Stevenson’s Miller earns chance at title defense

Stephanie Miller is headed back to Decatur.

The Patriots junior standout, who won the Class AA state girls golf championship last year, shot a 76 at the Buffalo Grove Golf Course to finish 12th in the Buffalo Grove sectional.

Miller’s 2-over par score placed her in the top 10 advancing players who were not part of a qualifying team.

She will have the chance to defend her state title this Friday at the Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur.

Highland Park (309) won the team title ahead of Mid-Suburban League champion Prospect (319) and third-place finisher Fremd (324).

Those three teams advance to the state finals.

Stevenson placed ninth in the 12-team field with a score of 350.

Miller shot a 69 and 72 to win the state crown last fall with a score of 141.

“I will have a lot of focus,” she said of this year’s appearance. “There’s not really any pressure. I just know I did it last year, and now this is this year.”

Miller shot a 40 on the front nine on Monday, then came back with a 36. She had 6 bogeys and 3 birdies (all on the back nine).

“Stephanie was grinding out there,” said Patriots coach Andrew Conneen. “She let some iron shots and drives get away. She was just grinding for the sprint to state.

“There was some disappointment in the end result of her round, but this is the time of year where you just want to survive and advance.”

Barrington freshman Julia Calbi posted a 4-under par 70 to win the individual crown, while her teammate Heather Ciskowski and Buffalo Grove junior Grace Kil tied for second with 72s.

“Everyone went low with their scores,” Miller said. “I knew Grace (Kil) would tear it up on her home course and Julia (Calbi) was wonderful.”

“This was a gun-slinging sectional,” Conneen added. “Any girl or team getting out of this sectional is a top golfer or contender.”