OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The women's golf team finished seventh in the team standings at Wednesday's women golf regional in Oskaloosa, posting a team score of 404 and coming up short of a state tournament berth. While the result was disappointing, several Ballard golfers turned in performances that give the program reason for optimism heading into the offseason.

The Bombers finished with a 404, placing seventh in the 12-team field — 20 strokes behind fourth-place Pella and just three strokes behind sixth-place Knoxville. It was a competitive field, and the margin separating the middle of the pack was razor thin.

Senior Maddie Baltes was the Bombers' anchor on the day, firing an 87 to tie for eighth place overall. In a field of 66 golfers, Baltes' round stood out as one of the better scores of the day and served as a strong finish to what appears to have been a solid senior campaign. Her performance demonstrated the kind of individual ability that made Ballard competitive throughout the season.

Behind Baltes, a group of younger Bombers got a taste of regional competition that should pay dividends down the road. Sophomore Kallie Fulkerson contributed a 105, while freshman Kendra Evans posted a 103. Freshman Audrey Baltes added a 109, and sophomore Cora Bohlen carded a 116, with sophomore Olivia Holsapple rounding out the team with a 117.

The youth of that group is striking with four of the five scoring golfers being freshmen or sophomores, Ballard's core is largely intact for the seasons ahead.