The Hastings Raiders girls golf team closed out their 2025 regular season with a solid showing at the Section 3AAA meet at Loggers Trail Golf Course in Stillwater on May 29. Competing against some of the toughest schools in the region, the Raiders stayed focused, played hard, and walked off the course with heads high and plenty to be proud of.

The two-day tournament tested every team’s endurance and mental toughness across 36 holes of play. East Ridge took the top team spot with a two-day score of 633 (315 on day one and 318 on day two.)

Hastings finished the first day with a total of 389 through their first four golfers, coming in just behind Eagan and Burnsville. Only the top six teams continue to day two as a team, but for the Raiders, the results weren’t just about rankings but about progress, persistence, and the strong team bond that defined their season.

Led by seniors Claire Stoffel and Madison Haines, the Raiders showed steady improvement and mental toughness from tee to green. Stoffel, a consistent leader throughout the season, carded rounds of 94 and 98 for a combined 192, earning her 31st place overall. Her even-keel presence and sharp course management were a steadying force for the team all year.

Sophomore Harmon Brown had the top spot on the leaderboard, her 93 on day one set a confident tone. She followed that with a 97 to finish with a 190 total and claim 26th place individually. Brown’s performance highlighted the young talent rising through the program, signaling a promising future for Hastings golf.

Senior Madison Haines competed only in round one, shooting a 98. Though her score wasn’t factored into the team total due to limited rounds, her leadership was felt on and off the course. Haines has been a steady contributor all season, providing mentorship to younger teammates and leaving a legacy of grit and sportsmanship.

Courtney Pine, a sophomore, turned in a 104 in her round, showing resilience and growth in tournament play. Junior Haylee Newton and freshman Anika Johnson each faced the demanding course head-on, carding rounds of 114 and 128 respectively. These young players stepped up under pressure and gained valuable experience competing at the sectional level. While the team didn’t advance to the state level, the experience was a capstone to a season defined by steady development and shared commitment.

The Section 3AAA field was stacked with powerhouse programs. East Ridge ran away with the title, finishing with a team score of 633, a full 47 strokes ahead of second-place Two Rivers. The Raptors were clinical in their execution, putting up back-to-back team rounds of 315 and 318.

Two Rivers and Rosemount filled out the top three, with final scores of 680 and 705. Woodbury and Eastview rounded out the top five. Apple Valley and Burnsville were next in the standings, followed by Eagan, Hastings, Simley, and Park of Cottage Grove. While the final standings show a gap between the top and bottom of the leaderboard, Hastings held their own and continued to build toward their long-term goals.

The Raiders’ 2025 campaign was about more than just scores. It was a season filled with team dinners, early morning practices, and long walks down the fairway. The staff emphasized fundamentals, teamwork, and mental strength. By the time sections rolled around, the Raiders were battle-tested and bonded.

There’s also reason to be excited about what comes next. With underclassmen like Brown, Pine, Newton, and Johnson gaining competitive experience, the team is well-positioned for continued growth. Brown’s top-30 finish is especially encouraging, pointing to a strong individual trajectory in the seasons ahead.

Seniors Stoffel and Haines leave behind big shoes to fill, but they also leave behind a blueprint of leadership and dedication that will guide the younger players in the years to come. Their contributions went beyond the scorecard and set a tone of integrity and pride throughout the season.

For a team navigating the highs and lows of a competitive sport, the Raiders demonstrated what it means to compete with heart. While this year’s journey at sections may have ended short of state, the lessons and memories gained were well worth the walk.

The Hastings community can be proud of its girls golf team. With resilience, rising talent, and a culture of support, the Raiders are building something special on the course. The results at Loggers Trail were one part of the story. The rest is still being written.