Ankeny girls’ golf coach Seth Hagarty tried to look on the bright side Wednesday.
Even though his team lost to eighth-ranked Valley and Dowling Catholic in a CIML Conference triangular meet at Willow Creek, the Hawkettes got a career-best 48 from junior Gracie Block, who parred a pair of holes on the back nine.
“I’m so proud of Gracie!” said Hagarty, whose team dropped to 0-7 in the conference. “Her excitement was so genuine and contagious! These are the moments that I love to be a part of, regardless of who it is or what we are celebrating! Golf is a hard game, and sometimes you have to celebrate when you do the best that you’ve ever done!”
Ankeny’s Isabella Ross also carded a 48. She had three pars during one four-hole stretch.
Gia Blaser fired a 51 for the Hawkettes, Jori Webb had a 54, and Ava Sesker finished with a 62.
“Today was a gorgeous day for some golf, finally!” Hagarty said. “The girls definitely enjoyed the good weather and had smiles on their faces the entire time!”
The Tigers shot a 165 on their home course. Dowling carded a 187, while Ankeny finished with a 201.
Valley’s Hallie Yates carded an even-par 37 to earn medalist honors. Teammate Shanel Sayre was the runner-up with a 39.
The Hawkettes will compete in the Southeast Polk Invitational on Thursday at Copper Creek.
“We will rest up and be ready for another day on the course!” Hagarty said. “It looks like we will have another great day to play some golf!”