The Ankeny girls’ golf team earned a fourth-place finish in the Urbandale Invitational on Monday at the Urbandale Golf and Country Club.
Johnston shot a 198 to capture the team title, finishing four strokes ahead of Ames. Newton placed third in the five-team field with a 214, followed by Ankeny (217) and Urbandale (226).
“Overall, I was happy with the way we played,” said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. “It was a beautiful day with temps in the upper 70s, but the wind and elevation changes added some challenges that the girls just aren’t used to, since they practice at Otter Creek regularly. The course was in great shape, but with mature trees lining both sides of the fairways, small elevated greens and a strong wind, the girls struggled with club selection all day. That is just something we need to work on and practice how to manage a round and play smart golf.
“The beautiful thing is that it is early in the year and I have no doubt our girls will work hard and continue to improve their game each and every day,” he added.
Jaci Webb carded an 8-over-par 45 to place third for the Hawkettes. She made a par on both of the par-3 holes.
Hannah Loftus placed ninth with a 54, while Caroline Price finished 14th with a 55.
“Both Caroline and Hannah improved their scores from last week,” Hagarty said.
Ankeny’s Rachel Moore and Lexi Russell each fired a 63. Madi McCormick added a 73.
Rylee Heryford of Newton shot a 2-over 39 to earn medalist honors. Taylor Sedivec of Johnston was the runner-up with a 43.