Depth gives Knights a boost

Going into Tuesday's Mid-Suburban League girls golf triangular at Fox Run Links, Prospect and host Conant had both gone through most of the league with just a single loss -- both to Barrington.

Naturally, both were eyeing up second place in the MSL heading into Monday's conference meet. After the first three groups were in, the Cougars had a 4-stroke lead.

But leave it to the Knights' depth. They dug deep and their consistency paid off with a 177 to edge Conant's 187. Buffalo Grove shot a 221.

"I've said it a few times this year, we're excited about our sophomore Karly Grouwinkel," said Prospect coach Jim Hamann. "We've been working on her not hitting big numbers and today she had nothing more than a bogey. She really played well for us today and we needed it."

Grouwinkel, Prospect's No. 5, shot a team-best 43.

But the rest of the Knights were typically right there. Marietta Smith and Michelle Lawless had 44s and Melanie Walsh and Megan Geraghty added 46s.

"We don't make excuses -- I tell the girls that's why we have teammates," Hamann said. "It was a good effort."

The wins make the Knights 10-1 in the MSL and gives them a chance to challenge to Fillies again on Monday at the conference meet.

"We came in today knowing the situation -- wanting to get to get two wins to put us in good position for the conference tournament," said Hamann, whose team will host Monday's festivities at Mount Prospect Golf Course. "We're excited about our opportunity at conference."

Conant's Kris Yoo shot a 37 to lead the way individually. She has been medalist in every MSL contest.

"Today was good, I guess," Yoo said. "My irons and chipping were good. I'll take it."

Pam Wawrzyniak (45), Heather Nyc (50) and Stacy Pollack (55) also scored for the Cougars (9-2).

"We needed our depth and we didn't have it today," said Conant coach Diana Johannesen. "We know we can shoot better. It was exciting to play Prospect on home course and (play) close."

Scoring for the Bison were Debbie Ghim (52), Kelsey Wodka (53), KC Dunne (55) and Maggie Stoltz (62).

"We're making improvements," said BG coach Pete Duffer. "The problem is: right now we're starting to play better and the season is about to end.

"We've got to find a way to start playing (earlier) so come August, we keep improving instead of starting from where we left off a long time ago."