Elletts, Tuminaro, Maisto advance
Hampshire girls golf coach Sue Ellett grimaced at the posted scores, as if the numbers might somehow change. The numbers showed that Hampshire missed qualifying for sectional play by 2 shots.
The Whip-Purs finished fourth at Wednesday's Class AA Belvidere North sectional as NIC-10 squads swept the top 3 spots.
"I teach math," said Ellett, "And I know those numbers aren't going to transpose themselves."
Despite the disappointment, the day was far from a complete loss for the Whip-Purs. Connie Ellett, Taylor Ellett, and Tina Tuminaro qualified individually for Monday's Rockford Guilford sectional at Ingersoll.
"We're certainly pleased where we're at," said Sue Ellett. "It was a tough day. The kids fought all day, all year, all the way around. We've got nothing to hang our heads about."
The Whips finished with a 386. Rockford Boylan won with 360. Belvidere North (371) and Hononegah (384) also qualified for the sectional. Burlington Central finished seventh at 426. Senior Jordan Maisto qualified individually with a 102 to advance.
Connie Ellett and Taylor Ellett led Hampshire and tied for second overall with 85s. Kaneland's one-girl team, Hayley Guyton, won individual medalist honors with a 78 in wet, windy conditions at Timber Pointe Golf Club.
Connie Ellett started slowly, going 6-over par on the first 4 holes, but recovered nicely.
"It was tough to fight back with how wet it was and how windy, but I shot what I shot," she said.
Taylor Ellett had what she described as an "interesting" round.
"The par 5s were really tough for me today," she said. "But I drove the ball pretty well and had some nice up-and-downs. But I have to work on my iron play for next week."
The Rockets were consistent through their lineup. Besides Maisto, Taylor Colby shot a 103 - just missing qualifying individually - and Alex Burnside added a 104.
"I'm surprised that the scores were this high, but we'll take a 102," said Rockets' coach Deb Twenhafel. "We'll take it so Jordan can go on, being a senior. I'm a little disappointed for the other seniors, but at least I have somebody (advancing)."