The Ankeny Centennial girls’ golf team shot a season-best score of 360 on Wednesday and moved up two places to finish fifth overall after the final round of the CIML Conference Invitational at Copper Creek.
The Jaguars posted a two-day total of 745 after shooting a 385 on Monday at Beaver Creek.
“It was a great day to be a Jag!” said Centennial coach Marty Kiepe. “It was our second-lowest team score since 2021, and I’m super proud of our girls and how they played today! After some bad rounds last week, we finally got a little payback at Copper–36 strokes better than (we shot there) Thursday!”
Ankeny, meanwhile, matched its score of 378 from Monday and posted a 756 total. The Hawkettes placed sixth in the nine-team field.
“The girls did a great job of staying consistent as a team and really improving how well they hit the ball,” said Ankeny coach Kelley Emke.
While Ankeny moved ahead of Valley on Wednesday, Centennial leapfrogged both the Hawkettes and Tigers.
“We weren’t super happy with our team score on Monday,” Kiepe said. “Being 25 strokes better today on a much harder golf course is very rewarding. I’m very happy that the girls fought back from seventh and finished in the middle of the pack!”
Southeast Polk overcame a 12-stroke deficit after Monday’s round to capture the team title on its home course. The Rams shot a 318 on Wednesday and finished with a 659 total, seven strokes better than two-time defending champion Waukee Northwest.
Sisters Kate and Anna Wahman led the way for the Rams. Kate fired a 74 on Wednesday and claimed medalist honors with a 154 total, while Anna carded a 77 and was the runner-up with a 156.
Centennial’s Cate Trewet placed fifth overall with a 168 total.
“I felt like I had a few ups and downs out there today, but I’m super happy with how I played over the two days,” said Trewet, who shot an 82 on Monday. “I think without looking at the score that if you asked me ahead of time if I’d be Ok with fifth place, I would have said yes!”
Trewet took ninth in Wednesday’s round with an 86.
“Cate battled out there today and really finished strong,” Kiepe said. “We’ll take a top-five finish!”
Teagan Skinner carded a 93 in the final round and posted a 185 total for the Jaguars.
“That was her third time in the 90s in the last two weeks,” Kiepe said. “Teagan is gaining momentum and avoiding a lot of high numbers. She’s been really consistent as of late!”
Gretta Borich fired an 88 on Wednesday and posted a 198 total for Centennial, matching the two-day score from teammate Kyler Jones. Jones had a 93 in the final round.
“Gretta had her best day yet with a new personal best by 11 strokes. After a tough day on Monday, the stars finally aligned today for her as she rattled off four pars in a row in the middle of her round,” Kiepe said. “Kyler also had a personal best today with her 93. She started the year with a goal of breaking 100, and we’ve had to reset that goal twice now.
“It was a great round all the way around!” he added.
Centennial’s Madi Trosper shot a 100 on Wednesday and posted a 206 total. Maddy Gochoel carded a 109 and finished with a 216 total.
Ankeny was led by Madalyn Ross, who fired a 91 in the final round and posted a 180 total. Aubree Moeller shot a 99 and finished at 188, Gabby Haga carded a 90 for a 192 total, Catherine Nelson shot a second consecutive 98 to finish at 196, Lydia Gerety had a 112 for a 235 total, and Tenley Beelner finished with a 117 and a 237 total.
“Unfortunately, we really struggled on and around the greens to make some clutch putts,” Emke said. “We’re hopeful that by fixing that we can find success at regionals next week.”
Ankeny will return to Copper Creek on Wednesday for a Class 4A regional meet. Southeast Polk, Waterloo West and Council Bluffs Lewis Central will be among the teams in the field.
Centennial will travel to Marshalltown for the regional meet at American Legion Golf Course. Marshalltown, Norwalk and Cedar Rapids Prairie will be among the teams in the field.
Trewet could be a contender to qualify for state as an individual. She is currently ranked 32nd in Class 4A with a 44.75 average for nine holes.
“I have played American Legion a few times, so it’s nice going to a course that I’m fairly familiar with,” Trewet said. “I know that if I play my game I will be in the running next week, but I am hoping that our team can carry over some of today’s momentum!”