Waubonsie Valley frosh grabs state lead
FORSYTH, Ill. — Bing Singhsumalee refused to put any added pressure on herself for her inaugural Class AA girls state golf tournament.
“I didn’t have any expectations for today,” the Waubonsie Valley freshman said.
As a result, Singhsumalee is the overnight leader of the of the tournament after conquering the unmerciful winds at Hickory Point on Friday afternoon just north of Decatur.
Singhsumalee played the inward nine in level-par 36 to fire a 75, one of only 12 sub-80 rounds among the 112 competitors, and take a 2-shot lead over Hampshire senior Connie Ellett and Barrington sophomore Heather Ciskowski.
Defending champion Stephanie Miller of Stevenson lurks at 3 back.
“I came out to play golf,” Singhsumalee said after braving winds that reached nearly 40 mph at times. “I knew the conditions were going to be bad.”
Singhsumalee was paired with Ellett in the final individual grouping of the day.
The Warriors’ freshman sensation took the lead from her Hampshire foe after making a birdie at No. 16.
In the team competition, Prospect holds a narrow lead over a host of powerhouse North Shore programs with a collective 325. Defending state champion New Trier is 4 shots back, with Loyola and Highland Park in close pursuit.
Hinsdale Central, which was led by Rosanna Lederhausen with a 79, is fifth at 341.
Wheaton Warrenville South is ninth after its runner-up sectional score ballooned by 46 shots.
Renee Solberg regained her form to pace the Tigers with an 83.
“I started off with a really long birdie putt at the first that I made,” said Solberg, making her third state appearance in as many years. “The wind got the best of me today. It was really hard putting. I don’t think I had that many 1-putts today.”
Marist sectional champion Emily Johnson had an 87 for the Tigers, who also added contributing scores from freshman Kelly Anderson (88) and senior Ayomide Coker (98).
Glenbard West senior Brooke Kochevar was especially careful on the greens after calling a penalty stroke on herself last year that cost her a share of the first-round lead.
The Hilltoppers’ four-time state qualifier is yet again a factor at the state tournament after posting a 79.
“(I) tripled the club selection on every shot,” Kochevar said of adjusting to the unceasing winds. “I was nervous about putting.”
Gianna Dela Cruz and Natalya Scheebs made history by forging the first state tournament round in the respective histories of Addison Trail and Metea Valley.
Ÿ At the boys Class 3A tournament at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington, Naperville North is in third place, trailing defending state champion Lake Forest and Lyons Township.
Braden Klaisle and Raymond Knoll fired rounds of 75 and 77 to lead the Huskies’ 313 total.
Joe Willis’ 1-under 71 was not only the low round but also propelled Lake Forest to a 303 first-round team score.