Ankeny senior Jaci Webb is headed to the girls’ state golf meet for the third time in her high school career.
And this time, she’ll get to play on her home course.
Webb carded an 85 to place fourth in a Class 4A regional meet on Monday at Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown. She advanced to the state meet, which is slated for June 1-2 at Otter Creek Golf Course.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have qualified for state again!” Webb said. “I was really happy with how I played today given the course and the conditions that were there.”
Webb had a 4-over-par 39 on the front nine, making five pars to go with four bogeys. She then struggled to an 11-over 46 on the back nine that included four double bogeys.
“Jaci had one goal on her mind today and that was to qualify for state, and she did just that!” said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. “It wasn’t the best I’ve seen her play, but that course can wear you down both physically and mentally, so she did a great job today and didn’t let anything really rattle her! I’m extremely proud of her as her coach and thankful that I get to coach her for two more rounds!”
Ankeny placed third in the eight-team field with a 392 total.
“Although our score wasn’t enough to qualify as a team, I was still very proud of how focused and prepared the girls were today!” Hagarty said. “We had a good amount of success this season, and that’s a direct result of all the hard work the players have put in. It’s been a great season and I’m honored to be their coach!”
Ankeny Centennial shot a 447 and finished sixth.
“We had a rough day today, but I am happy with our progress this year,” said Centennial coach John Petersen. “I saw a lot of growth from all 26 of our girls skill-wise and more importantly, the love and desire to improve in the game of golf. I’m excited to see their growth this summer and looking forward to be a much better scoring team next year.”
Marshalltown won the regional title on its home course, shooting a 371 to edge Waukee by one stroke. The Bobcats were led by Amber Henson, who carded an 8-over-par 78 to earn medalist honors.
Waukee’s Hannah Pettitt was the runner-up. She fired an 84.
Gia Blaser shot a 100 to place 11th for the Hawkettes. Gabby Schnepf was 15th with a 103, and Naomi SchraderBachar finished 16th with a 104.
Ankeny’s Olivia Froehlich and Kelsey Hensen each carded a 115.
“To be honest, outside of Veenker, Elmwood is probably the second-hardest course we have played all year!” Hagarty said. “And despite that, the girls all played very well today! Gia had an outstanding day today, shooting her personal best on the season!”
Payton Drefke shot a 109 to lead the Jaguars. Olivia Joensen and Grace Miller each had a 112, Kaitlyn Ault fired a 114, Samantha Lazear carded a 125, and Vivian Wilson finished with a 131.
