September 30, 2025, marked a historic day for Westside Girls Golf as they captured their 12th Metro Conference tournament win and their first since 2011 with a school record score of 300—16 strokes better than the previous mark. This was a statement win for the team as they look to take home the state title this October.
The team was led by Addison Benge, who shot a 71 and placed 2nd. Other medalists included Kendall Lauritzen, who shot a 74 and placed 3rd, Audrey Nielsen, who shot a 77 and placed 6th, and Chloe DiPrima, who shot a 78 and placed 7th.
Despite a course record 64 by Lauren Murnan, the Warriors dethroned Marian High School, a dominant state powerhouse in recent years.
“For the last two seasons, Marian has been virtually unbeatable, and in golf, that level of dominance is truly exceptional,” Coach Jered Hellman said, “But our girls consistently worked, trained, and bought into the idea of the Team before self, and we steadily closed the distance.”
It’s no secret that there is a mental side to golf, especially when you’re an underdog facing a team that is at an elite level, such as Marian. The team knew what they needed to do, and they executed on just that.
“We came into the Metro tournament as the clear underdog, with a belief in our team room that no one outside of it shared. To execute our game plan under that pressure will be remembered as one of the sweetest, most significant victories in Westside golf history.” Coach Jered Hellman said.
This win isn’t just a win for the history book; it’s a reflection and statement of the work they have done and the work they will continue to do. With the talent the team has coming back, such as Chloe DiPrima, Kendall Lauritzen, Audrey Nielsen, and other promising young players, the sky is the limit for the Warriors in the years to come.
“When I took over, we had a five-year plan to return this program to the pinnacle. Earning this Metro title in year four is not just a win—it’s a statement. Westside Girls Golf is here to stay.”Hellman said.
One of the players who will help coach Hellman’s squad continue their momentum into the state tournament and beyond is Sophomore Kendall Lauritzen, who spoke on the team’s performance at Metros.
“Our team performed very well. Everyone stayed in a good headspace throughout the day, knowing that if we had a bad hole, our teammates had our back and would make up for it. As a team, focusing on one shot at a time rather than focusing on mistakes from the previous hole was what ultimately helped us win.” Lauritzen said.
Lauritzen herself placed 3rd overall with a career-best score of 74, finishing right behind her teammate, Addison Benge. She shared her thoughts on her own performance during the tournament.
“I believe my performance was very good. I maintained a strong mental state throughout the day and kept my cool under pressure. While I could have made more putts and hit more greens, that’s part of the game. You’re never going to have a perfect round.” Lauritzen said.
With this win, the Warriors will now focus their attention on the District A-2 tournament, where they will face Lincoln Northeast, Millard North, Norfolk, Omaha Buena Vista, Omaha Central, Papillion La-Vista, and South Sioux City at the Norfolk Country Club.
