October 14, 2025

Elkhorn North Leads State Girls Golf Championships Day 1

Columbus, Nebraska, October 14, 2025

Elkhorn North High School took an early lead in the Nebraska State Girls Golf Championships at Quail Run Golf Course with a score of 324. Sophomore Ava Houston led the team with a 1-under 71. Minden closely trails with a score of 327, showcasing a competitive atmosphere as the championships continue into Day 2. Notable performances include Lily Allingham from Minden and Emma Grewe from Kearney. The windy conditions challenged the players, setting the stage for an exciting final round.

Columbus, Nebraska: Elkhorn North Leads After Day 1 of State Girls Golf Championships

Elkhorn North High School grabbed the early advantage in the Nebraska State Girls Golf Championships with a strong first-round performance at Quail Run Golf Course. The team posted a collective score of 324, just ahead of Minden by three strokes. This positions Elkhorn North well for a potential repeat of their last Class A title win in 2023, as the competition heads into the final round amid persistent windy conditions.

Sophomore Ava Houston shone brightest for Elkhorn North, firing a 1-under 71 that included several birdies on the tough back nine. Her low score anchored the team’s effort and highlighted her emergence as a key player. Minden stayed close thanks to Lily Allingham, who also carded a 71, matching Houston’s pace and keeping her squad in the hunt for the championship. These standout rounds set the tone for intense rivalry on Day 2.

The event features top young talent from across Nebraska, with other notable scores including Emma Grewe of Kearney at 73 and Eden Larson from Lincoln Southwest at 74. Larson, aiming to defend her individual title, showed resilience despite the challenging winds that affected play throughout the day. The leaderboard remains tight, promising a competitive finish as teams vie for state honors.

Course Challenges and Player Highlights

Quail Run Golf Course tested the competitors with its demanding layout and gusty winds, which made precision shots especially crucial. Houston’s performance stood out as she navigated the back nine effectively, turning potential trouble into birdie opportunities. Allingham’s matching score for Minden demonstrated similar skill, ensuring her team remained just one mistake away from the lead.

Grewe’s 73 for Kearney placed her among the top individual contenders, while Larson’s 74 kept the Lincoln Southwest standout in striking distance of another personal triumph. These scores reflect the high level of play from Nebraska’s elite high school girls golfers, who adapted to conditions that could easily inflate totals.

Team Standings and Stakes

Team	Day 1 Score
Elkhorn North	324
Minden	327

Elkhorn North’s narrow lead over Minden underscores the closeness of the team race. With both squads featuring strong individual performers, the final round could see shifts based on how players handle the ongoing wind. The championships emphasize team success in Class A, where cohesion and depth matter as much as star power.

Background on the Championships

The Nebraska State Girls Golf Championships bring together the best high school teams from the state for a two-day event. Held at Quail Run, this year’s tournament continues a tradition of showcasing emerging talent. Elkhorn North enters as a defending contender, having claimed the Class A title in 2023. Their current position builds on that success, driven by players like Houston who are stepping up in big moments.

Minden’s pursuit of the crown relies on Allingham’s consistency, a trait that has kept them competitive in past seasons. Individual aspirations add another layer, with Larson seeking to extend her reign after previous victories. The windy forecast for tomorrow suggests that mental focus will be as important as technical skill, potentially deciding the outcomes.

These championships not only crown state champions but also highlight the growth of girls’ golf in Nebraska. Participants gain valuable experience that often propels them toward college programs or higher levels of competition. As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on whether Elkhorn North can hold firm or if Minden mounts a comeback.

The event wraps up with awards for both team and individual achievements, celebrating the dedication of these young athletes. Viewers can follow live updates through official channels, but the real story unfolds on the course where every stroke counts.

FAQ

What is the current lead in the Nebraska State Girls Golf Championships?

Elkhorn North High School leads after Day 1 with a score of 324, edging out Minden by three strokes.

Who led Elkhorn North’s performance on Day 1?

Sophomore Ava Houston led Elkhorn North with a 1-under 71, including multiple birdies on the back nine.

How did Minden perform in the first round?

Minden scored 327 as a team, with Lily Allingham matching the pace with her own 71.

What are the scores of other top individual players?

Emma Grewe of Kearney shot 73, and Eden Larson of Lincoln Southwest scored 74.

What conditions affected play during Day 1?

Windy conditions persisted, making the course challenging for all competitors.

When is the final round of the championships?

The final round is tomorrow, promising tight competition among the state’s elite young golfers.

What is Elkhorn North’s recent history in Class A?

Elkhorn North last won the Class A title in 2023.

Day 1 Leaderboard Chart

Key Team and Individual Scores After Day 1
Category	Team/Player	Score	Notes
Team Lead	Elkhorn North	324	Leads by 3 strokes over Minden
Team Runner-Up	Minden	327	In contention for title
Top Individual	Ava Houston (Elkhorn North)	71 (1-under)	Multiple birdies on back nine
Top Individual	Lily Allingham (Minden)	71	Matches Houston’s pace
Other Notable	Emma Grewe (Kearney)	73	Strong showing in contention
Other Notable	Eden Larson (Lincoln Southwest)	74	Aims to defend individual crown

This chart summarizes the key features of the Day 1 results, highlighting team standings and top individual performances at the Nebraska State Girls Golf Championships.