Newton golfers win conference triangular

OSKALOOSA — Depth is the story of success on golf courses this season for Newton’s Cardinal girls.

That makes Cardinal head coach Scott Enyart smile.

“We’ve had some of our younger golfers step up throughout the season to provide contributing scores in varsity meets. Today’s win provides proof of how deep our team is this season,” Enyart said.

Newton notched another sweep of Little Hawkeye Conference triangular golf meets. The Cardinals combined for a winning 191 at Oskaloosa’s Edmundson Golf Course. Grinnell finished with a 233 and Oskaloosa did not have a team score.

Jessica Reynolds led the Cardinals, winning medalist honors with a meet-low 44.

“Jessica out dueled Grinnell’s Sarah Frischmeyer, who was the runner-up medalist with a 45. It was neck-and-neck the whole nine holes. Jessica had a birdie on the Par 4 No. 5 hole as a highlight of her round,” Enyart said.

Shelbey Cochran and Cydney Hillyard each birdied the Par 4 No. 3 hole on the day. Cochran finished with a  48 while C. Hillyard, a sophomore, carded a 49 for her first varsity meet. Madeline Wellik came in with a 50 after recording a par on her final hole of the day.

“Madeline hit her drives well all day and finished strong,” Enyart said. “Shelbey played pretty steady most of the day. Cydney gained good experience and gained confidence from today’s meet.”

Madigan Hillyard and Carrie Cunningham had “off days,” according to Enyart. He said they will bounce back after each shooting a 54 Tuesday. Jessie Smith had a 58 on the day.

The Cardinals have one more conference triangular for the season. They take a 5-0 conference record into next Tuesday’s home meet against Norwalk and Dallas Center-Grimes.

Newton travels to Pleasant Hill Thursday for the Southeast Polk Invitational at Copper Creek Golf Course. Action begins at 10 a.m.