Austin played to the level of the conditions they were golfing in, but fortunately the Packer girls' golf team still got the win.

Austin shot its season-high team score of 374, which was more than enough to knock off host Albert Lea in a 374-409 Big Nine Conference dual Monday at the Albert Lea Country Club.

Brittany Bertilson and Carissa Gabrielson tied for medalist honors with rounds of 90. Claire Johnson and Andrea Petersen shared the final scoring spot for the varsity with 97s. Noelle Wiebelhaus chipped consecutive rounds of 49 for a 98, and Alison Stutzman added identical rounds of 50 for a 100.

"It was not a great day for us even though it was only 44 degrees outside," said Austin coach Mark Anderson. "We didn't play smart golf at all. We hit shots without thinking where they should go.

We need to focus way more than this if we want to compete with the best teams in our conference and sections."

Coach Anderson said the team averaged around 38 putts per 18 holes, an average of two per green, which is much higher than the Packers aim for each meet. Austin will target its short game the upcoming week, which finishes Friday with the New Prague Invitational at 1 p.m.

Gabrielson, a junior, continues to top her personal-best rounds as the season moves on. Her co-medalist round of 80 was again her career best, thanks in great part to only 30 putts.

"We are capable of shooting 20-25 shots lower than this in our meets," Coach Anderson said. "Our putting and short games are killing us right now.

"I won't make an excuse that the weather was bad, we play golf in April and May and we can't expect it to be 85-90 and sunny every time we play. Last year we played our best golf when it rained and was cold out. The best thing is we got out with an ugly win which counts as much as the good ones."

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.

Results:

Austin (374) -- Carissa Gabrielson 46-44-90, Brittany Bertilson 42-48-90, Claire Johnson 52-45-97, Andrea Petersen 51-46-97, Noelle Wiebelhaus 49-49-98, Alison Stutzman 50-50-100.

Albert Lea (409) -- Kari Nelson 48-50-98, Hayley Westney 48-56-104, Amie Hartman 51-52-103, Shawna Mummert 50-55-105