BRAINERD -- Riverland had one golfer earn a national berth on Tuesday and has the possibility that another golfer may eventually get a bid.
The Riverland men's and women's golf teams were competing in the Minnesota Community College state tournament as well as the Region XIII event.
The Blue Devils did not field a complete women's team. But Alison Stutzman made her presence felt in the event. Stutzman, an Austin High grad, finished third overall to earn a national berth in May.
Stutzman shot 42-50--92 to earn her second straight national berth. The top five individual women qualify.
"She will return to the national championships in Daytona Beach, (Fla.) May 15-20," Riverland coach Dave Lillemon said.
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"It was solid," he added of Stutzman's round. "A nice finish for her."
Central Lakes captured both the men's and women's team state and region titles. Central Lakes had the only complete women's team, finishing with a two-day score of 740 at Legacy Golf Course.
The Riverland men finished fourth out of nine teams in the state tournament and sixth out of 12 teams in the region. The Blue Devils had a two-round total of 687, including 346 on Tuesday. Central Lakes finished with a winning score of 611.
"That's a very good showing for us. We had a chance at second," Lillemon said.
Dan Breuer had a strong finish Tuesday to place 11th overall for Riverland. The top 10 golfers qualify for the national event in Chautauqua, N.Y., on June 6-11. Breuer, who qualified for the national event last spring, could still go as an alternate if one of the top 10 players is unable to attend.
"Past history as shown that alternates have qualified," Lillemon said. "We've had two alone at Riverland qualify by moving up one slot."
Breuer finished at 83-78-161. In his round of 78 Tuesday, he was six-over-par after five holes and then played even par the rest of the way.
The coach said he will probably know by April 1 if Breuer earns a national berth.
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Pat King finished with a 80-84--164 for Riverland followed by Kyle Fett 85-85--170, David Judd 93-103--195 and Justin Hicks 99-99--198.
