When going low isn't low enough
The host girls golf sectional coach summed up the Class AA Neuqua Valley tournament succinctly at Naperbrook Golf Course in Plainfield.
"When I first started coaching (girls golf), if you broke 80 you had a chance to win state," Neuqua Valley coach John Keller said. "Now if you break 80, you may not even get to state."
More than one girl found out the hard way its bitter truth.
Two decades ago breaking 100 offered the potential for a state bid; that figure is as anachronistic as a station wagon in 2015 after the individual cut fell at 5 over.
"The evolution of girls golf in the area is fantastic," said two-decade-plus Naperville Central coach Jane Thompson. "Naperville North just shot a 322 and can't advance to state. It's criminal that 322 doesn't get you out. Absolutely incredible that 77 is the (individual) cut."
Birdies and pars were in abundance at the par-72 layout.
Two-time defending state champion Jessica Yuen of Neuqua Valley was less than pleased after a front-nine double-bogey rendered her 1-over par.
But the Missouri-bound senior fired 5 birdies on her inward nine to record a 3-under 69.
The only problem was that Benet freshman sensation Lauren Beaudreau fired the same 18-hole score courtesy of her sizzling 33 outward nine.
"I played really solid today," said Beaudreau, who defeated Yuen for medalist honors with a playoff birdie on the first hole. "I really controlled my own game well. I feel really confident in my game right now, my ball-striking and putting in particular. I am really excited about (the state meet). I want to win it."
Yuen already has twin titles at the state course slightly north of Decatur.
"My focus is having fun," Yuen said. "I am going to try my best for a third time. I have accomplished so much during my high school career. I had a great back nine (today)."
Defending state champion Hinsdale Central had two of the five girls to break par-Selina Zeng and Jessica Lee-in leading the squad to its sixth tournament title of the season with a 295.
Sandburg was a distant runner-up 17 shots higher, but Downers Grove North earned its first state berth in program history with its 1-shot triumph over Naperville North for third at 321.
Katelyn Kline became a four-time state qualifier, the last three at Metea Valley after a freshman campaign at Benet, with her magisterial 2-under 70.
"It was kind of bittersweet, being a senior now," Kline said. "From freshman to senior year, I shot the best score at sectional. I bogeyed the last hole. It could have been in the 60s."
Waubonsie Valley sophomore Arushi Singh was of the same opinion after a 1-over 73.
"I had at least three up-and-downs where I could save par," said Singh, who recorded 5 birdies. "Even though I made bogey, I could recover. That was the best thing about my round."
AJ Barr was the lone Naperville North golfer to make the state cut.
"Bogeys are good, pars are better," Barr said. "I just kept that motto. Birdies are better, and that helped me out a lot."