From regional titles to state finals appearances, Sandburg’s girls golf program has never put together a three-year run like this.
But even with all that postseason experience, four-year starter Emily Cosler said it’s hard not to feel doubt during big matches.
“Every year, there’s always that point where you’re like, ‘Oh no, we’re not going to make it (to state),'” Cosler said. “Then when you realize you have it, that feeling never gets any less exciting.”
Cosler helped Sandburg attain its third consecutive trip to the Class AA finals with a 2-over 74 Monday at the Neuqua Valley Sectional. She placed seventh in the loaded 112-player field at Naperbrook Golf Course.
The Eagles are now set to tee off Friday and Saturday at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur with hopes of the best finish in program history. Sandburg placed fifth last season and 11th in 2013.
“We’ve never really played well at state, so instead of looking to be top three or top five, we want to play to our abilities,” Cosler said. “We know the place will come with that.”
Cosler isn’t the only player bringing state experience to the table. Regional champion Emilyee McGiles, a junior, and Erin Cronin have contributed to all three state berths.
One player to keep an eye on is Hannah Kilbane, who’s putting together quite a postseason. Kilbane carded a 1-over 73 at the Neuqua Valley Sectional for a fifth-place finish. She was second behind McGiles with a 1-over 72 in the regional.
“For a freshman, Hannah has been unflappable,” Sandburg coach Todd Allen said.
Sandburg should be in contention for a top-three finish. The Eagles fired a 312 in the sectional for the fourth-best score in the state, trailing only defending champion Hindsale Central, Loyola and St. Charles North, although golf courses are not equal in difficulty so it’s hard to compare scores.
Individual advancers: Along with Sandburg, three individuals from the Southland will make the trip to Decatur: Providence’s Alyssa Gromala, Lincoln-Way Cental’s Bri Bolden and Lemont’s Maggie Micetich.
Bolden and Micetich, both freshmen, survived a four-player playoff to clinch the last state-qualifying spots out of the Neuqua Valley Sectional.
“The goal is to make All-State and not put myself in another situation where I score higher,” Bolden said after the playoff. “I feel like I can go lower because (Monday) was a scrambling day. Even on a scrambling day, I put myself down to a 77.”
Seeking history: Neuqua Valley senior Jessica Yuen will attempt to make history this weekend when she shoots to become either the first or one of the first two three-time individual state champions in Illinois girls golf history.
Charleston junior Lauren Chappell is the two-time defending champion in Class A and has qualified for state this weekend as well.
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Only 11 players have captured two state titles, including Homewood-Flossmoor’s Emily Gilley, the daughter of Marian Catholic coach Linda Gilley.
“For that level of player, they’re playing in high-pressure tournaments all year,” Linda Gilley said. “It’s not (as hard). But at the same time, I remember one of the college coaches saying, ‘They play in these huge tournaments all summer long, but all anybody remembers is if they win the state tournament.’ It’s a big deal in that regard.”
Yuen has accepted a full scholarship to Missouri. Emily Gilley, who won her second title in 1998, went on to be a four-year regular at Northwestern.
Logan Malloy is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.
STATE GIRLS GOLF
Class AA
When: Friday and Saturday.
Where: Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur.
Southland Team Qualifier: Sandburg
Southland Individual Qualifiers: Alyssa Gromala, junior, Providence; Bri Bolden, freshman, Lincoln-Way Central; Maggie Micetich, freshman, Lemont.
Class A
When: Friday and Saturday.
Where: Friday and Saturday at Red Tail Run in Decatur.
Southland Individual Qualifier: Biz Stalla, junior, Evergreen Park.