By RICHIE HALL
Consistency was the word of the day at the Noblesville girls golf sectional, which took place Saturday at Harbour Trees.
Hamilton Southeastern reclaimed the sectional trophy, shooting a 334 to win the event and advance to next Saturday’s Lapel regional at Edgewood Country Club. The Millers took third, also securing a spot at the regional. Fishers also had a great day, advancing two individuals.
The victory for the Royals was their first since 2015 and their ninth overall. Seniors Chelsea Morrow and Julia Eaton led the way, both carding a 75 and tying for second place individually.
“It means a lot knowing that this is my last year and that we could do this again as a team,” said Morrow.
Southeastern coach Steve Guenin was also happy for the team win – “It’s nice,” he said. But of course, the important thing for the team is moving on to play next week.
“We had some girls put up some nice numbers today,” said Guenin. “Julia played really well, Chelsea played solid again. Ashley Marcinko, she played really well. She struggled a bit on the front side and really put together a strong back side, so we’re excited for her. And then Mara (Wilson) and Maggie (Watson) both played pretty consistent rounds.”
Noblesville’s consistency also helped it earn a spot at the regional, a streak that began in 2004. (Southeastern began its regional streak in 2005.) The Millers scored a 375; Mia Sommervold led Noblesville with a 92.
“We did okay,” said Millers coach Justin Werkley. “We can play better and hopefully we’ll do that on Saturday. We did fine today. Good enough to advance, which was the goal and we’ll see what happens.”
Fishers, the two-time defending sectional champion, finished fourth as a team. But the Tigers, who graduated five seniors from last year’s team, had cause to celebrate as two players got out as individuals. Caitlyn Kim carded a 77, while Kaitlyn Brunnemer scored 84. Fishers coach Danny Smith said the other three Tigers players shot season bests as well.
“With Caitlyn Kim shooting 77 and Kaitlyn Brunnemer shooting 84, they played so hard and they didn’t let any adversity get to them,” said Smith. “And they’ve been working all season long, all season long trying to improve their game and lead this team by example.”
Hamilton Heights placed fifth with a 403. Kate Biggs led the Huskies with a 94.
Team scores: Hamilton Southeastern 334, Lapel 359, Noblesville 375, Fishers 390, Hamilton Heights 403, Alexandria 452, Frankton 470, Anderson 473, Shenandoah 484, Elwood 500.
Medalist: Kristen Hobbs (Lapel) 35-39-74.
Southeastern scores: Chelsea Morrow 38-37=75, Julia Eaton 39-36=75, Mara Wilson 44-48=92, Ashley Marcinko 50-42=92, Maggie Watson 45-49=94.
Noblesville scores: Mia Sommervold 48-44=92, Taylor Caldwell 45-48=93, Ellie Karst 44-50=94, Sarah Brenneman 48-48=96.
Fishers scores: Caitlyn Kim 49-48=77, Kaitlyn Brunnemer 41-43=84, Kaelyn Tai 56-55=111, Lilly McVay 63-55=118, Ellie Metzger 64-64=128.
Heights scores: Kate Biggs 44-50=94, Alyx Harley 47-52=99, Ellie Arrowood 57-46=103, Rebekah Steffen 55-52=107, Veronica Meredith 51-63=114.
The Hamilton Southeastern girls golf team won the Noblesville sectional at Harbour Trees on Saturday. The Royals scored 334 and advanced to the Lapel regional at Edgewood next Saturday. (Richie Hall)
Noblesville placed third as a team, securing a spot at next Saturday’s Lapel regional at Edgewood Country Club. (Photo provided)