Fine finish for Fillies

There was a little extra anticipation around the leader board Monday in Rockford at Ingersoll Golf Course.

At the Guilford Class 2A girls golf sectional and with all but the last group in, Barrington's last blank, McCall Barsamian, needed to shoot 89 to tie the Fillies with leader Stevenson (336).

"I don't like that kind of excitement," joked Barrington coach Jodi Schoeck. "A little too much excitement. She wasn't too happy with (her score of 44) at the turn. The back plays a couple strokes easier so I had my fingers crossed."

When Barsamian's back came in at 84, the Fillies had won easily.

With a 331, Barrington won the sectional and advanced to state as a team for the third time over the last four seasons. Amanda Schmitz shot 79 to lead the Fillies.

"It was pretty straightforward. Some of it was a little tricky with the wind and the rain," said Schmitz. "I wish (my score) was a little better. But it worked out nicely. I think we played solid. I'm glad we're going to state again as a team."

Brittany Keiter (83) and Marina Karamanis (85) also scored, and Courtney Shattuck and Taylor Quinn are on board for Carbondale.

"It's all six of these girls," Schoeck said. "Each one of them has (stepped up) when we needed it. We had completely solid rounds today. We have a lot of faith and confidence in this group."

Stevenson took second-place honors led by Jennifer Gorman and Erin Moreau, who overcame a bee sting on the first tee, with 83s.

"Second place is fine with me today," said Patriots coach Andy Conneen. "It's the second year in a row we've been to state, back-to-back. That was our goal from the beginning of the season. Especially in golf, on a windy day, it's hard to reach those goals. The girls did a great job."

Angelina Kim (84), Alex Kessler (86), Whitney Paul (86) and Kaitlin Garske (89) all backed up the Patriots consistent play.

In the individual race, last year's state runner-up Hailey Koschmann of Lake Forest shot a 1 under 72 to win the sectional and advance to state.

Conant, which totaled 373, was led by Kris Yoo's 76, which put the sophomore in a three-way tied for second and a another week of golf.

"I'm happy," said Yoo, who just missed going to state last year. "I made a couple mistakes here and there but it was a pretty good game. I'm excited."

Pam Wawrzyniak (91) and Kelly Muskat (99) also had solid efforts for the Cougars.

Jamie Lavin of Deerfield and sophomore Abbie Horan of Lakes also advance as individuals and in second place with 76s.

"I played pretty good," Horan said. "The front nine I was 2 over, the back I had 2 birdies. Last year I shot a 93 at sectionals. I'm really excited. I know a lot of girls that are going downstate, so it should be fun."

One of the more spectacular performances of the day came from Libertyville's Alex Hein.

"I was so mad about the 46 (on the front) that I went out there and did what I had to do," Hein said. "I got 4 birdies in a row. I stayed with it and I didn't give up. It paid off."

It paid of with a lifetime best 31 on the back 9 for a 77, a trip to state and a fifth place medal. Teammate Ashley Falas shot a 84 but missed the cut.

"My previous best was 36 (for 9)," said Hein, who had a total of 5 birdies on the back. "I know what's state is like so I know what to expect down there. It will nice to go as a senior -- it'll be my last time playing."

Although no one advanced for Rolling Meadows, it was a solid effort in its first ever sectional appearance with a 370.

Melissa Greenwood led the Mustangs with an 88 while teammates Megan Baumgartner, Amanda Coleman and Mia Kaim remained consistent with rounds of 94.

"I think the girls are pleased with the team effort today," said Rolling Meadows coach Dan Rymarz. "It's a nice way to end the year."

Carmel (342) took third place as a team thanks to Jacqueline Jaskowiak (83), Stephanie Zdon (85), Katie Kelly (87) and Shannon Howell (88).

Brittany Hippensteel shot a 92 to lead Warren (385). Carly Deblock and Dana Lindof added 96s for the Blue Devils. Vernon Hills' Kristen Groody carded an 85.

The season concludes this weekend at Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center in Carbondale for the Class AA state meet.