The Ankeny girls’ golf team placed ninth in the Southeast Polk Invitational on Thursday at Copper Creek, finishing two spots ahead of Ankeny Centennial.
The Hawkettes posted a 386 total. The Jaguars finished with a 396.
“It was definitely a good learning opportunity,” said Centennial coach Marty Kiepe. “Copper was playing difficult, and we struggled around the greens. The team score is a little hard to look at, but this was a day that we didn’t have a single person throw in the towel and quit on themselves or the team.”
Southeast Polk won the team title on its home course, shooting a 327. Two-time defending champion Gilbert was the runner-up with a 334, followed closely by Waukee Northwest (336) and Cedar Rapids Washington (338).
Madalyn Ross carded an 89 to lead Ankeny. Aubree Moeller fired a 91, Gabby Haga had a 98, Catherine Nelson shot a 108, Tenley Beelner had a 109, and Lydia Gerety added a 114.
“We were hoping for a little better, but we had three season bests from Aubree, Tenley and Lydia,” said Ankeny coach Kelley Emke. “It’s coming together at the right time, and we’re excited for more rounds at Copper.”
Cate Trewet led Centennial with a 92. Maddy Gochoel carded a 98, Madi Trosper and Isla Corron each fired a 103, Gretta Borich had a 108, and Teagan Skinner finished with a 111.
“It was a bad result, but a good growth day,” Kiepe said. “I’m excited to try again next week!”
Both teams will compete in the CIML Conference meet next week. The first round will be played on Monday at Beaver Creek, and the second round will be held on Wednesday at Copper Creek.