Falasz's fine form leads Cats

Libertyville junior Ashley Falasz has learned to keep her head still over the ball, and the putts are starting to drop.

"When you putt well it takes pressure off the rest of your game," Libertyville coach Jim Seward said.

Falasz fired a 6-over-par 41 on Wednesday to earn medalist honors in the Wildcats' dual match with Lake Zurich at HeatherRidge. Libertyville (188) cruised on a day when the Bears (213) struggled with their games.

Falasz' lag-putting was crucial. She rarely left herself testing second putts, which contributed to her season-best score.

"Her chipping and putting has improved," senior teammate Alex Hein said. "She's a lot more consistent."

Falasz did not play high school golf as a freshman. She was Libertyville's No. 2 player last season, but she is much more comfortable with competitive golf this season.

The swings changes she made over the summer have helped her play with more confidence.

"I'm taking it back much lower and slower," Falasz said. "I'm also turning my shoulder correctly."

The next goal for Falasz is simple.

"I'm happy with the way I'm playing, but I'd really like to be under 40," she said.

Hein began her round with a birdie at the first hole. She added another birdie but the rest of the round was a struggle.

"I had two birdies and I still managed to shoot 42," Hein said with a grimace.

Libertyville's Annie Kreitman and Andrea Freberg had 50 and 55, respectively.

Junior Alexa Haider (48) was the only Lake Zurich player to shoot in the 40s. Jill Hertel carded a 50.

The Bears can count on Haider putting up a solid score.

"She's had one bad round all year," coach Mel Fox said. "She's totally improved."

Since so many of HeatherRidge's holes have doglegs, Haider sacrificed distance for accuracy.

"I tried to be in the center of the fairway so I could work my way around," she said. "It wasn't how hard you could hit your drive. I wanted to set myself up for a good second shot."

Both teams normally use Village Green as their home course. Village Green was hit hard by the heavy rains that soaked Lake County in August.

As a result, the two teams have played their home matches at a number of different area courses.

Falasz said you just have to make the best of the situation.

"It hasn't been that bad," she said. "(Wherever) we play, we've been ready."