Stevenson’s Miller stays in title hunt

After Day 1 of the Class AA state girls golf tournament, the defending state champ is lurking at the Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur.

Stevenson junior Stephanie Miller called her Friday round of 78 — which has her just 3 strokes off the lead — not one of her best.

“But I’ll take it,” said Miller, who is tied for fifth with Crystal Lake Coop sophomore Alexandra Harkins.

Miller played in the same group with Waubonsie Valley freshman Bing Singhsumalee, the first-day leader who shot a 75 for a 2-stroke lead over three golfers tied for second.

Wind gusts were at 30 mph on Friday as Miller tried to become the 10th golfer in state history to win two titles.

“Hopefully the wind won’t be as bad (today) and I can make some better decisions and putt better,” she said.

Miller putted 38 times on Friday.

Last year, when she shot rounds of 69 and 72 to card a 141 two-day total, Miller had 34 or less putts each day.

Miller had 3 birdies on Friday, all on her front nine which was the back nine of the course.

The highlight came on the par-5 15th hole when Miller used a 7-iron to punch out her second shot from under a tree. She then hit a picture-perfect 5 wood that landed seven feet from the hole and sank the birdie putt.

“She’s still right there in the hunt for it all,” said Stevenson coach Andrew Conneen.

Prospect leads the team standings after shooting a 325 Friday. New Trier (329) and Loyola (331) are close behind.