MASON CITY — An advanced look at the site of the CIML Iowa Conference meet showed the Bobcats they have some work left to do before the postseason begins.

The Marshalltown girls’ golf team came in 23 strokes behind Mason City in a conference dual meet Tuesday at Mason City Country Club, falling 179-202 to the host Mohawks over the course’s back nine.

MHS will get another chance at the track on Monday for the conference meet, but will have to do a better job of avoiding the big numbers the next time around. Tuesday’s dual meet at least gave the Bobcats a chance to learn those lessons before the outcome matters a little more.

Mason City, the divisional scoring average leader, had the day’s three lowest scores in beating the Bobcats. Sydney Eaton shot an even-par 36, Thea Lunning carded a 44 and Ashley Alert had a 47 to lead the Mohawks to victory. Lauren Dettmer’s 52 rounded out Mason City’s scoring.

The Bobcats’ four scorers all finished in succession, led by Ciara Feldman’s round of 49. Emily Vest followed with a 50, Emily Hass shot 51 and Lauren Propp completed her round in 52 strokes.

Vest had the Bobcats’ lone birdie of the day, making a three on the par-4 12th. Feldman parred the same hole.

The hardest hole on the back nine at Mason City Country Club had the Bobcats’ number on this day. The par-5 10th, handicapped as the second-hardest hole on the course, forced Marshalltown’s six golfers to a collective 20-over.

Before getting back to Mason City for the CIML Iowa tournament, MHS goes to the Southeast Polk Invite on Thursday. The 18-hole event starts at 9 a.m. at Copper Creek Golf Club in Pleasant Hill.

Mason City 179, Marshalltown 202

At Mason City

Mason City Country Club, back 9, par 36

Medalist — Sydney Eaton, MC, 36; Runner-up — Thea Lunning, MC, 44.

MASON CITY (179) — Eaton 36, Lunning 44, Ashley Alert 47, Lauren Dettmer 52, Kenzie Dettman 61, Danielle Dahle 65.

MARSHALLTOWN (202) — Ciara Feldman 49, Emily Vest 50, Emily Hass 51, Lauren Propp 52, Kassy Vest 53, Kyli Jacobson 62.