Newton girls claim Cardinal Invitational championship

Newton’s girls golf team claimed the top four individual positions and cruised to the team championship at the Cardinal Invitational at Westwood Golf Course on Thursday.

Rylee Heryford was the meet medalist and Marin Pettigrew claimed runner-up medalist honors for the first time in her career as the Cardinals shot a 179 and downed runner-up Norwalk by 29 shots.

“It was great to win the Cardinal Invite,” Newton girls golf coach Ashley Kahler said. “The girls scores are getting better each night out and that is what we want going into conference and regionals. It was nice to see Marin do well tonight and it also was a great way to send off Abby and Bekah by winning their last home meet.”

The five teams in attendance played Westwood’s par 35 back nine. Norwalk (208), Chariton (227), PCM (239) and Grinnell (285) completed the standings.

Heryford won medalist with a 40 and had four pars. Pettigrew shot a career-best 46, led by an eagle on the par 5 No. 16.

Abby Price finished third with a 46 and her round featured a birdie on the par 3 No. 10. Bekah Vasseau ended her day with three straight pars and finished fourth with a 47.

Ella Price had a non-counting and career-best 53 and Madison Price shot a non-counting 58. Ella Price finished 11th and Madison Price was 15th in the final standings.

PCM was led by Riley Johannes’ career-best 52. She finished eighth overall.

Eleigh Davis carded a career-best 53 and was 10th, Tori Peterson shot a personal-best 60 and ended up 16th and Deanna McHargue fired a 74.