Bombers sneak by the Knights

CANNON FALLS — Before Thursday’s dual meet with Kenyon-Wanamingo, Cannon Falls senior MacKenzie Hanson drove her three freshmen teammates to the Dairy Inn for a snack.

“She’s kind of like a friend,” freshman Megan Carlson said. “... She does a lot for us freshman because we can’t drive yet.”

Later in the day Hanson played the part of leader. She has tendonitis in her left shoulder but still golfed. The injury started to bother her again two days ago. It also affected her during the tennis season.

“It impacted me on the first hole. That was about it,” Hanson said

Hanson finished with a 56, Cannon Falls’ third best score, to help the Bombers edge the Knights 216-218 at Cannon Golf Club.

“The girl’s taking Advil and icing it and goes out there and still competes,” Cannon Falls coach Lee Gisvold said. “That’s just something you don’t see often to be able to go out there and compete. She could have easily just said, ‘I’m just going to sit until Monday.’”

After her round, Hanson seemed more concerned with her putting than her shoulder.

“Just not a strong putter to start with and couldn’t read the greens at all today,” she said.

Hanson’s teammates have noticed her dedication.

“She’s very tough,” Carlson said. “She is. She just fights through it. Even if it does give her, like, a crappy score ... she makes it work.”

The Bombers were bolstered by the play of Carlson and Tatum Plonsky. Monday at Somerby Golf Club, Carlson carded a 79. She improved on that by 21 strokes against the Knights.

Plonsky led Cannon Falls with a 47. Jana Lundell finished with a 55.

K-W was led by senior Katie Froyum’s 50. Sophomores Jenna Stevenson (53), Megan Kolling (55) and Natalie Haugen (60) posted the Knights’ final three scores.

Kari Boyum also golfed for K-W and shot a 68.

“We ended up shooting really well,” Knights assistant coach Peter Schleif said.

“Jenna and Natalie are both pretty new to the sport and new to the team and really doing a great job. They’re working hard in practice and really starting to show huge strides.”

Tags: cannon falls, sports, golf, kenyon, wanamingo