The 2011 season offically came to and end with Mackenzie Toth's participation in the East Noble Regional at Noble Hawk Golf Links in Kendallville. Mackenzie's score of 99 did not allow her to advance to the State finals, but I was proud of her effort and know that it was an important learning experience for her. Her front nine score of 43 was the best she shot the entire season, a result even more impressive considering the pressure of the state tournament. Mackenzie struggled a bit on the back nine, hitting a few errant shots and getting herself into some positions that she wasn't yet prepared to handle, but all in all I considered her performance to be quite successful and a harbinger of bigger things to come. Katie Sharp of East Noble, who is being recruited by a number of D-1 schools, was medalist with a 1-under par 69. Homestead won the team title with a score of 331. The season went by all too quickly, and I feel there is a foundation for this program to achieve even greater success going forward. There are some girls whom I expect to work hard over the summer and to take the team to greater accomplishments next year.

The CGA golf team concluded the 2011 campaign by shooting 425 to finish 5th in the 9 team Warsaw Sectional at Stonehenge G & CC. The scores were high on a cool, windy day, with Warsaw shooting 380 to capture the team championship; Rochester and Wawasee shot 397 to also advance to the East Noble Regional. We had practiced well last Saturday at Stonehenge, but that could not replicate the pressure of playing in the state tournament. We hit a number of errant shots and paid dearly on such a penal golf course, probably the most difficult Sectional site in the state. Our play on the front nine was extremely poor, but I was proud of the way the girls persevered and fought back on the more difficult back nine. It would have been easy for the girls simply to give up. Samanta Seibel shot 101 (53-48) as did 9th-grader Mackenzie Toth (55-46). Co-Captains Kiira Vazales and Helen Hansen ended their varisty careers, Kiira shooting 103 (48-55) and Helen 120 (63-57). Maureen Reed completed the scoring with a 129 (65-64). Along with the top three teams, the top three individuals not on advancing teams also quality for Regional play. Samantha Seibel and Mackenzie Toth tied for the final spot and, along with a player from Plymouth, entered into a three-way playoff. The girls played the difficult 480 yd. par-5 18th hole, with Mackenzie dropping a 4 ft. putt to edge Samantha and advance to next week's Regional at Noble Hawk Golf Links. In the past the top three individuals plus ties advanced to the Regional, but the rules were changed this year. It was uncomfortable watching two of my girls competing against each other, and I know it was not something that they enjoyed. I was delighted that one of my girls won the playoff, but the fact that she eliminated a teammate tempered the celebration. I also want to thank the parents who came to see their daughters play; I know that the girls appreciated having their support and encouragement during the round. It's hard to believe that the season is already over, and I will miss working with such a nice group of girls.