The Hastings Raiders girls’ golf team continued a demanding and competitive stretch of their season last week with three matches at three very different courses across the Twin Cities metro area. From a strong conference victory at Inver Wood to facing some of the state’s top programs at Emerald Greens, the Raiders demonstrated consistency and perseverance as they build momentum heading into the Metro East Conference Championships.
The week began on Monday, May 6, at Inver Wood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights. In a closely contested meet, the Raiders emerged victorious over conference opponent Simley. Hastings shot a team score of 192, edging Simley by just two strokes. The performance marked an important confidence boost as the team continues to push through the back half of its spring schedule.
Senior Madison Haines led the way for the Raiders at Inver Wood, carding an impressive 43 to earn medalist honors in the match. Sophomore Harmon Brown also posted a solid round of 47, while senior Claire Stoffel shot a 49 to round out the top three scorers. Sophomore Courtney Pine followed with a 53, and junior Haylee Newton added a 56. Junior Lauren Judge contributed with a 62, as all six Raiders completed their rounds with scores that proved critical in securing the team victory. The 192 team total reflected the Raiders' steady play and depth, helping them stay just ahead of Simley’s 194.
On Tuesday, May 7, Hastings traveled to Loggers Trail Golf Course in Stillwater for a much larger invitational meet featuring multiple strong teams from both Class AAA and AA. The competition was fierce, and although the Raiders finished in fourth place overall with a team score of 182, their individual performances were solid and competitive.
Madison Haines and Harmon Brown both posted scores of 43 to lead the Raiders, tying for ninth place individually in the meet. Claire Stoffel was close behind with a 45, while Haylee Newton added a 51 and both Courtney Pine and Lauren Judge each shot 52. The consistency in the Raiders' middle-to-upper scores helped them stay in contention despite facing tough opponents like Two Rivers, Hill-Murray, and Mahtomedi. The total score of 182 was one of the Raiders’ stronger showings of the season and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete under pressure.
The busy week wrapped up on Thursday, May 9, with one of the Raiders' most challenging meets of the season at Emerald Greens Golf Club in Hastings. Hosting several powerhouse programs from around the metro, including Minnetonka, Stillwater, and Chaska, the Raiders faced stiff competition and finished in 11th place with a team score of 390.
Despite the team’s placement, there were still bright spots in the individual results. Madison Haines continued her string of strong performances, shooting a 90 to place 26th overall in a deep field. Courtney Pine turned in a round of 94, followed by Claire Stoffel at 102 and Haylee Newton at 104. Freshman Bently Brown, gaining valuable varsity experience, completed the Raiders’ lineup with a 111.
The overall tournament was dominated by Minnetonka, which posted a remarkable 300, followed by Stillwater’s 328. For the Raiders, the day served as an important opportunity to compete against high-level opponents and gain experience in a large-format invitational that mirrors postseason competition.
Through the week’s events, one clear theme emerged for the Raiders: balance. From veteran leadership by seniors like Haines and Stoffel to consistent rounds from underclassmen such as Brown, Pine, and Newton, the team’s depth is evident. Even in the face of tough conditions and talented opposition, the Raiders have maintained their focus and continue to lower their team scores in critical moments.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will have more opportunities to fine-tune their game before the conference championships. The next chance to see the Raiders in action is at Emerald Greens on May 16, starting at 10:00 a.m. Then May 19 at Hidden Greens for a 3:00 p.m. start time. May 20 the girls head to Highland National Golf Course for the Conference Championships starting at 9:00 a.m.