium Tuesday.
Olson spent 24 seasons (1994-2018) as head volleyball coach at Grand Forks Red River. She led the Roughriders to six state championships and 21 state tournament appearances. But Olson took a teaching and the volleyball head coaching position at Fargo Davies last spring.
Davies is at Red River for a 7 p.m. match Tuesday.
“I would guess it will be somewhat emotional,’’ Olson said of her first return trip to Red River. “I spent a good share of my life there. It will be good to be back. But it will feel different since I’m not the home coach any more.’’
Current Red River coach Jason Heydt -- Olson’s long-time assistant -- said there are no special plans for Olson’s homecoming.
“I’m sure we’ll hang out before the match and talk a lot,’’ Heydt said. “But Carolyn wouldn’t like it if we gave her any special recognition.’’
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