The Ankeny girls’ golf team got a chance to play one of the state’s toughest courses on Monday.
The Hawkettes placed 11th among 15 teams in the Turk Bowman Invitational at Veenker Golf Course in Ames. They shot a 447.
“Today was just a tough day on the golf course and unfortunately, sometimes it just goes that way,” said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. “We will regroup and work on some things (Tuesday) in practice before we head over to Sugar Creek on Wednesday for our triangular (meet) with Waukee and Waukee Northwest. Hopefully, the girls can get a few things figured out, and we can reset and look for some improvement moving forward.”
Gilbert won the team title with a 346, finishing nine strokes ahead of runner-up Clear Lake. The host Little Cyclones were the only other team to break 400, placing third with a 388.
Eden Lohrbach of Gilbert carded a 2-over-par 75 to earn medalist honors. Rebecca DeLong of Clear Lake was the runner-up with a 78.
Isabella Ross fired a 101 to lead the Hawkettes. She placed 22nd in a field of 88 golfers.
Ankeny’s Addison Smith shot a 106. Her round included four pars.
Gia Blaser carded a 119. Gracie Block had a 121, and Ava Sesker finished with a 131.
“Even though it was a rough day for them, they all carried themselves well and stayed positive throughout their rounds and for that I am proud and honored to be their coach!” Hagarty said. “In life it’s not always about what happens to you that determines who you are, but rather how you respond.”