Cardinal girls tap in at sixth in Valley Invite

WEST DES MOINES — Taking on the challenging field of mostly Class 5A girls’ golf teams, Newton High’s Cardinals finished sixth at Monday’s Valley Lamson Invitational. Newton combined for a four-player score of 376 on the par-69 Willow Creek Golf Course.

There were golfers from 15 schools competing, and 13 of the schools were Class 5A teams. Four teams in the field competed in state tournaments a year ago — Newton in Class 4A, Atlantic in Class 3A and in 5A were Waukee and host West Des Moines Valley.

Waukee ran away from the field with a final teams score of 319. Medalist Brooke Boardman led the way with a 3-under par 66. Class 5A state champion Waukee’s Paige Seisen was runner-up at 73.

Newton senior Emily Fitzgerald carded a personal-best 91 to lead the Cardinals with sophomore Alayna Reynolds coming in with a 93. Seniors Jessica Reynolds and Jessie Smith shot a 94 (51-43) and a 98 (45-53), respectively.

“Emily’s ball striking was much improved today, and once we’ve worked on some putting issues, we’ll see lower scores,” Newton head coach Scott Enyart said. “Emily’s 44 on the Blue Nine was a personal-best score for nine holes.”

Alayna Reynolds’ 93 was a personal-best for 18 holes and a 44 on the Blue Nine a personal best. Enyart said she played steady all day and played her game. Fitzgerald carded four pars on the day and Alayna Reynolds had three pars.

“Jessica had a tough day. She couldn’t get the club on the ball like she wanted, but she fought hard all day,” Enyart said. “Jessie tied her best nine-hole score with the 45 on the Blue Nine. She had a consistent round.”

Junior Lizzy Coyle finished with a 104 for the 18-hole tournament, which was a personal best. Coyle had rounds of 55 and 49, which was a personal best. Sophomore Taylor Dydell had a 110 (56-54) in her first varsity 18-hole meet.

Atlantic was second with a 344 followed by Mason City with a 353, Johnston with a 355 and Valley Black with a 356 of fifth. Southeast Polk took seventh with a 382 followed by Des Moines Roosevelt/Hoover at 403, Indianola at 405, Valley Orange 408, Marshalltown at 411, Des Moines East/Lincoln/North at 416, Urbandale at 433, Ankeny at 445 and Ames in 15th at 521. Fort Dodge did not have a full team competing.

Newton has added an 18-hole dual with Nevada on Thursday at Cold Water Links in Ames. Newton has back-to-back home meets next week.

“We gained more experience in this meet. The girls are ready to go to work on things they need to improve, which is what you like to see,” Enyart said.

The Cardinals host Iowa City High School in a non-conference dual Monday. Tee time is 1 p.m. at Westwood Golf Course. On Tuesday, Pella comes in for a 4:15 p.m. Little Hawkeye Conference dual.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com