Hampshire’s Ellett tied for 2nd at state
The brass ring of IHSA Class AA girls golf is within reach for Hampshire senior Connie Ellett.
Despite two double bogeys, Ellett fired a solid 5-over par 77 at Hickory Point Golf Club in Decatur Friday and enters today’s final round of the state finals in a 3-way tie for second place, just 2 shots off the lead.
“It was a good round considering how windy it was,” said Ellett, who tied for 23rd at state last year. “I was pretty consistent with my chipping and I putted real well. I’ve been practicing a lot on those two things.”
Ellett made the turn in 37 and flirted with the top spot in the tournament during the back nine. But bogeys on 17 and 18 cost her a chance to be tied for the lead going into today’s action. She also double bogeyd a hole on each side but also had a birdie.
“I had two bad holes but they didn’t hurt me that bad,” said Ellett, who will join her sister Taylor at Northern Illinois University next ear. “I figured anybody who was in the 70s today was in good shape.”
Ellett’s coach and mom, Sue, was impressed with her daughter’s play on a tough day.
“Connie played fantastic golf today,” said Sue Ellett, who today will conclude her coaching career at Hampshire, where she also coached girls basketball, including a state runner-up team. “She’s been working real hard on her short game. In October in the wind you’re not going to hit every green. We’re real proud of her. That was a round today that took 6 hours and 15 minutes to play and she’s put herself in position to win a state title.
“She stayed very patient today. She walked slowly and just seemed very calm all day. We’re just real pleased and excited to have 18 more holes for her to showcase her game. It’s the last day I’ll coach a Whip-Pur and I’ve got a good one to coach.”
Connie Ellett says today will be one step at a time as she tries to secure the state championship.
“I just have to take it shot by shot,” she said. “It’s anybody’s game. You just have to make some putts and stay calm under that pressure.”
Waubonsie Valley freshman Bing Singhsumalee shot a 75 to take the individual lead into today’s final round. Prospect senior Allison Walsh and Barrington sophomore Heather Ciskowski shared 77s with Ellett, while Stevenson junior Stephanie Miller, the defending state champ, and Crystal Lake Central sophomore Lexi Harkins each had 78s.
Prospect leads the team standings after shooting a 325 Friday. New Trier (329) and Loyola (331) are close behind.