Iowa high school girls’ golf 2024: Gazette area golfers and teams to watch

Gazette area golfers and teams to watch for the 2024 Iowa high school girls’ golf season.

Girls’ golf 2024: Gazette area golfers to watch

Morgan Rupp, Linn-Mar, jr., 2023 Class 4A state champion, tied for fifth at state as a freshman, Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division Player of the Year, first-team all-Metro, ranked third in all classes with 76.44 18-hole adjusted and fourth in all classes with 38.85 combined adjusted averages.

Jane Petersen, Cedar Rapids Washington, jr., 2023 4A state runner-up, placed 12th at state as a freshman, first-team all-MVC Valley, first-team all-Metro, ranked seventh in all classes with 39.52 combined adjusted average, averaged 75.29 per round and 38.29 for nine holes.

Mya Messenger, Cedar Rapids Washington, sr., placed 19th at 4A state meet last season, first-team all-Metro, first-team all MVC Valley, Iowa MVC Super Meet medalist, posted 40.69 combined adjusted average, shot 38.4 per nine holes and 78.14 per round.

McKenna Stackis, Western Dubuque, sr., three-time state qualifier, placed 12th at 2023 4A state tournament and tied for fifth at 2022 state meet, first-team all-MVC Valley, IGCA all-district, finished with 41.21 combined average, shot 77.43 per round and 40 per nine holes.

Kaylie Kelchen, Lisbon, sr., placed fourth at 3A state meet last year, finished 10th and 12th at state as freshman and sophomore, two-time Tri-Rivers Conference East medalist, IGCA all-district, shot 82.6 per round and held 43.24 combined adjusted average.

Meera Julka, Cedar Rapids Xavier, sr., three-time state qualifier, placed sixth at 3A state meet in 2023 and ninth in 2022, first-team all-MVC Mississippi, 2022 MVC Divisional Player of the Year, first-team all-Metro, posted 41.60 combined adjusted average and shot 77.5 per 18 holes.

Mehar Julka, Cedar Rapids Xavier, soph., tied for 10th at 3A state tournament last year, first-team all-MVC Mississippi, first-team all-Metro, averaged 39.86 per nine and 77 per 18 holes with 41.28 combined adjusted average.

Paycee Sorgenfrey, Tipton, soph., tied for third at the 2A state meet last year, River Valley Conference Championships medalist, IGCA all-district, owned 47.77 combined adjusted average, 87.43 18-hole average and 46.4 per nine holes.

Isabella Pettersen, Iowa City Liberty, sr., Placed third at the 2021 and 2022 4A state tournaments, two-time MVC Mississippi Player of the Year, averaged 77.33 per 18 holes and 40 for nine holes, recorded 40.73 combined adjusted average.

Claire Jarrett, West Branch, sr., two-time state meet participant, placed 10th at 1A state tournament in 2023 and ninth in 2022, first-team all-RVC, IGCA all-district, ended with 47.95 combined adjusted average, firing 92.29 per 18 holes and 47.6 per nine.

Girls’ golf 2024: Gazette area teams to watch

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Cedar Rapids Washington: The Warriors were MVC Valley runners-up and return four letterwinners from the Class 4A state runner-up last season. They are led by all-state duo Jane Petersen and Mya Messenger. Lily Belle Barker held the second-best average in the state for freshman. The trio will put Washington in contention for a team title in every event. Young talent can fill out the starting lineup and give the Warriors a balanced team poised for lots of success.

Western Dubuque: The Bobcats were in the middle of a very tough MVC Valley Division. They are loaded with talent, including state veteran McKenna Stackis and standout Cece Ball. They return all six starters from last year’s squad that placed fifth in the 4A state meet. Addy Jones and Natalie Fangmann were second-team all-conference. They have experience, a couple of low individual scorers and depth. The Bobcats have the elements for a special season.

Linn-Mar: The Lions are coming off their MVC Valley Division title and a sixth-place finish at the 4A state meet. They have one of the state’s best golfers in Morgan Rupp, giving them a chance of a low score each meet. Nina and Gabby Mercure and Jayden Schumacher earned all-conference honors and give the Lions a strong foursome. Amy Miller also has starting experience. Strong numbers (26 golfers on the roster) will build out a lineup that will compete with the best.

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Lisbon: The Lions placed sixth at the 3A state tournament last season. They return a strong nucleus of players, including all-state performer and Tri-Rivers Conference East Champion Kaylie Kelchen. Senior Brooke Ellyson was an all-conference player and Eryn Jackson was the TRC East runner-up behind Kelchen. The Lions will have to find a fourth scorer to solidify the lineup. They will have to rely on newcomers to develop and contribute.

Cedar Rapids Xavier: The Saints’ Sister Act will propel the team once again. Meera and Mehar Julka served as strong leaders last season and both return from last year’s MVC Mississippi runner-up team and 3A state fifth-place team. The Saints graduated a couple of contributors from a last season, so there are some holes to fill. Anna Esker is also back with state experience. Xavier will need a boost from younger golfers to fill out the lineup.

Mid-Prairie: The Golden Hawks placed seventh at the 2A state meet and return three of their top performers. Seniors Gabi Robertson and Madi Davidson lead the way. Addison English was a scorer in the state lineup and is a strong No. 3. Elliot Debler also has state experience. All four shot 53 or better in the season opener with freshman Olivia Swartzendruber not far behind. Keep an eye on the Golden Hawks’ growth during the season, attempting to peak for the postseason.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com