Kamin captures CRANDIC golf title

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Washington's M.J. Kamin has a regular pre-shot routine.   Conditions added a few factors to consider before hitting, but she stuck to it and her game remained effective.   Kamin carded a 77 to claim medalist honors at the CRANDIC golf meet at Twin Pines Wednesday before weather changed from chilly, gray and windy to rainy. Kamin won by two over Cedar Rapids Xavier's Maddie Bertsch, who helped lead the Saints to their second straight CRANDIC team title.   The senior two-time state qualifier tries to keep her approach consistent, hitting immediately if her practice swing feels good. If she isn't comfortable, she will step away for an extra one or two before lining up the shot. She considered a little more during her winning round.   'On a day like today, where the (grass) is still growing and the wind is a factor it might take longer,' said Kamin, helping Washington to third place. 'You need to think about whether you need to club up or club down, how is it going to jump off the ground and stuff like that.'   Kamin suffered a slow start with three bogeys in the first four holes."I needed to get in the groove of things," Kamin said. "It really wasn't how I wanted to play the rest of the round, so I got in the swing of things."   The process before each stroke produced a solid round that was one of only two that broke 80. She was not satisfied with 40 at the turn. Her competitive nature kicked in, leading 1-over on the back nine.   'I didn't feel I played well,' Kamin said about the front. 'I went to No. 10 and got a par with a seven-foot putt. That was good and propelled me into 11, where I got a birdie.'   Kamin needed just 27 putts for the round, using sound approach shots and chips that create "no-stress pars." Kamin said she considers iron-play her strength, but the putter is becoming more reliable.   "I'm getting better as the year goes on," Kamin said. "I'm gaining more confidence."   She has developed into a complete player. The work she did in the offseason has helped make strides.   'She played in a lot of big tournaments last summer,' Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said. 'She's very serious about her game. She is very dedicated. She is making progress all the time.'   Xavier showed the most balance, repeating as CRANDIC champion. The Saints accepted the challenge posed by the field, tallying 347, which was six more than runner-up Iowa City West.   'I think it's awesome,' Xavier Coach Julie Kadlec said. 'In this area, it's always tough from year-to-year with who is going to be on top of their game. We had really good individual and team competition.   'The teams are stronger this year. They had to play up to the competition.'   Bertsch led the way, Grace Winker tied for third with 84. Catie Locher and Kara Zwanziger added 91 and 93 for the Saints.   "I know Maddie was glad to break 80 and get back down," Kadlec said. "Grace has had some good rounds this season. She was on her tract this season."   Xavier, the 2013 Class 4A state runner-up, emphasized shaving strokes. The goal was to cut five strokes from some earlier rounds. The Saints are closing in on their previous form.   "I told them I was happy," Kadlec said. "They were backing each other up."   The Women of Troy were led by Tiffany Danger, who tied for fifth with 85. Olivia Ewing shot 88 and Avery Kout and Jordan Amelon each added 90 for West.   The Warriors shot 368. Brett Visser had 96, Mady Goodwin carded 97 and Kandis O'Donnell rounded out the Washington scores with 98.  

CRANDIC meet

At Twin Pines  

(Par 72)

Teams – 1. C.R. Xavier 347, 2. Iowa City West 353, 3. C.R. Washington 368, 4. Linn-Mar 374, 5. C.R. Kennedy 391, 6. C.R. Prairie 400, 7. Iowa City High 408, 8. Marion 453, 9. C.R. Jefferson 458  

Individuals – 1. M.J. Kamin (CRW), 77, 2. Maddie Bertsch (CRX), 79, 3. (tie) Grace Winker (CRX) and Sarah Overton (ICH), 84, 5. (tie) Lauren Coughlin (LM) and Tiffany Danger (ICW), 85  

Xavier (347): Bertsch 79, Winker 84, Catie Locher 91, Kara Zwanziger 93  

I.C. West (353): Danger 85, Olivia Ewing 88, Avery Kout 90, Jordan Amelon 90  

Washington (368): Kamin 77, Brett Visser 96, Mady Goodwin 97, Kandis O'Donnell 98  

Linn-Mar (374): Coughlin 85, Amanda Shannon 94, Katie Harding 95, Jordan Postma 100  

Kennedy (391): Sierra Horgens 92, Raemi Chavez 95, Val Davidson 100, Avery Haefner 104  

Prairie (400): Emily Perrin 93, Emily Machula 99, Kennedy Fisher 102, Sydney Stolba 106  

City High (408): Overton 84, Lexi Wichmann 107, Addie Bockenstedt 108, Sky Shield 109  

Marion (453): Ashley Ohl 102, Anna Martinson 115, Kirsten Way 115, Carli Eichelberger 121  

Jefferson (458): Regan Grekoff 109, Marisa Dobrochowski 114, Emily Smith 117, Cassidy Simpson 118