For the first time in school history, the Highland Husky girls’ golf team is state bound. Highland brought home the team championship from the Class 1A Region 5 finals yesterday at the Preserve Golf Club at Honey Creek Resort in Moravia.

The Huskies’ team score of 350 strokes was 13 less than second-place New London, a team that was runner-up at the state tournament last season, and almost 40 better than third-place Louisa-Muscatine.

Highland was led by sophomore Adisyn Prottsman, whose eight-over-par round of 80 was not only third overall but also a career best. Senior Kelsi Cerny punched her ticket to state for a second straight year by taking fourth on the individual leaderboard with an 84.

Sophomore Emersyn Schultz finished sixth by shooting an 89, while junior Danika Kraus rounded out the top 10 for the Huskies with a 97. Afterwards, Highland head coach Travis Riggan told KCII Sports that his team’s effort and talent paid off in the biggest way possible.

“I would say each of these girls, especially the ones that have been out here for every single year that they’ve been at Highland,” Riggan says, “it’s been very exciting to see them grow and develop. This has been something has been developing over the last few years. This program’s gained some steam, and it’s been exciting to see these girls improve their golf game.”

Highland wins its 11th out of 12 events played this season. Sigourney’s Emma Hammes also competed at Moravia, and while the Savage senior shot a solid 112, it would not be enough to advance to state.

Washington took part in the Class 3A Region 4 tournament at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course in Solon and finished 11th. Senior Maci Williams had the low score for the Demons with a 92.

Meanwhile, Highland now moves on to the Class 1A state championships, which will take place next Thursday and Friday at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown.