Sports : Vikettes 3rd at Regional golf contest; Randall, Ketchen advance to State

Girls pose for photos at the Regional event.

On to State! Erin Randall and Natalie both shot 89 at the Regional event.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikettes came within just six strokes of earning a trip to the team State Golf Meet at the Regional contest on Monday, finishing in third place.

Seniors Erin Randall and Natalie Ketchen did advance to the State individual event; both carded an 89.

Coach's Report:

May 20, 2013

Westwood Golf Course, Newton

Par 71

Weather conditions: Windy, upper 70s, low 80s

Team Standings:

(top two teams advance to State)

Grinnell 353

Newton 376

Vinton-Shellsburg 382

Adel-Desota 401

Dallas Center-Grimes 408

Norwalk 420

Ballard 426

Winterset 436

Creston 447

Carlisle 458

Perry 462

Webster City 468

Top 5 Individuals (and ties) advance to State in Medalist Competion:

Amanda Hintz Grinnell 82

Erin Randall V-S 89

Natalie Ketchen V-S 89

Shelby Townsend Perry 89

Samantha Ramsey Grinnell 90

Amber Kracht Grinnell 90

We are delighted to have Erin Randall and Natalie Ketchen both shoot 89 and advance to the State competition to be held at the Ames Country Club next Tuesday and Wednesday. In 20 years of coaching, this is the first time I have had two individuals advance in the same year in medalist play. They’ve worked hard and are very deserving of earning this honor.

Our team played their hearts out today and came up just short. I was so proud of each girl! We had many personal bests for 18 holes. This is a challenging course; long on the front nine and devilish on the back nine. We putted well as a team and we were strong on any of the par 3s. Mara Jessen had low: 14 putts on both nines. Lauren Tandy had 16 both nines. Natalie Ketchen had 5 pars and birdied # 4; Erin Randall also had 5 pars. Mara Jessen and Lauren Tandy each had 4 pars.

V-S individual scores:

Erin Randall 44-45=89

Natalie Ketchen 46-43=89

Lauren Tandy 49-52=101

Mara Jessen 53-50=103

Cara Hach 48-60=108

Kaiti Kilpatrick 54-56=110

This has been a great year for these young ladies. Their record is 52 – 10. Our team showed their grit and talent today in Newton. They stayed tough and focused for all 18 holes!

These young women have received so many compliments from other coaches and teams, because of their kindness and exemplary behavior. And they are FUN, too! They have had a team attitude first and foremost. It has been a privilege to be their coach.