On a crisp spring day in Aberdeen, the Mitchell High School girls golf team delivered a standout performance at the Hub City Invitational, led by Mia Larson's season-best round. Larson fired a 3-over-par 75 to secure third place individually, while teammate Maddie Childs carded a 77 to finish fourth in a competitive field of 36 golfers from seven schools. The duo's top-five finishes highlighted a strong showing for the Kernels, who finished second as a team behind host Aberdeen Central.

Larson's round was a masterclass in consistency and clutch play. She opened with a 1-over 37 on the front nine, then closed with a 38 on the back, punctuating her day with four birdies—including two on the closing stretch. Childs matched that birdie total, shooting 38 on the front and 39 on the back, proving that the Kernels have a formidable one-two punch heading into the heart of the season.

Aberdeen Central dominated the individual leaderboard, with Kyley Wirebaugh taking medalist honors at 3-under 69—the second-best score by any South Dakota girls golfer this spring. Teammate Olivia Braun finished second at 1-under 71, while Emma Dohrer also owns a sub-71 round this season, underscoring the Golden Eagles' depth. In the team standings, Aberdeen Central posted a commanding 295, well ahead of Mitchell's 323. Aberdeen Roncalli (350), Watertown (365), and Brookings (391) rounded out the top five.

The Kernels competed shorthanded, as Brynlee Sabers and Anna Eliason were unavailable, according to coach Brian Eliason. Despite that, Mitchell's lineup stepped up. Londyn Hajek shot an 83 to take ninth, while Kate Schutz delivered her best varsity round of the season with an 88, good for 15th. Elliott Smith rounded out the team effort with a 99, finishing 25th.

With momentum from Aberdeen, the Kernels now look ahead to Monday, May 4, when they travel to the Sioux Falls Washington Invitational at Willow Run Golf Course. If Larson and Childs continue their hot play, Mitchell could make even more noise on the links.