By RICHIE HALL
Another girls golf state finals is in the history books, and each Hamilton County team that participated had something to be happy about.
Carmel added another chapter to its rich legacy, nosing out Homestead for third place as a team. Guerin Catholic, making its first-ever go at the state meet, played outstanding to finish fifth. Hamilton Southeastern had a nice day in placing 11th, and University’s Becky Williams represented the Trailblazers in fine fashion.
The Greyhounds earned their eighth finish in the top three by shooting a team score of 633, just ahead of fourth-place Homestead’s 634.. Carmel was led by senior Nina Hecht and sophomore Katie Kuc, who both finished in a three-way tie for sixth place with scores of 151.
All five Greyhound players made at least one birdie. Hecht, who carded a one-under par 71 in her second round on Saturday, had four birdies on the day. Ella Woods, another senior, also made four birdies. Freshman Ava Hedrick drained two birdies, while Kuc and junior Elizabeth Hedrick each made one.
“It was great,” said Carmel coach Kelly Kluesner. “We’re super proud of the team. It was one of their goals to finish in the top three at state, so they accomplished that. To be led by both Katie and Nina, it was a great day.”
Both Hecht and Kuc were named to the All-State team at the conclusion of the meet.
“The overall experience was really good,” said Hecht. “It was nice to end my senior year off strong.”
“I thought it was great,” said Kuc. “My goal was always to be in the top 10 and get to state. I had a great time this year. Our team placed third, which is really great for us and I can’t wait for next year.”
Evansville North won the team title, its fourth state championship in five years, with a score of 605. The Huskies had a second-day score of 297, which sets a new 18-hole record in girls state finals play. Zionsville, last year’s champion, was the team runner-up with a 612.
Guerin Catholic was at state for the first time, and the Golden Eagles made the most of it with their score of 651, good for a solid fifth-place finish. Junior Angelica Pfefferkorn’s two-day score of 156 led the way for Guerin, and she made two birdies in her second round. Senior Mckayla Tallman and freshmen Christina Pfefferkorn and Audrey Kunce both had one second-round birdie.
“I’m so proud of our Guerin Catholic girls,” said GC coach Mark Mathews. In addition to the above players, Mathews also mentioned senior Anna Greene, junior Jenna Rust and freshman Sophie McGinnis as part of this year’s historic Golden Eagles team.
“They had an awesome year with many wins including a third straight conference championship,” said Mathews. Guerin Catholic also set a school record in placing third at the Ben Davis sectional with a score of 300.
Mathews said his team is already excited about next year, and that the girls “look forward to setting some new team records.”
Hamilton Southeastern scored 722 to finish in 11th place. The Royals had some new faces on their team this season, but made their way back to state thanks to the senior leadership of Chelsea Morrow and Julia Eaton.
Morrow finished the tournament with a score of 160, while Eaton scored 162. Both made two birdies in their second round.
“I did enjoy the experience today, especially making it through to state,” said Morrow. “I was happy I got to experience this one last time and have the same thing I through every year. It was just nice.”
Morrow will continue her golf career in college, playing at Indiana State University.
“I decided to go because it was close to home,” said Morrow. “It’s not too big, not too small.” Morrow also said the ISU coach was very welcoming towards her – “He’s just really passionate about what he does,” said Morrow – and believes that Morrow would be a good fit for the team.
Southeastern coach Steve Guenin was also happy with how the day went, saying that the younger players got some good experience at the meet.
“It was gorgeous out here, great day for golf,” said Guenin. The coach said that there was “lots of improvement” and that the girls also learned how to handle being at the meet.
“Julia Eaton had a great day today,” said Guenin. “She really turned things around. She struggled yesterday, but really had a nice day today.”
University freshman Becky Williams finished with a two-day score of 172. That included two birdies in her second round.
“It was really awesome,” said Williams. “It was a lot of fun.”
Williams said that she felt pressure, but that feeling went away about “halfway through the first day.” After that, she felt more comfortable. And of course, she gained valuable experience for her high school career.
“I think it’ll help me a lot, just being able to play in this environment and know what it’s like so I can deal with all the different things coming in better next year,” said Williams.
Team scores: Evansville North 308-297=605, Zionsville 308-304=612, Carmel 320-313=633, Homestead 318-316=634, Guerin Catholic 327-324=651, Lafayette Jefferson 349-332=681, Columbus North 340-342=682, Culver Academies 346-343=689, Bedford North Lawrence 351-343=694, NorthWood 354-343=697, Hamilton Southeastern 365-357=722, Crown Point 371-352=723, Evansville Memorial 372-355=727, South Bend St. Joseph 374-357=731, Richmond 378-372=750.
Individual medalist: Jocelyn Bruch (Westfield) 68-75=143.
Carmel scores: Nina Hecht 80-71=151, Katie Kuc 73-78=151, Elizabeth Hedrick 82-81=163, Ava Hedrick 85-83=168, Ella Woods 87-88=175.
Guerin Catholic scores: Angelica Pfefferkorn 80-76=156, Mckayla Tallman 80-80=160, Christina Pfefferkorn 83-83=166, Sophie McGinnis 84-85=169, Audrey Kunce 116 (second day score).
Southeastern scores: Chelsea Morrow 79-81=160, Julia Eaton 87-75=162, Maggie Watson 99-99=198, Ashley Marcinko 103-102=205, Payton Schechter 105 (second day score).
University score: Becky Williams 87-85=172.
The Carmel girls golf team placed third at the IHSAA state meet Saturday at Prairie View Golf Club. The Greyhounds were led by Nina Hecht and Katie Kuc, who were part of a tie for sixth-place individually and earned All-State honors. (Richie Hall)
Guerin Catholic’s Sophie McGinnis was part of the Golden Eagles’ fifth-place team. Guerin was making its first-ever appearance at the state meet. (Richie Hall)