Demons claim conference title

The stellar season for the Washington girls? golf team continued on Tuesday.

The Demons claimed the Southeast Conference title during the conference meet in Keokuk, and were led by three All-Conference performers.

?The girls played lights out,? Washington head coach Leonard Kull said. ?The girls went and took about business. It was a long day, and they did very well. Our rounds of 178 and 173 showed how consistent we were and how we continued to improve as we played the second round.?

As a team, the Demons put together an 18-hole round of 351, easily outdistancing the second-place Mt. Pleasant Panthers, who carded a 369.

Individually, freshman Sarah Nacos ran away with the tournament, putting together a 75 (37, 38) to win conference meet medalist honors by 10 strokes.

Junior Deanna Peiffer came in second place with an 85 (43, 42), as both of the Demons used their mental toughness to battle through a long day.

?For both of them, aside from their work ethic, their biggest asset is that they are mentally strong,? Kull said. ?They gather themselves and come up with a shot when they really need it. That?s going to make the difference down the line. Both of them demonstrated that.?

Senior Sarah Waite carded a 91 (45, 46) on the day, but had to play one extra hole to determine her final placement. The senior won the playoff hole, giving her fifth place overall at the meet, which included All-Conference honors.

?I thought Sarah?s round was a credit to how far she has come along as far as being a competitor,? Kull said. ?She had a rough outing the last time and it looked like some doubt was starting to creep in. She should be proud of how she performed, because this wasn?t an easy venue. I was really pleased for her.?

Brenna Burlingame carded a 100 (53, 47) for the Demons to round out the team scoring, while Megan Strabala had a 108 (56, 52) to add to the Demons? cause for the conference title.

Washington has two weeks until regional play, and will use that time to play a couple of more meets, starting on Friday when they have a triangular with Williamsburg and Mt. Pleasant.