Girls golf: Prospect advances to sectional
New Trier regional: Finishing third behind two powerhouse girls golf programs like New Trier and Loyola, Prospect coach Jim Hamann was hardly disappointed in the Knights' third-place finish at the New Trier Class 2A regional on Tuesday.
Led by 81s from sophomores Penelope Tir and Abbie Kaestie, New Trier won with a score of 332 followed by Loyola (336) and the Knights (346).
Rounding out the field were Hersey (358), Glenbrook South (360), Glenbrook North (366), Fremd (381), Rolling Meadows (381), Evanston (457) and Hoffman Estates (514).
"This regional was once again stacked with great teams and coaches," said Prospect coach Jim Hamann. "To qualify as a team out of this field is a great accomplishment."
Loyola senior Margaret Hickey earned medalist honors with a 78.
She was the only player under 80 at the wet and windy Winnetka Golf Club layout which played longer than its actual yardage.
Leading the Knights' solid showing were senior Kate Ponzi (80), junior Margherite Pettenuzzo (87), senior Sabrina Accardi (89) and freshman Kelly Kavanagh (90).
"I can't explain in words how proud I am of this group," said Hamann who led the Knights to state titles in 2011 and 2013. "All ten of our varsity players have done a tremendous job these past few weeks and we keep improving as a result."
Local qualifiers included Hersey senior Megan Kopeny (81), Fremd senior AnnMarie O'Sullivan (88), Fremd senior Annie Gao (89), Hersey senior Sophia Cacioppo (91) and Hersey junior Mara Slosar (93).
"I am so happy for my teammates this year and for myself qualifying for sectionals," Cacioppo said. "This season has been one of the best we have had and I'm excited to continue on."
Prospect's team and the Hersey and Fremd individuals will move on the Monday's sectional at the Buffalo Grove Golf Club.
"We are very comfortable and confident at Buffalo Grove Golf Club," Hamann said. "We are looking forward to playing well on Monday."
The Knights coach called Ponzi's score of 80 "very impressive" considering the conditions.
"All six girls have been taking turns leading us and today it was Kate's turn,' he said. "She had a great attitude all day and played tremendously.
"All our girls represent our school and community so well."