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By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic Fightin Irish posted a 311 to claim this year’s Class 2 District 3 title at the Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course on Monday.
Reagan Zibilski and Kyleigh Pfitzner, both with three over par rounds of 74, led the Irish effort.
Also turning in good performances for this year’s district champions were Lyla Louderbaugh (81), Celia Stiltner (82) and Reagan West (105).
Logan-Rogersville, behind top medalist Brooke Wagner’s 73, carded a 351 to finish second while Marshfield came in third with a 403. Tops on the scorecard for Marshfield was freshman Marlene Edgeman with a 77.
The Wildcat’s Wagner, who topped Catholic’s talented Zibilski for the first time, says despite a few rough spots her day went well.
“My short game, which has been a lot better as of late, helped me out a lot today. I also made some putts,” said Wagner. “But after almost going out of bounds on the backside early, and having to chip in for a bogey, I decided I just needed to par out and finish strong. But as for carding a 73 in the wind, I’ll take it.”
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Logan-Rogersville’s head coach John Schaefer liked the way Wagner managed her round.
“Brooke just played a really solid round of golf,” said the Wildcat coach. “She hit well off the tee and eliminated three putts. She also bagged an eagle on No. 12 which really helped.”
Head Catholic coach Frank Gallant said his girls battled hard, to get the win at the district tournament, on what turned out to be a very difficult day.
“This was a tough day for everybody. The high winds and cool air made playing conditions very difficult,” said the Catholic coach.
“But our girls did their jobs, got the win and put themselves in a position to repeat as state champions next week at the state tournament,” he said. “I’m really proud of what they were able to accomplish today. Now we have to focus on next week’s state tournament.”
Zibilski and her teammates are ready for the challenge ahead.
“After winning it last year we all set a goal to repeat as state champions in 2020. It’s what we’ve been focusing on all year,” said Zibilski. “We’re only one week away from state now so we’re going to have to work hard in practice this week, get our confidence up and then it’s on to state.”
Logan-Rogersville is also looking forward to next week’s state tournament.
“I’m excited just thinking about it. I think it will be a very close tournament, a lot like it was with me and Reagan today, back and forth with the lead,” said Wagner. “But Catholic has two other girls, Kyleigh Pfitzner and Lyla Louderbaugh, who could also win state this year. I just hope I hit the ball straight and putt well.”
Schaefer thinks Brooke’s chances to win a state title are very good.
“She got a one stroke victory over Reagan Zibilski today, probably one of the best players in the state,” he said. “I’d say that puts her in the running for a very good chance to win a state title.”
The top 18 players at the district tournament earned ‘All District’ honors and qualified to compete in next week’s state tournament.
Both Springfield Catholic and Logan-Rogersville also qualified to compete as a team. To compete as a team this year schools had to qualify at least four players.
Scorecards:
Catholic: 1. Reagan Zibilski- 74/ 2. Kyleigh Pfitzner- 74/ 3. Lyla Louderbaugh- 81/ 4. Celia Stiltner- 82/ 5. Reagan West- 105.
Logan Rogersville: 1. Brooke Wagner- 73/ 2. Marichelle Mantala- 89/ 3. Carlie Aultman- 91/ 4. Corinne Swearengin- 98/ 5. Kylee Brown- 118.
Marshfield: 1. Marlene Edgeman- 77/ 2. Elizabeth Whitehurst- 92/ 4. Brianna Henderson- 123/ 5. Emma Latham- 130.
