By RICHIE HALL
NOBLESVILLE – The high school girls golf season began on Monday, and as always, a handful of teams wasted no time in establishing themselves among the best in the state.
The Carmel team is tied for second with Zionsville in the coaches poll, with defending state champion Evansville North rated No. 1. The Greyhounds opened on Tuesday with a dominating win at the Hamilton Southeastern Invite, which took place at Stony Creek Golf Club in Noblesville.
Carmel, Southeastern and Fishers each fielded multiple teams. The Greyhounds Blue team won the team trophy with a score of 299. The Blue squad was led by Katie Kuc, who carded a three-under par 67 for individual medalist honors.
“I played really well,” said Kuc. “I was hitting them real close to the pins and then I made quite a bit of birdie putts and then I had those two birdie putts that just lipped the cup. I’m glad that I came out and shot well and am excited for the season.”
Carmel had six players finish in the top eight, including all five on its Blue team. Ava Hedrick’s 75 gave her second place, Sydney Longstreth tied for third with a 78, Elizabeth Hedrick took sixth with a 79, and newcomer Ava Nguyen tied for seventh place by scoring 80.
“It was a great day for everybody,” said Greyhounds coach Kelly Kluesner. “Really proud to be led by Katie with a three under. That’s the first time that she’s shot in the 60s. Personal best for her.”
Meanwhile, the Carmel Gold team took third with a 345. Averie Reiter led that group with a 78, placing her in the third-place tie.
“We have a JV team out here amongst a lot of varsity teams and they finished third,” said Kluesner. “A lot of young talent on that team that we’re excited to watch for the season.”
The host Royals had three teams compete, and all three did well. The HSE Gray team finished second in the team standings with a 343, that included Amber Luttrell carding an 80 and tying for seventh place. The HSE Blue team scored 346, with Ashley Marcinko’s 81 placing her in a tie for ninth place.
“Today’s really a nice day,” said Southeastern coach Steve Guenin. “We get a chance to see all the girls play on the same course at the same time. It’s good for us. It’s a great experience for the kids, and we just jump right in and play 18 holes against some pretty decent competition. It gives them a taste of what it’s like to play in our program and gives me a better look at them.”
Fishers had two teams play, with the Fishers Red team carding a 364. Kaitlyn Brunnemer scored a 78, making her part of the three-way tie for third place.
“Our top two, Caitlyn Kim and Katelyn Brunnemer, have really stepped up their games even more this year,” said Tigers coach Danny Smith. We’re looking forward to seeing what they can do. And then we’ve got quite a few underclassmen that have a lot of potential to give us a lot of help.”
Team scores: Carmel Blue 299, Hamilton Southeastern Gray 343, Carmel Gold 345, HSE Blue 346, Fishers Red 364, HSE White 368, Roncalli 404, Fishers Silver 447, Brebeuf Jesuit inc., Lapel inc.
Medalist: Katie Kuc (Carmel Blue) 35-32=67.
Other Carmel Blue scores: Ava Hedrick 39-36=75, Sydney Longstreth 39-39=78, Elizabeth Hedrick 39-40=79, Ava Nguyen 40-40=80.
Southeastern Gray scores: Amber Luttrell 41-39=80, Cora Zink 45-42=87, Annabelle Willard 43-44=87, Abby Strawmeyer 48-41=89, Emma Shipley 55-52=107.
Carmel Gold scores: Averie Reiter 38-40=78, Grace Ackerman 47-41=88, Sophie Cassidy 44-45=89, Chloe Tapnio 43-47=90, Maya Berglund 47-48=95.
Southeastern Blue scores: Ashley Marcinko 42-39=81, Marissa Spreitzer 44-42=86, Maggie Watson 44-45=89, Payton Schechter 45-45=90, Kaley McHaffie 48-44=92.
Fishers Red scores: Katelyn Brunnemer 39-39=78, Caitlyn Kim 41-4=586, Lilly McVay 45-54=99, Kaelyn Tai 50-49=99, Ellie Metzger 51-50=101.
Southeastern White scores: Gabby Willard 38-48=86, Dylan Guill 47-45=92, Grace Dubec 45-48=93, Katy Pippenger 51-46=97, Haeli Downs 50-51=101.
Fishers Silver scores: Sarah Majeski 51-51=102, Kristi Lilek 59-52=112, Megan Lapp 57-58=115, Olivia Holding 57-61=118, Abbey Roach 62-56=118.
Carmel individuals: Hayley Wetzel 46-56=102, Karolena Zhou 52-53=105, Sarah Fernando 53-54=107, Caroline Enzor 53-54=107.
Southeastern individuals: Makenna Watson 51-47=98, Reese Hissong 50-54=104.
The Carmel girls golf team was on top of the Hamilton Southeastern Invite, which took place Tuesday at Stony Creek Golf Club. The Greyhounds scored a 299, with Katie Kuc’s three-under par 67 earning her individual medalist honors. (Richie Hall)