The season came to an end on Wednesday for the Ankeny Centennial girls’ golf team.
While the Jaguars placed fifth among nine teams in a Class 4A regional meet at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown, junior Cate Trewet nearly qualified for state as an individual.
Trewet placed seventh with a 15-over-par 86. She missed qualifying for state by just one stroke.
“The girls gave it their all, and I couldn’t be more proud of the growth they’ve shown this year,” said Centennial coach Marty Kiepe, whose team posted a 374 total. “I think there were a lot of questions around what kind of season we would have with so little experience, but the girls showed up every day and continued to improve. Our first two meets of the year we had set a team goal of trying to break 390, and it’s funny to think that only a few weeks later we manage to shoot 360. I’m sad to see the season come to the end, but I think that our girls are hungry for more and will put in the necessary work to make a good run next year.”
Norwalk shot a 343 to capture the team title. Cedar Rapids Prairie was second with a 354 and also advanced to state, which will be held on May 28-29 at the Waverly Municipal Golf Course.
Saleah Vivanh-Vong of Des Moines East fired an even-par 71 to claim medalist honors. Prairie’s Kylie Wachtl was the runner-up with a 75.
Evelyn Kinney carded an 81 and Addie Smith had an 83 to lead Norwalk, placing third and fifth, respectively. Marshalltown also had two individual qualifiers as Harper Wilson (82) and Morgan Hilderbrand (85) took fourth and sixth, respectively.
Trewet was in contention for a state qualifying berth until her very last shot.
“Cate has been a great leader for our team this year and has consistently set the bar for putting in the work when no one is looking,” Kiepe said. “The day didn’t go as planned, but she fought until the final hole and had a look on her last (putt) that just missed the bottom of the cup. I’m grateful for her dedication to this team and how coachable she has been this year.”
Gretta Borich shot a 91 for the Jaguars.
“Gretta has done nothing but improve all year long,” Kiepe said. “She is the spark on our team whose energy fills the room. Gretta always has a smile on her face and has done a great job of spreading that positive attitude to her teammates. She made great strides as a sophomore and should be poised for a great junior season.”
Kyler Jones carded a 94 for Centennial, just one shot off her season-best score.
“Kyler has been unshakable on the golf course all year,” Kiepe said. “Through the good and the bad times, there was Kyler with a smile. We will miss her fun personality and ability to roll with the punches next year! Best of luck to her at Drake!”
Madi Trosper fired a 103 for the Jaguars. Teagan Skinner had a 108, and Maddy Gochoel had a 113.
Both Trosper and Skinner will graduate along with Jones.
“For Madi’s first year out for golf, I am very proud of the strides she made,” Kiepe said. “She’s a natural athlete, and I wish we could have three more years with her! She has been a great teammate and friend, and we wish her the best of luck at Iowa next year.
“Teagan has been the leader of the pack this year as one of the only seniors with a decent amount of varsity experience. This year didn’t start or end the way that she wanted, but she fought every day to get better and saw the rewards of that with some new PRs in the last few weeks. We wish her the best of luck in her next steps!” he added.