March 28, 2024

Cardinal girls set new nine-hole course mark in win

Best Nines

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NEWTON — “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” was proven in actions Thursday at Westwood Golf Course by Newton’s girl golfers.

Newton’s varsity golfers combined to post a NHS girls’ golf school record on their home course in a dual meet with Pella’s Little Dutch. The Cardinals established a new course record for their program, shooting a team low 176 for nine-holes at Westwood.

“I’m impressed how our girls played their game today. They were very focused. When they had to deal with the wind early in the meet, they did,” said Scott Enyart, Newton girls’ head coach. “To get the school record right out the gate is tremendous.”

The Cardinals defeated Little Hawkeye Conference opponent Pella with that record-setting 176 to the Little Dutch’s 227. The old Westwood course record for nine holes by a NHS girls’ team was 177 in 2011. Before that, the mark was 183 set in 1979.

Shelbey Cochran carded a personal-best nine-hole 42 as the meet’s medalist. Cochran led the Cardinals by recording pars on the first three holes she played Thursday. She also had a par on No. 6.

The runner-up medalist honors went to NHS teammate Madigan Hillyard with a 43. Hillyard opened with four straight bogeys then righted her game with a par on No. 6. She birdied No. 8, making it from tee to cup in four strokes on the Par 5 hole.

Newton had the top six scores on the day. Pella was led by Kylie Roslien with a 54.

Carrie Cunnigham, who had a birdie on No. 4, finished with a 45 as the No. 3 golfer on the day for Newton. Jessica Reynolds parred two of her first three holes played, having a “consistent round” for a 46.

Madeline Wellik and Olivia Maharry each shot a 53. Enyart said Wellik had four pars on the day, but three holes got away from her. Maharry had a good start, playing in her first varsity meet, he said.

“Our goal is to have an average of 45 for our top four golfers. If we do that, that gives us a 180 as a team. We beat that by four shots today,” Enyart said.

Newton’s varsity heads to the Urbandale Invitational Monday. Enyart said the Cardinals, who are a Class 4A  team, will compete against Class 5A teams in tournament at Urbandale.

In junior varsity action, Newton had a 231 to Pella’s 264. Jessie Smith led the way for the Cardinals with a 54 followed by Emily Fitzgerald with a 57, Abby Jolivette with a 58 and Kaitlyn Sorensen with a 62. Also playing for Newton were: Amber Sorenson, 63; Lizzy Coyle, 66; Alyssa Bartels, 68; Jacey Yoder, 68; and Emily Mehmen, 69.