The members of the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial girls’ golf teams were paired together during the final round of the CIML Conference Invitational on Wednesday at Blank Golf Course.
The two squads could be part of the same groups next Wednesday in a Class 4A regional meet, since both the Hawkettes and Jaguars have been assigned to play at Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown.
“Hopefully, we can peak next week and surprise some people at districts,” said Centennial coach John Petersen.
The Jaguars shot a 364 on Wednesday and placed sixth overall in the nine-team field with a 740 total. They had carded a 376 in Monday’s Waukee Invitational at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, which served as the CIML’s opening round even though Ames, Marshalltown and Ottumwa also competed that day.
“I was very happy with the way we came back today,” Petersen said. “We had three players in the 80s, and that’s the first time this year!”
Ankeny, meanwhile, placed seventh overall with a 763 total. The Hawkettes shot a 381 on Wednesday after posting a 382 on Monday.
“We didn’t show as much improvement as we were hoping for coming off of Monday, but we were consistent this week,” said Ankeny coach Kelley Emke. “I’m so proud of how much the girls have grown individually and as a team.”
Third-ranked Waukee Northwest easily won its second straight title. The Wolves shot a 329 on Wednesday and posted a 642 total to finish 55 strokes ahead of No. 15 Valley.
Northwest had the top three individual finishers. Piper Sandfort posted a 157 total to edge teammates Lola Minnick and Adalyn Wiig for medalist honors.
Cate Trewet placed 11th to lead the Jaguars. She fired an 89 on Wednesday–including an eagle on the par-5, No. 12 hole–and finished with a 174 total.
“I was especially happy with how I played on Monday,” said Trewet, who had shot a season-low 85 two days earlier. “I’ve been working really hard on my short game this year so I was happy to see it all come together. There’s still a couple shots I wish I could take back so there’s always room for improvement!”
Teammate Kate Geiselhart carded an 86 in the final round. She placed 16th with a 180 total.
Ankeny’s Madalyn Ross shot a 90 on Wednesday, while her sister Isabella had a 91. They both posted a 181 total, placing 17th and 18th, respectively.
“Big shout out to the Ross girls for medaling!” Emke said. “It was very fun that they ended up tying.”
Madalyn made a birdie on No. 12. Isabella had a birdie on the par-4, No. 1 hole.
“There were some bad shots that didn’t quite go my way, but overall I feel like I played pretty well,” said Isabella.
Centennial’s Danika Kraus carded an 86 on Wednesday and finished 19th overall with a 183. She had three birdies on the day.
Kaylee Sprecher fired a 103 and had a 203 total for the Jaguars, while Teagan Skinner shot a 107 and finished with a 212 total. Emma Bisgard, who did not play on Monday, carded a 114 in the final round.
Ankeny’s Ava Clarkson shot a 97 on Wednesday and posted a 200 total.
“I believe that was her season-low,” Emke said.
Aubree Moeller fired a 103 and had a 201 total for the Hawkettes. Ava Sesker and Catherine Nelson each shot a 107 on Wednesday, finishing with totals of 210 and 212, respectively.
Dowling Catholic’s Meg Lock led all players with a 77 in the final round after struggling to a 102 on Monday. She placed 14th overall.
Northwest and No. 10 Marshalltown will be among the teams in the regional field. The Bobcats are led by Natalie Henson, the top player in Class 4A.
Centennial played in the Linda Bloom Invitational on May 1 at Elmwood, where the Jaguars tied for eighth place among 13 squads.
“I think we do have a chance to qualify for state!” Trewet said. “In my opinion Elmwood is one of the hardest courses in the state so it’s really fair game. We’ve shown lots of improvement this year!”
The Hawkettes haven’t played at Elmwood since 2022, when Isabella Ross was a freshman.
“Elmwood isn’t our top choice for regionals, but we’re excited to go do a practice round next week and prepare for Wednesday,” Ross said.
