Girls golf: Making the most of one last shot

For five DuPage County girls golfers, this weekend's state tournament was a last chance to make an impact on the sport in high school.

Hinsdale Central's Roshannah Gaur, Wheaton Warrenville South's Sarah Hauenstein, Waubonsie Valley's Arushi Singh, Lake Park's Nicole Hansen and Naperville North's Lauren Nay made a final appearance at the large-class girls golf state finals this weekend at Hickory Point in Forsyth.

Singh made the early move as her first-round 3-over 75 was soon conquered.

"I was really playing well," the Indiana signee said. "It was my goal to at least get into the top 10."

When the six members of the 12 qualifying teams and 39 at-large competitors completed play, New Trier - behind individual champion Penelope Tir - had another team title with a 10-shot victory, 603-613, over Barrington.

Hinsdale Central was nine shots better collectively on Saturday in passing St. Charles North for its second consecutive major-consolation trophy in third at 619.

Naperville North was eight shots better in second-round action to finish a stroke behind St. Charles North with a 626.

Singh finished with a level-par 72 to tie Gaur for fifth at 147.

"I knew once I got on my back - technically the front - I would have a lot more opportunities to make birdie," said Singh, who came home with a 2-under 34.

Hauenstein finished with a 6-over 148 to finish in an eighth-place tie with Duke University recruit Megan Furtney of St. Charles North.

"It was definitely different," Hauenstein said of the Tigers having their run of team appearances end. "We accomplished so much last year, so I can't complain. I just wanted to have two scores that I could be proud of. I didn't do anything insane."

Naperville North was looking for some second-round magic. Hannah Martin certainly set the tone for the Huskies as the sophomore rifled off three straight birdies to start her day. Nay and Mara Flaherty followed suit.

The three teammates were a stroke apart as Flaherty led the way with a 75.

"I knew the course a lot better (than last year)," Flaherty said. "I was playing a lot better going into the tournament. I got myself out of hard situations to get up and down."

Nay, following the 76 Martin posted, came home for a final time with a 77.

"I think we ended the season on a positive note," Nay said. "My thought process was that I would rather play worse on the first day than the second day."

Hansen was at the top of her game after winning the Wheaton Academy sectional earlier this week.

"I was really confident coming in," the Purdue signee said. "The girls who did well are good competition for me."

Hansen had rounds of 76-77 to tie for 23rd.

"I was really upset with how I finished (on Saturday)," Hansen said. "I was 1-under through seven holes."

Naperville Central sophomore Emma Lim was seven shots higher after a first-round 75 to finish in the top 40.

Glenbard West senior Samantha Moody was in a similar spot after a 78 and 82.

The sole Class 1A qualifier, St. Francis' Katherine Lemke, was top 20 in Decatur with a final-round 79.