The Westfield girls golf team continues to make history.
The Shamrocks regained the Ben Davis sectional championship on Friday at South Grove Golf Course in Indianapolis. Westfield’s sectional streak was interrupted last year, but the ‘Rocks put together a remarkably consistent day to win their fifth championship in six years.
Westfield’s score of 286 is the second-lowest sectional score in IHSAA history, behind only Zionsville’s 284 in 2017. The Shamrocks were led by senior Natalie Shupe, who carded a one-under par 69.
Shupe then advanced to a playoff for the individual medalist with University sophomore Becky Williams. She only needed one hole and two shots to win: After making a nice drive to just off the green, Shupe chipped in an eagle putt from about 10 yards out.
“I thought it was a really good shot, that it was just rolling out really nice, and I liked the way I landed it,” said Shupe. “But I didn’t think it was going in, definitely not.”
But the ball did go in, and that made Shupe’s supporters go crazy.
“I was just kind of in shock, because everybody started screaming,” said Shupe. “I didn’t know what to do. I was in shock. I just started to walk up to it.”
Shupe totaled four birdies in her round. She was followed by Sophie McGinnis, who scored an even-par 70, draining seven birdies. McGinnis made birdies on her first three holes.
Jocelyn Bruch scored a 73 (two birdies) and Brette Hanavan carded a 74 (one birdie) to round out the Westfield scoring.
“It’s really exciting,” said Shamrocks coach Trevor Neu. “One of the things that is important about it is it means we are seeded with the top groups next week at regional.”
Westfield is the first of three teams to advance to the Roncalli regional, which is set for next Saturday, Sept. 28 at Smock Golf Club. The other two teams are also from Hamilton County.
Carmel took second place with a 304, earning a place at the regional. Elizabeth Hedrick led the Greyhounds with a 72, including an eagle on hole No. 2. Hedrick, a senior, also made three birdies.
Ava Hedrick followed her sister with a 73, which included one birdie. Katie Kuc’s round of 74 included two birdies.
“I think we played great,” said Carmel coach Kelly Kluesner. “We had a few that hadn’t seen the course before, so we had a few challenges, but overall I’m really proud of the team. They played well and to have the top three all shooting under 75, we couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Guerin Catholic finished in third place to advance to the regional for the second consecutive year, scoring a 326. The Pfefferkorn sisters led the way, with both Angelica and Christina Pfefferkorn shooting 74s. Angelica made three birdies and Christina had one. Jenny Zerla’s 89 was a personal best.
“We had a lot of success out there today,” said Golden Eagles coach Mark Mathews. “I had one of my girls shoot her personal best, shot 89, never broke 90 before. So that was pretty cool.”
University finished fourth with a 341. While the Trailblazers just missed advancing as a team, they will have two players moving on as individuals.
Williams finished second overall after the playoff. Williams scored a one-under par 69, making seven birdies in her round.
“I’m very happy with what happened today,” said Williams. She qualified for state as a freshman last year.
“I’m really excited,” said Williams. “I kind of feel the same. I just know a little bit more about what it’s going to be like, but my emotions are the same.”
University freshman Kelsey DuBois qualified for the regional after winning a playoff for the third of three individual spots. DuBois shot an 83, making two birdies.
“I’m really excited about that,” said DuBois. “I didn’t think I played the best, but I finished pretty well, and that’s pretty much what made me go.”
Team scores: Westfield 286, Carmel 304, Guerin Catholic 326, University 341, Brebeuf Jesuit 351, Speedway 375, Covenant Christian 382, Cardinal Ritter 393, Ben Davis 423, Pike 442.
Medalist: Natalie Shupe (W) 36-33=69, won in playoff.
Other Westfield scores: Sophie McGinnis 32-38=70, Jocelyn Bruch 35-38=73, Brette Hanavan 36-38=74, Allie Hildebrand 38-40=78.
Carmel scores: Elizabeth Hedrick 35-37=72, Ava Hedrick 36-37=73, Katie Kuc 36-38=74, Sydney Longstreth 42-43=85, Ava Nguyen 44-43=87.
Guerin Catholic scores: Angelica Pfefferkorn 38-36=74, Christina Pfefferkorn 35-39=74, Audrey Kunce 43-46=89, Jenny Zerla 46-43=89, Jenna Rust 46-46=92.
University scores: Becky Williams 37-32=69, Kelsey DuBois 45-38=83, Abby Bladen 46-47=93, Molly Bickle 51-45=96, Kylar Kavanaugh 63-56=119.
The Westfield girls golf team won its fifth sectional in the past six years at South Grove Golf Course on Friday. The Shamrocks scored 286, the second-lowest sectional score on IHSAA history. (Richie Hall)