PELLA — Playing on the course they will take on in a few weeks for the Little Hawkeye Conference golf tournament, Newton’s girls had a confidence-boosting performance Tuesday. The Cardinals won the LHC triangular meet hosted by Pella Christian at Pella Golf & Country Club.
“Most of the girls had never played this course before, so they got some valuable experience today,” said Scott Enyart, Cardinal head coach, after his team posted a 191 four-golfer total to win the nine-hole meet. “The Pella course has longer Par 4 holes than we have at our home course. It is a nine-hole course, but the conference tournament will be an 18-hole event.”
Pella Christian ended up second with a 248 and Knoxville had a 259.
Jessica Reynolds and Shelbey Cochran fed off each other’s energy Tuesday as the golfers had to manage the course and the windy, cold weather. Reynolds was one shot better the Cochran this week, taking medalist honors with a 45. Cochran, who won the season-opener at home last week, was the runner-up with a 46.
“Jessica and Shelbey were swinging with confidence all day,” Enyart said. “All of our girls were focused on their games and played one hole at a time. The girls handled the weather well.”
Carrie Cunningham finished with a 49. Enyart said Cunningham came off of the Par 3 No. 1 and headed to the No. 2 tee box, where he was standing.
“She said, ‘I remember this hole from two years ago. I birdied it.’ She pulled out her 5- iron, hit the ball to within two feet of the hole and tapped it in for a birdie,” he said.
Madigan Hillyard carded a 51 to round out the top four scores for Newton. Enyart said Hillyard didn’t allow a bad start to rattle her and she finished strong. Madeline Wellik came in with a 52 and Oliva Maharry shot a 58.
Pella Christian was led by Autumn Vos with a 49. Savana Baugh carded a 53 followed by Alexis Wright at 70 and Malia Beatty at 76.
Knoxville’s Evy Wells shot a 54 followed by Sierra Findley at 58, Maggie Leavitt at 69 and Taylor Harding at 78.
For Newton’s junior varsity, Amber Sorsenson led the way with a 59. Jessie Smith shot a 60, Emily Fitzgerald had a 61 and Lizzy Coyle finished with a 62. Abby Jolivette carded a 64 followed by Alyssa Bartels at 66 and Kaitlyn Sorensen at 71.
