(LEFT) The Hamilton Southeastern girls golf team claimed its first sectional title since 2021 on Monday, winning the Noblesville sectional at Harbour Trees with 300. (RIGHT) Hamilton Heights’ Taylor Morrison (left) was one of three individual golfers to advance to Saturday’s regional at Edgewood. Also pictured are the other qualifiers, Tipton’s Kennedy Lancaster (center) and Josie Butler. (Richie Hall)
By RICHIE HALL
Indiana needed some rain, but several of its high school girls golf teams were wondering why it had to come on Monday.
Monday was the last day of sectionals across the state, and all of Hamilton County’s teams were among those playing. Fortunately, those teams made it through the rain and five teams were able to earn places in Saturday’s regional tournament.
Hamilton Southeastern was one of two county winners, as the Royals triumphed at the Noblesville sectional, played at Harbour Trees. Southeastern scored 300 as a team, notching its first sectional win since 2021 and its 13th overall.
Noblesville placed second at its sectional and will advance to Saturday’s regional. (Photo provided)
“Considering the conditions, everybody played incredibly well,” said HSE coach Peter Salvadori. “It was a testament to preparedness and mental resiliency.”
The Royals also had the individual medalist. Senior Janelle Garcia picked up her first-ever sectional medal by scoring 72. Garcia won a regional medal at Edgewood in 2023.
“I’m glad I got to finish my senior year well,” said Garcia. While she said that either winning an individual medal or a team championship is good, Garcia continued that winning both “is a great feeling.”
“Also, creating good memories, too,” said Garcia. “We won’t forget this.”
Sophie Roberts and Taylor Wetzel both scored 75s, making them part of a three-way tie for third place.
Noblesville finished second, scoring 307, but achieved its goal of advancing to the regional at Edgewood along with HSE. The top three teams at each sectional qualify for their respective regionals.
Olivia Fowler was the individual runner-up with 74, while Josie Kelley joined the third-place tie with her score of 75.
“Your goal for this is to do the best you can,” said Noblesville coach Justin Werkley. “We’ll have another opportunity to compete on Saturday.”
Lapel finished third with 346 to take the last regional-qualifying spot. Fishers finished fourth with 364; Kendall Manion led the Tigers with 88.
Hamilton Heights totaled 406 but did get an individual regional qualifier. Taylor Morrison scored 77, the lowest of the three individuals moving on to Edgewood.
At Harbour Trees
Team scores: Hamilton Southeastern 300, Noblesville 307, Lapel 346, Fishers 364, Tipton 376, Hamilton Heights 406, Anderson 431, Frankton 445, Pendleton Heights 450, Alexandria 460, Elwood 497.
Medalist: Janelle Garcia (HSE) 36-36=72.
Other Southeastern scores: Sophie Roberts 38-37=75, Taylor Wetzel 36-39=75, Maya Cieply 38-40=78, Bella Stanley 40-40=80.
Noblesville scores: Olivia Fowler 38-36=74, Josie Kelley 38-37=75, Lauren Turpin 36-41=77, Peyton Kauzlick 40-41=81, Presley White 40-42=82.
Fishers scores: Kendall Manion 46-42=88, Aleah Miller 40-51=91, Sophia Rush 46-46=92, Ellie Webster 41-52=93, Fiona Doyle 49-52=101.
Heights scores: Taylor Morrison 35-42=77, Sammie Powers 52-49=101, Tanner Penwell 55-52=107, Fiona McDonald 63-58=121, Brooke Bentley 69-66=135.
Over at Pebble Brook, Carmel triumphed at the Guerin Catholic sectional. It’s the 15th sectional win for the Greyhounds’ program and their first since 2023.
Carmel scored 289 and will lead a parade of three county schools to the Lafayette Jefferson regional Saturday at Battle Ground Golf Club. The Hounds also had the top two individuals, both freshmen: Maya Fujisawa Keuling won medalist honors with a three under par 67, making four birdies along the way. Karis Reid placed second with 71, draining two birdies.
Allie Thompson tied for fourth individually with 75, also making two birdies. Maddie Headlee’s 76 included one birdie.
Carmel coach Kelly Kluesner credited her team with staying “focused and patient and taking the course for what it is.”
“They’ve been preparing for the state run all season long,” said Kluesner. “We’re excited to go on to the next level on Saturday.”
Westfield placed second with 303. Kelsey Haverluck took third individually with 73, making one birdie, while freshman Farrah Camp joined the fourth-place tie with 75, also getting one birdie. Sophie Raines made one birdie while scoring 76.
Guerin Catholic placed third with 343, also earning a spot at regional. Ali Scott led the Golden Eagles with 78, collecting one birdie. Sydney Delagrange scored 83, including one birdie. Lina Johansen made one birdie as well.
University totaled 434. Elizabeth Maitz led the Trailblazers with 100.
At Pebble Brook
Team scores: Carmel 289, Westfield 303, Guerin Catholic 343, Brebeuf Jesuit 397, University 434, Lebanon 439, Speedway 452, Pike 501.
Medalist: Maya Fujisawa Keuling (Carmel) 33-34=67.
Other Carmel scores: Karis Reid 37-34=71, Allie Thompson 40-35=75, Maddie Headlee 36-40=76, Reese Roudebush 44-44=88.
Westfield scores: Kelsey Haverluck 39-34=73, Farrah Camp 39-36=75, Sophie Raines 39-37=76, Laila Abriani 42-37=79, Lilley Ku 39-42=81.
Guerin Catholic scores: Ali Scott 40-38=78, Sydney Delagrange 45-38=83, Lina Johansen 44-46=90, London Payne 46-46=92, Reagan Kaercher 51-49=100.
University scores: Elizabeth Maitz 50-50=100, Audrey Griffiths 55-49=104, Quincy Russell 59-54=113, Sophia Stratman 59-58=117, Maryn Stephenson 62-61=123.
