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Jarrett wins medalist spot at Mid-Prairie Invitational
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 24, 2024
In its first tournament of the year, the West Branch girls’ golf team had a medalist and a seventh-place team finish with 419 strokes at the Mid-Prairie Invitational tournament.
The competition, held Friday morning and afternoon at Kalona Golf Course after weather pushed the event back a day, presented plenty of challenges for a Bears team that had the majority of its members making their 18-hole debut at the varsity level.
“I think the younger players had a great learning experience and played for herself,” Bears Head Coach Jan O’Neil said. “They did a good job managing the course and were able to take what they learned from the first round and apply it to the second round. I was pleased with their performances.”
Senior Claire Jarrett continued an incredible individual season, earning the top medal amid a strong field with a 46-39 85. O’Neil was impressed by Jarrett’s consistency on a tough course as well as her ability to finish strong.
“Claire has a great ability to stay focused and on track,” the coach said. “She is steady in her game and takes it stroke by stroke. For her to come in with such a strong back nine shows her ability to stay focused on her goals.”
The experience helped the less experienced golfers adjust to the rigors of an 18-hole tournament. Olivia Thomas had a solid round with a steady 53-53 106, while Julia Herring shot a 55-56 113. McKenna Worrell carded a 57-58 115, while Adelyn Hetrick fired a 72-79 151. Joella Haas rounded out the West Branch field with an 83-78 161.
“Getting their first 18-hole tournament under their belts was so important for us as a team,” O’Neil said. “There’s a new learning curve with course management, staying focused and building stamina. The wind was brutal out there and it was cold. They all handled themselves well.”
The Bears would stay busy in the coming days, starting with an April 22 home dual against Tipton followed by a tournament at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course in Solon the following morning. The coach said she hopes the golfers came away from the hectic stretch with a better knowledge of areas to focus on in practice and an idea of how to “put together 18 holes of golf.”
Team scores: 1. Williamsburg 376 2. Mid-Prairie 379 3. Tipton 396 4. Wilton 404 5. Keokuk 417 5. West Branch 419 6. West Liberty 428 7. Durant 454.
Medalist play: Claire Jarrett (WB) 85; Jaisel Bott (WILL) 87; Paycee Sorgenfrey (TIP) 91; Gabi Robertson (MP) 91; Madi Davidson (MP) 91; Sydney Stutzel (TIP) 92; Imogen Jirak (WILT) 94; Ava Barrett (WILT) 94; Heidi Rose (KEO) 96; Jenna Yeearian (WILL) 97.
West Branch scores: Claire Jarrett 46-39 85; Olivia Thomas 53-53 106; Julia Herring 55-56 113; McKenna Worrell 57-58 115; Adelyn Hetrick 72-79 151; Joelle Haas 83-78 161.
West Branch 213, Tipton 179
The Bears hosted Tipton at Cedars Edge on Monday and the visiting Tigers earned the win, 179-213.
Team scores: 1. Tipton 179 2. West Branch 213.
West Branch scores: Claire Jarrett 43; McKenna Worrell 49; Olivia Thomas 60; Adelyn Hetrick 61; Joelle Haas 67.
Tipton scores: Paycee Sorgenfrey 36 (medalist); Sydney Stutzel 42 (runner-up medalist); Kennedy Crist 46; Gwen VanScoy 55; Izzy Gama 60; Shelby Klabo 66.
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