By RICHIE HALL
sports@readthereporter.com
CARMEL – Three Hamilton County teams will be in the final group today at the IHSAA girls golf state finals.
All three teams had solid first round efforts during the first day of state, which took place Friday at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Westfield is in the lead after Day 1; the Shamrocks got off to a hot start, and held on during the back nine to card a 306.
The defending state champion Greyhounds are right behind Westfield with a 307. Homestead is in third with a 313, while Noblesville played consistent to land in fourth place with a 315. Hamilton Southeastern is in 10th place with a 339.
The Shamrocks also have the leader. Senior Samantha Brown, in her last high school tournament before heading to Purdue University, played outstanding, with four birdies and no bogies to score 68. Brown leads by five strokes going into today’s second round.
“Sam had a fantastic day,” said Westfield coach Josh Bryant. One of Brown’s birdies came on the 18th hole.
“She stuck to her game plan, she was patient, and I’m really happy for her,” said Bryant.
Junior Addi Kooi also had a great round for the ‘Rocks. She is one of four players in a tie for second place with a 73, making four birdies on the front nine. Kelsey Haverluck made two birdies on her way to an 80.
Westfield coach Josh Bryant said the front nine couldn’t have gone better for his team. He acknowledged there was a rough stretch between holes 11 through 13.
“What I’m proud of is the way we played 15 through 18,” said Bryant. “We finished. We talked about that all year. All five girls finished well, and couldn’t be more pleased with the first day.”
Carmel also had a fine day, getting two players in the top 10 after the first round. Michaela Headlee is part of the second-place tie; she made five birdies during her round of 73. Claire Swathwood is in ninth place with a 75, including a pair of birdies. Sophie Mock (79), Kamryn Williams (80) and Maddie Headlee (86) all made one birdie during their rounds.
Carmel’s Michaela Headlee is part of a four-way tie for second place after the first round. (Mike Navarro)
“They’ll work on things, for sure,” said ‘Hounds coach Kelly Kluesner. “But they know they’re halfway through. A couple things didn’t go their way, but they’ll have a good mindset tomorrow.”
Noblesville played solid golf, with Josie Kelley leading the way. The sophomore carded a 74, putting her in a three-way tie for sixth place so far. Kelley made three birdies in her round. Olivia Fowler also had three birdies during her round of 79. Jordan Adam carded an 80, including a great par-saving putt on the 17th hole.
“I think we played solid,” said Millers coach Justin Werkley. “Maybe left a few shots out there, but no major mistakes, just steady golf. I was proud of them.”
Janelle Garcia led the Royals with a score of 79, making two birdies along the way. Ella Bui had one birdie during her round of 80.
Hamilton Southeastern’s Janelle Garcia led the Royals with a 79 on the first day. (Mike Navarro)
Today’s second round of the state finals begins at 8:30 a.m.
Team scores: Westfield 306, Carmel 307, Homestead 313, Noblesville 315, Center Grove 325, Franklin Community 330, Floyd Central 333, Zionsville 334, Penn 336, Hamilton Southeastern 339, Fort Wayne Carroll 343, Northridge 353, Kankakee Valley 366, Bedford North Lawrence 377, Jasper 377, Terre Haute South 381, New Palestine 383, Chesterton 393.
Individual leader: Samantha Brown (Westfield) 68.
Other Westfield scores: Addi Kooi 73, Kelsey Haverluck 80, Sam Lemieux 85, Sami Hanavan 90.
Carmel scores: Michaela Headlee 73, Claire Swathwood 75, Sophie Mock 79, Kamryn Williams 80, Maddie Headlee 86.
Noblesville scores: Josie Kelley 74, Olivia Fowler 79, Jordan Adam 80, Karis Shields 82, Olivia Anderson 83.
Southeastern scores: Janelle Garcia 79, Ella Bui 80, Sophie Roberts 84, Emily Vandall 96, Karolina Franssen 96.