Some ideal weather conditions greeted the 10 teams that participated in the Ankeny Centennial Invitational girls’ golf meet on Monday at Briarwood Golf Club.
Temperatures in the 60s with very little wind were a welcome relief following two weeks of cold and rainy weather that made practicing difficult.
“What a beautiful day to start off the year!” said Centennial coach John Petersen.
Gilbert shot a 343 to easily defend its team title. Centennial carded a 376 to beat Dowling Catholic by nine strokes for second place.
“I was very happy with our 376,” Petersen said.
Ankeny placed seventh with a 407 total.
“I was very proud of all of the girls’ consistent, positive attitudes!” said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. “They were all a little nervous as this was our first meet of the year, but they all had great shots and great holes that they can continue to build on!”
Eden Lohrbach of Gilbert fired a 4-over-par 76 to earn medalist honors. Kaylin Petrak of Dallas Center-Grimes was the runner-up with an 80.
Centennial’s Payton Drefke took fifth with an 87. Teammates Kaitlyn Ault and Olivia Joensen placed 10th and 11th, respectively, with scores of 94 and 95.
“I am extremely proud of the girls and how hard they have worked on their game since last season,” Petersen said. “I was glad they could see their hard work pay off today. I know they believe we can score even better.”
Vivian Wilson shot a 100 for the Jaguars. Samantha Lazear had a 109, and Grace Miller finished with a 110.
Gabby Schnepf led the Hawkettes with a 94. She took ninth place after a cardoff.
“Gabby had a wonderful first round to start her senior season!” Hagarty said. “She stayed positive and collected throughout her entire round.”
Ankeny’s Addison Smith fired a 103. Isabella Ross shot a 104, Gia Blaser had a 106, Olivia Froehlich carded a 110, and Jori Webb added a 114.
“After the tournament was over, I told the girls to think of one great shot or one hole they played well and focus on the positive moments from today and in doing so, more positive moments will come in the future!” Hagarty said.
Both teams are slated to open CIML Iowa Conference play at home on Tuesday. Centennial will host Waukee Northwest at Briarwood, while the Hawkettes will host Fort Dodge at Otter Creek.
“Hopefully, the weather holds off and we can play,” Hagarty said. “It will be another opportunity for us to improve and hopefully create more positive moments!”
