Busy Kamin takes care of business

MARION — It would have been forgivable if M.J. Kamin had an off day.

She competed on a tough, narrow course in a stiff wind, played her second 18-hole round in three days with Cedar Rapids Washington's senior prom in between and the start of soccer practice looming as she concluded play.

The Warriors' dual spring-sport athlete was unfazed, shooting a 79 to earn medalist honors of the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet on Monday at Hunters Ridge. Linn-Mar won the team title, tallying 367.

Before finding out she was the lone golfer to break 80 and earn a conference championship, she was prepared and ready to head to soccer practice.

'It does get a little crazy at times,' said Kamin, praising the cooperation she receives from her coaches. 'It helps both of my coaches know where I am on a daily basis.'

Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said Kamin shot 78 at Elmcrest Country Club before the annual school celebration, rested Sunday and did not skip a beat Monday. She took care of business Monday.

'She just knows how to do it,' Goettel said. 'She's not somebody I have to worry about.'Kamin was powered by an impressive 1-over 37 on the back nine, scoring a birdie on the par-5 No. 17.

'My putting went well,' Kamin said. 'I was able to play it safe, hitting fairways and greens.'Shooting well helps her concentrate on the immediate shot, but she admitted she thought about her score that neared par on the back. It made up for some stumbles on the front.

'I am constantly figuring out where I am in relation to other people in my group,' Kamin said. 'I'm constantly thinking how many over I am. It is one thing I wish I didn't do.'

Kamin improved on her runner-up finish in last year's MVC meet. It was a nice accomplishment for her senior season, although she said some missed putts kept her from going lower.

Goettel said Iowa State is getting a great player, who he wished would remain a Warrior.

'She is just an outstanding player,' Goettel said. 'I wish I had her for four more years. She is something.'

'She came focused today.'

The Lions defended its home course thanks to strong performance from their top trio. Teresa Lopez Moreno led the way with an 81, finishing as runner-up medalist. Seniors Katie Harding and Lauren Coughlin carded 91 and 94, respectively. Amanda Shannon rounded out Linn-Mar's score with a 101.

'It was a great effort,' Linn-Mar Coach Bill Hoefle said. 'All those girls are working hard. They are getting a little bit each time.'

The Lions have a small squad. They are determined to be the best they can and are starting to prove quantity does not matter when quality exists.

'We have nine girls on the team, but they are good girls, trying to get better,' Hoefle said. 'That is all I can ask. They care about it and want to do well.'

Hoefle did not know if and when the last time Linn-Mar won the MVC Super Meet, but the performance improves a third-place finish last season and a runner-up showing in 2012. The scores show a progress. The emphasis on fine-tuning their games by avoiding an occasional three-putt and getting up-and-down with a good chip is paying off. The goal is to transform it into postseason accomplishments.

'It's going to save strokes and you have a chance to win an event like this,' Hoefle said. 'They start buying into that it means scores are going to lower and hopefully we have a chance to do something different for Linn-Mar the last couple years and get to state.'

Cedar Rapids Xavier was second for the second straight year. The Saints shot 370. Maddie Bertsch carded 82 and Grace Winker had 92. Kara Zwanziger and Amy Olberding added 98 apiece.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONFERENCE SUPER MEETAt Hunters Ridge(Par 72)Teams - 1. Linn-Mar 367, 2. C.R. Xavier 370, 3. (tie) Dubuque Senior and Iowa City West 386, 5. Dubuque Hempstead 389, 6. Cedar Falls 394, 7. Dubuque Wahlert 406, 8. C.R. Washington 407, 9. Waterloo West 420, 10. C.R. Kennedy 425, 11. Iowa City High 427, 12. C.R. Prairie 434, 13. Waterloo East 525, 14. C.R. Jefferson 564.Individuals - 1. M.J. Kamin (CRW), 79, 2. Teresa Lopez Moreno (LM), 81, 3. (tie) Maddie Bertsch (CRX) and Tierney Dalsing (DH), 82, 5. Maddie Hawkins (DS), 84.Linn-Mar (367): Lopez Moreno 81, Katie Harding 91, Lauren Coughlin 94, Amanda Shannon 101C.R. Xavier (370): Bertsch 82, Grace Winker 92, Kara Zwanziger 98. Amy Olberding 98I.C. West (386): Tiffany Danger 91, Olivia Ewing 94, Allye Boardman 100, Avery Kout 101C.R. Washington (407): Kamin 79, Mady Goodwin 106, Brett Visser 111, Hannah Harberts 111C.R. Kennedy (425): Sierra Hargens 101, Breanna Osterkamp 102, Emily Moore 108, Val Davidson 114City High (427): Sarah Overton 89, Emmalie Bohnsack 106, Lexi Wichmann 114, Sky Shield 118, Addie Bockenstedt 118C.R. Prairie (434): Emily Machula 93, Emily Perrin 104, Sydney Stolba 118, Kennedy Fisher 119C.R. Jefferson (564): Regan Grekoff 120, Emily Smith 130, Holly Moershel 141, Jordan Henderson 173