Short-handed Cardinals place 10th at Linda Bloom Invitational

MARSHALLTOWN — Playing without one of its top golfers, the Newton girls golf team finished 10th at the Linda Bloom Invitational on Thursday.

The Cardinals got a 94 from Eva Pak, but Newton shot a 393 in 10th. It was better than BCLUW (396), Ottumwa (406) and Mason City (454).

“The Linda Bloom Invitational always will be a special tournament for me,” Newton head girls golf coach Nicole George said. “Linda was an important part of my golf career, and it’s amazing to see her honored and remembered every year.”

The difference between this year’s tournament and tournaments of previous seasons was the location. Golfers played this year’s 18 holes at Elmwood Country Club, and the tougher course made for a bit higher scores all around.

“This was my first time seeing the course, along with most of the girls,” George said. “It’s very hilly, there are sand waste areas we haven’t encountered yet this year, and the fairways are narrower than we are used to. Overall, I think we played well with all factors considered, and I’m happy with shooting under 400 again.”

Evie Main joined Pak in breaking 100 as she posted a 99. Addie Ratcliff and Addie Hook both shot 100 as the final counting scores and Kalleigh Berndt turned in a non-counting 113.

The Cardinals did not the services of Johana Cerna, who missed the meet due to another obligation. Cerna currently leads Newton with an 18-hole average of 89.75.

Marshalltown’s Natalie Henson was medalist honors with a 69 and Emerson Motl of Ames carded a 76 as the runner-up medalist.

Ames placed its four scoring golfers in the first 13 positions, while Marshalltown had four in the top 14. Waukee Northwest went 5-6-8-10.

“We need to put in some work on our short game over the next week so that we can take back a few of the strokes we are giving up with our putting and chipping,” George said.