By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
The seniors on this year’s Westfield girls golf team set a new standard for the Shamrocks.
So it’s only appropriate that they leave as four-time sectional championships. And of course, they’re not done yet.
Westfield made it four in a row Friday by claiming the Ben Davis sectional trophy at South Grove Golf Course in Indianapolis. The ‘Rocks held off Carmel, by the score of 293-295. Both teams advance to the Roncalli regional, which takes place next Saturday (Sept. 23) at The Legends in Franklin.
Westfield’s ever-consistent seniors did what they do best to take home another sectional. Cailyn Henderson led the way with a 71, with Margaret Wentz shooting a 72. Sophomore Jocelyn Bruch, who carded a 73, ensures that the Shamrocks program will be in good hands for the next couple of years.
“That’s one of the goals I at least had for the kids,” said Westfield coach Trevor Neu of the seniors going 4-for-4. “It’s survive and advance at this point, but for them to go out with four straight sectional championships is a big deal for their legacy, and what it means for our program is really big.”
The Greyhounds always play well at South Grove, and Friday was no exception. Carmel’s Nina Hecht played the best of everyone, earning medalist honors with a three-under par 69.
“I think I played really well considering how I played last year,” said Hecht, who shot an 83 last season – that’s an improvement of 14 strokes. Hecht’s score was also a personal best.
“I think she’s really fine-tuned her game a lot here in the last couple weeks,” said Carmel coach Kelly Kluesner. “She plays so smart the whole way around. Pretty much stays out of trouble. If she gets in trouble, she gets right out, and that’s the difference in her scores.
Erin Evans helped out with a 71, which is a personal best score for her as well. All five of the Greyhound players shot in the 70s or better.
“Anytime you have five girls who are in the 70s, you’re going to take it,” said Kluesner.
The top three teams advance from sectional to regional. Covenant Christian carded a 313 for the third spot, which pushed Guerin Catholic to fourth. Still, the Golden Eagles had their best 18-hole score in school history with a 317, and qualified two players to the regional as individuals. Gabby Gilrowski tied for second-place individually with a 70, and Angelica Pfefferkorn’s 74 also got her on to The Legends.
“It wasn’t enough today, but I’m really proud of the girls,” said GC coach Mark Mathews. “They played very well. That’s the lowest team score that we’ve ever shot. We’ve got to hold our heads high.”
University finished eighth with a 436. Meredith Rogers led the Trailblazers with a 97.
Team scores: Westfield 293, Carmel 295, Covenant Christian 313, Guerin Catholic 317, Ben Davis 331, Brebeuf Jesuit 356, Cardinal Ritter 380, University 436, Pike 479, Indianapolis Northwest 513.
Medalist: Nina Hecht (Carmel) 36-33=69.
Westfield scores: Cailyn Henderson 36-35=71, Margaret Wentz 37-35=72, Jocelyn Bruch 37-36=73, Adrienne Montalone 36-41=77, Emma Clary 42-39=81.
Other Carmel scores: Erin Evans 36-35=71, Alex Waples 41-36=77, Katelyn Kuc 38-50=78, Libby McGuire 40-39=79.
Guerin Catholic scores: Gabby Gilrowski 36-34=70, Angelica Pfefferkorn 35-39=74, Carly Hammons 42-43=85, Mckayla Tallman 46-42=88, Hailey Brown 45-46=91.
University scores: Meredith Rogers 51-46=97, Molly Bickle 50-51=101, Joella Layman 56-62=118, Kenzie Binford 61-59=120.
The Westfield girls golf team (above) won its fourth consecutive sectional Friday at South Grove Golf Course. Carmel (below) placed second; both teams will play next Saturday (Sept. 22) at the Roncalli regional at The Legends in Franklin.
(Richie Hall)
