New London girls to state in style

WAPELLO — The adage ‘leaving no doubt’ would be an understatement to describe what the New London girls golf team did at the Class 1A regional tournament in Wapello on Wednesday, but that’s exactly what the Tigers did.

Not even a shadow of uncertainty came over the crowd watching the final scores come in. As most teams sweat out each number on the board, the Tigers had plenty of reason to relax. New London shot a 351, the top score in any Class 1A tournament.

The Tigers won the meet over second-place West Branch by 51 strokes.

“It was fantastic,” said New London head coach Greg Lerdal. “I think all six of them shot their lowest score ever."

The Tigers were among the favorites after cruising through the first round of regionals last week, but a team with a boatload of potential made sure it was met, and more.

“They know what they're capable of doing, and obviously they overachieved,” Lerdal said. “I'm proud of all of them.”

New London’s number one player led the way. Taylor Phillips proved she was one of the top players in the class with a career low 72. That won the individual race by 14 strokes.

Phillips shot a 40 on the front nine, and just kept getting better as the day went on. She birdied holes 11, 14 and 16 en route to a 32 on the back nine.

“After the front nine, I was like, 'I just have to keep getting pars,’” Phillips said. “After 11, I was like, 'I've got this in the bag.'”

Phillips’ score was the lowest of any Class 1A golfer over the four regionals being played, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t feel the nerves that come with battling for the top spot in a big meet.

“My hands were shaky,” Phillips said. “The nerves never really went away for me.”

Claire Jarrett of West Branch finished second, with an 86. Sophie Malott wasn’t far behind, shooting an 87 for third.

“I was hitting my clubs better than I usually do,” Malott said. “It just worked out I guess.”

Saige Barron and Emma Nye shot 95 and 97 respectively to round out the scorers. Emma Busby finished at 104, and Stevey Wintermeyer shot 134.

Highland finished sixth out of the seven teams present, shooting a 447. Adeline Krotz was the top Husky, finishing at 103.

Kelsi Cerny put up a 106 for Highland. Jenna Waters shot 113. Danika Kraus finished at 58, and Kerra Longbine carded a 127.

Winfield-Mount Union wasn’t far behind Highland. WMU shot a 450, for seventh. Isabel Kann had the top score for the Wolves, finishing at 107.

Ava Hagge and Alli Humphreys both shot 112. Lily Freeman put up a 119, and Afton Wilkerson ended the day at 120.

The Highland and WMU seasons have come to an end. New London will go for a state title next Thursday and Friday at the Class 1A meet in Marshalltown.