The Hastings Raiders girls golf team wrapped up their regular season with back-to-back strong showings that demonstrated both improvement and resilience. With the conference meet set for May 20, the team is heading into the final stretch of the season with clear momentum and a roster that blends senior leadership with emerging underclassmen talent.

In their final two matches of the regular season, the Raiders competed at Faribault Golf Club on May 12 and at home at Hidden Greens Golf Course on May 19. The team showed grit at Faribault and then capitalized on familiar ground at Hidden Greens, ending the regular season with a dominant win.

Challenging conditions at Faribault

The Raiders finished second at Faribault with a team score of 206, trailing behind the Faribault Falcons who posted a 182. While the final margin was significant, the meet served as an opportunity for the team to adjust to course challenges and sharpen their approach before the season’s final stretch.

Hastings was led by sophomore Harmon Brown, who carded a 48 and placed fourth overall among individuals. Her consistent play throughout the season has made her one of the team’s most dependable scorers.

Senior Claire Stoffel followed closely with a 50, securing seventh place. Stoffel’s experience and steady play continue to be cornerstones for the team. Senior Madison Haines added a 53, placing eighth and rounding out the trio of upper tier finishes for Hastings.

Sophomore Courtney Pine, playing in the fourth seed spot, shot a 55. Juniors Haylee Newton and Lauren Judge completed the team’s scoring with rounds of 57 and 59, respectively. While the team’s overall score left room for improvement, the effort laid the groundwork for a bounce-back performance just one week later.

Commanding win at Hidden Greens

The Raiders returned home for their final regular season meet on May 19 and delivered one of their most complete performances of the year. Playing at Hidden Greens Golf Course, Hastings claimed first place with a team score of 188, well ahead of North Tartan’s 217. The 29-stroke margin of victory highlighted the Raiders’ growth and readiness for postseason competition.

Leading the charge was senior Madison Haines, who fired a 44 and claimed second place among individuals. Haines shaved nine strokes off her Faribault round, a sign that she is peaking at just the right time. Senior Claire Stoffel finished close behind with a 46, good for third place. Her consistent top-three finishes have been a major asset for the Raiders this season.

Harmon Brown again delivered with a 47, placing fourth and cementing her role as a reliable scorer in big moments. Junior Haylee Newton also showed significant improvement, shooting a 51 and climbing into fifth place overall. Junior Lauren Judge posted a 55, rounding out the scoring with a solid performance. Freshman Maddy Ritter made her varsity debut and contributed a 59, showing promise for the future and providing valuable depth to the lineup.

The Raiders’ combined score of 188 was their lowest of the season and showed marked improvement from their outing at Faribault. Every golfer on the team either maintained or improved their score, a reflection of the hard work and focus the team has maintained throughout the spring.

Consistency, leadership, and team growth

What stands out most about this Hastings squad is the steady progress seen across all six varsity players. Seniors Stoffel and Haines have provided calm leadership and competitive fire, setting the tone for the team both in meets and on the practice range. Their presence brings stability and confidence, especially important as the younger golfers adjust to high-pressure situations.

Brown’s sophomore season has been a breakout campaign. She has consistently been among the team’s top scorers and has shown the ability to handle tough courses and tight competition with maturity. Her steady play is a sign of good things to come for the program.

Juniors Newton and Judge have each taken steps forward this season. Both players have made noticeable improvements in their scores, and their performances at Hidden Greens suggest they are ready to deliver at the conference level. Newton, in particular, shaved six strokes off her Faribault score and climbed into the top five individual standings in the most recent meet.

Ritter’s entry into the lineup adds an exciting new element. While her score was on the higher side, her willingness to step up and compete at the varsity level speaks to her potential and the team’s trust in her ability. With continued experience, she could become an important contributor in the years ahead.

Conference meet on the horizon

With the conference championship meet scheduled for May 20, the Raiders are positioned to contend. The team has shown a clear upward trend, highlighted by their win over North Tartan and improved individual performances. The ability to post competitive scores across all six golfers gives Hastings a strong foundation going into postseason play.

There is a clear sense of belief and determination within the team. From the top seeds down to the sixth spot, every golfer has contributed, and the results show a unified effort to improve and compete. As the Raiders prepare for the conference meet, they carry with them the lessons learned over the season, the confidence of a big home-course win, and the support of a community that has watched them grow.

The regular season is in the books, and Hastings has made their mark. Now comes the chance to turn potential into results and chase a title that is well within reach.