In its effort to erase a first-round deficit at the Class AA state tournament, the Loyola girls golf team might have gotten away from playing its own game, according to Ramblers coach Heather Penn.
Down seven strokes to Hinsdale Central going into the second round on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur, Loyola shot a 321 and finished second to the Red Devils by 18 strokes with a 59-over 635. The Ramblers opened with a 314.
“It was a gallant attempt to go out there and try to make a run at it, but I think it got in the way of them focusing on one shot at a time,” Penn said. “They were trying to do too much, pressing too hard, trying to hit too good of a shot, too good of a putt. It backfired on us.”
Sophomore Nina Rutkowski led Loyola after rounds of 76-80 for a 12-over 156 to tie for 13th. She was followed by junior Margaret Hickey, who tied for 16th (81-77—158).
More Top Picks What Is Time Blindness In Adhd And How To Manage It
Three seniors teed it up for the Ramblers for the last time: Blake Yaccino finished 25th (78-82—160), Madison Banas tied for 46th (84-83—167) and Nicole Wetoska tied for 51st (79-89—168). Junior Kellie McCabe tied for 40th (83-82—165).
Yaccino and Wetoska played four years of varsity golf and were part of Loyola’s three consecutive runner-up finishes in Class AA, the best run in program history. This year’s team won regional and sectional titles.
“They were great contributors, and they will be missed,” Penn said of the seniors. “We had another awesome season with a special group. This team has a lot it can be extremely proud of.”
New Trier
Putting will be a primary focus for Louise McCulloch this offseason.
After shooting matching 77s for a 10-over 154 to tie for ninth at the Class AA state tournament — the best finish in her prep career — the senior and Northwestern recruit said she needs to get better on the greens.
“That’s definitely where I can pick up the most strokes in my game,” McCulloch said. “I especially need to make more putts within 10 feet.”
McCulloch will work on her game at the Wildcat Golf Academy, which shares a practice facility with the Northwestern golf programs.
“It’s such a nice facility, and I will get a lot of use out of it this winter,” she said.
McCulloch was one of two seniors who helped the Trevians finish fifth (327-330—657). Rayna Kwo tied for 67th (87-89—176).
Three freshmen and one sophomore were in the state lineup for New Trier. In fact, freshman Penelope Tir earned team honors after tying for sixth with rounds of 77-76 for a 9-over 153.
“This was a great year for us to make it down there,” McCulloch said. “It was great experience for these young girls. They are going to do amazing in the coming years.”
Glenbrook North
Amy Hong closed out her four-year varsity career by tying for 16th in her first appearance at the Class AA state tournament.
The senior followed an opening-round 80 with a 78 for a 14-over 158.
Hong’s teammate, junior Emma Vickery, tied for 26th after carding rounds of 83-78 (161).
Twitter: @harnesspreps