By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic Fightin Irish, on a mission to claim a third staright state championship this year, fired a 305 to grab this year’s Bolivar Invitational title at Silo Ridge Golf Course on Monday.
It was the second straight tournament win for the Irish who registered an opening season victory in their own Springfield Catholic Invitational on Sept. 1.
The Irish, who returned all five starters from last year’s Class 2 state championship team, were led by top medalist Reagan Zibilski who carded a five under par round of 67.
“With Reagan’s capabilities she always tries to go as low as she can,” said Catholic head coach Frank Gallant. “She did have a couple of miscues on her round today but overall she played really well.”
Rounding out the Irish scoring were Lyla Louderbaugh (73), Kyleigh Pfitzner (75), Celia Stiltner (90) and Reagan West (109).
“Lyla had a really good round going but had a few bogeys on her way in to finish at one over par with a 73,” said Gallant. “Kyleigh’s 75 is pretty close to what she’s been carding lately. Usually she comes in at around 72 to 75. She’s been very consistent.”
Earning runner-up honors at the tournament were the Rolla Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, who won last week’s Marshfield Invitational, fired a 369. Abby Hobbs, with an 85, paced the Bulldog effort.
“I didn’t post my best score today. It was kind of windy and this is the first time I’ve ever played at Silo Ridge,” said Hobbs. “But we’ll be holding our conference tournament here so I’m really glad I got to play it.”
“As far as finishing second today, well Springfield Catholic is an amazing team,” she said. “There’s no shame in finishing behind them. They’re such a good team.”
Finishing third were the Glendale Falcons who posted a 373. Catherine Rhoads, Jadaea Asa and Scotlynn Blackington paced the Falcon effort, each carding a 90.
Catholic’s 305 set a new state record for tournament’s played on par 72 courses. The old record was 308.
“Our kids are really driven to excel this year,” said coach Gallant. “They want to win and they want to set records. Today, even though we did have a few issues, they got another one.”
“These kids are special,” he said. “And I’m very proud of every one of them.”
Top three team scorecards
Bolivar Champions: Catholic 205 1. Regan Zibilski 67, 2. Lyla Louderbaugh 73, 3. Kyleigh Pfitzner 75, 4. Celia Stiltner 90 and 5. Reagan West 109.
Second Place: Rolla 369 – 1. Abby Hobbs 85, 2. Emma Hobbs 89, 3. Alyssa Joyce 95, 4. Callie Harmon 100 and 5. Audrey Smith 113.
Third Place: Glendale 373 – 1. Catherine Rhoads 90, 2. Jadaea Asa 90, 3. Scotlynn Blackington 90, 4. Hannah Peak 106 and 5. Audrey Duvall 103.
Bolivar Team Results
1 – Springfield Catholic – 305
2 – Rolla – 369
3 – Glendale – 373
4 – Kickapoo – 387
5 – New Covenant – 404
6 – Nixa – 407
7 – Kickapoo JV’s – 413
8 – Greenwood – 422
9 – Lebanon – 434
10 – Marshfield – 434
11 – Mt. Vernon – 452
12 – Stockton – 463
13 – Clever – 473
14 – Glendale JV’s 481
15 – Rogersville – 492
16 – Buffalo- 538
Top Medalists
1 – Reagan Zibilski – 67 – Catholic
2 – Lyla Louderbaugh – 73 – Catholic
3 – Kyleigh Pfitzner – 75 – Catholic
4 – Marlee Edgeman – 82 – Marshfield
5 – Mia Farrar – 83 – Nixa
6 – Savannah Thessing – 84 – New Covenant
7 – Maddie Greenlee – 84 – Ozark
8 – Abby Hobbs – 85 – Rolla
9 – Emma Hobbs – 89 – Rolla
10 – Celia Stiltner – 90 – Catholic
