Yoo's turn to shine for Conant
Last year's Class AA girls golf state meet was Kris Yoo's time to observe and learn. This year it was her time to execute and make her move. That's just what the Conant junior did as Yoo became the first Mid-Suburban League player to win the state tournament.
After shooting an even par 72 on Friday, Yoo had almost 24 hours before her Saturday tee time. Apparently it was time well spent, as she was able to fire a 2-over 74 at Stone Creek Golf Club in downstate Makanda. It was no easy task, though, as she had plenty of pressure from Deerfield senior Jamie Lavin, another one of the state's top golfers. Lavin and Yoo, who both teed off at 10:18 a.m., exchanged the lead three times over the final three holes. After Yoo birdied No. 17, Lavin managed to answer with a birdie on the par-4 18th. The match then headed to the first hole for a sudden-death playoff. After Lavin carded a bogey 6, the table was set for Yoo as she made her putt for par and took home the medal.
"I really can't believe that I won," said Yoo. "This is what I've wanted since last year and Jamie made it very tough for me but I just managed to take it one shot at a time."
Yoo admitted that it might take a while for her to take the state medal off from around her neck, but eventually it would have to happen.
"Kris did a wonderful job this weekend and I'm so proud of her," said Conant coach Diana Johannesen. "She didn't show any nervousness or pressure and she pulled it together when she needed to."
St. Viator senior Kaela Klune ended her high school career with another solid performance at the state tournament. Klune managed followed her first score of 76 with a 78 in round 2. Her 13th place finish gave her back-to-back top 20 finishes at state.
"It was a lot of fun to come down to state again," said Klune. "I wish that I could have played a little better but it was still such a fun experience and I feel like I've improved since last year."
The Mid-Suburban League also had a top finish from Prospect senior Melanie Walsh. In her final high school tournament Walsh was able to post a 78 on Saturday, 1 stroke better than her first round, and good enough for 20th place overall. Highlighting her second round was a hole-out from 50 yards away on the sixth hole.
"I wanted to break 80 both days and finish in the top 20," said Walsh. "I accomplished both and it's a perfect ending to my high school career."
Barrington junior Taylor Quinn shot 84 on Saturday after posting an 83 in round 1. Quinn finished in 42nd place.
Maine West senior Chelsea Kellogg shot a 90 on Friday and improved with an 86 on Saturday. She finished tied for 60th.
The area's only qualifying team, St. Viator, finished in seventh place. With a solid core of juniors retuning in 2009, coach Mick Drewes is sure to have his Lions in contention again.
"This is our reward for a great season," said Drewes. "These girls are so much fun to be around and I'm very proud of them."
Along with Klune, St. Viator received scores from juniors Abby Dickey (91), Hallie Dunn (91), and Kelly Sullivan (92).
Marion took first place as a team, shooting plus-49 for the weekend.