Cedar Rapids Washington doubles lead in MVC girls’ golf divisional play

Cedar Rapids Washington increased its advantage in Mississippi Valley Conference girls’ golf divisional play Tuesday.

Specifically, the Warriors doubled their lead over Western Dubuque.

Washington continued its strong play, shooting 321 at the MVC Valley Division girls’ golf meet Tuesday at Irv Warren Memorial in Waterloo. Linn-Mar’s Morgan Rupp carded an eagle on the final hole to earn medalist honors with 68.

Similar to the MVC Super Meet, the Warriors topped the Bobcats by eight strokes, giving them a 16-shot lead into the third and final round of divisional play Monday.

“We’ve been really good lately,” Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said. “Hopefully, we can keep it up.”

The top of the leaderboard was crowded with Warriors again. Lily Belle Barker and 2023 Class 4A state runner-up Jane Petersen tied for runner-up honors with 75 apiece. Mya Messenger tied for fourth with 78. They also hold the three spots behind Rupp in the all-conference race.

“Their experience playing in the state tournament has helped them a lot,” Goettel said. “They’re hard workers. I couldn’t ask any more from those three. They care a lot about what they’re doing. They have some goals.

“They bond well together. I think there is a little competition there.”

Freshman Shaylin Munson rounded out the scoring with a 93.

“She’s doing a great job stepping in,” Petersen said after last week’s Super Meet at Ellis. “She’s young, which is good. We’re excited to see what she can do.”

Freshman Kate Newlin wasn’t far behind as the No. 5 golfer. She has steadily improved, adding to the Warriors’ depth.

“Our No. 5 keeps getting better every meet,” Goettel said. “She is a hard worker. She goes out and plays the courses that are coming up. Just a quiet person. She doesn’t say much. Can’t hear her when she does talk, but she’s down the middle every time. Never in trouble. When she gets a little more length, she’ll be pretty good.”

Washington is going to be a force in the future as well. Messenger is one of just two seniors on the roster to record an official round. Goettel said the program has 35 participants, which is the biggest squad he has ever had.

“The whole attitude has been fantastic. Every kid,” Goettel said. “If we have to make a last-minute sub, nobody says I can’t play. They want to play. I couldn’t ask more than that.

“To see the progress they’ve made has been awesome. I think our kids at the top are great role models for them.”

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Morgan Rupp in position for repeat

Rupp has positioned herself to repeat as Valley Golfer of the Year. She leads the way after her 4-under performance Tuesday. Rupp closed well, finishing 3-under on the final two holes. Linn-Mar Coach Chris James said Rupp broke 70 despite hitting four greens in regulation on the front nine.

“She managed to scramble and shoot even par,” James said. “It kept her in it in terms of her score and I think that gave her some confidence to just stick with it.

“Once she hit the back nine, we talked through a slight adjustment on her setup on hole 12 and I think that’s helped her stop missing shots to the right. She started hitting more greens and giving herself opportunities to make birdies. She just needed to stay patient and not force the issue.”

James added that Rupp set a school record with 4-under 68 for 18 holes and 4-under 33 for nine holes after the turn.

The Valley Division team champion and all-conference performers will be determined after the third and final round Monday at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City.

Liberty’s Bella Pettersen medals

Iowa City Liberty’s Bella Pettersen won MVC divisional Player of the Year honors as a freshman and sophomore. She missed a round, which prevented her from contending for honors last season. Pettersen is poised to reclaim the MVC Mississippi title.

Pettersen fired a 70 at the divisional meet Monday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. She won by two strokes over beat Dubuque Wahlert’s runner-up Ava Kalb. Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Mehar Julka was third at 75.

Pettersen owns a six-shot lead over Kalb. Cedar Falls’ Molly Ratchford is nine strokes back entering the final round Monday at Airport National.

Pettersen had offseason hip procedures due to issues from juvenile arthritis. She has rebounded and has sights set on an MVC Mississippi crown and even state gold.

“She has certainly started to find her former form after the surgeries in the offseason,” Liberty Coach Brian Wernimont said. “She is such a great competitor that she won’t let herself fail. She would love to be conference champion again and set the table to grab the 4A champion trophy as well. I will never underestimate what she can achieve. “

Solon sweeps Wamac Super Meets

Solon swept the Wamac Super Meets on Monday. The Spartans’ girls’ golf team won the conference tournament Monday at Gardner Golf Course. Solon scored 372, edging runner-up Williamsburg by one. Benton Community was third with 383.

Sydney Dee paced the Spartans with 85 to get fourth. Emma Phillips shot 94, Peyton Pentico added 95 and Bailey Woolley and Rylie Greazel each had 98 for Solon.

Solon’s boys’ program posted a 304 to win the Super Meet at Wildcat Golf Course in Shellsburg. The Spartans topped runner-up West Delaware by six. Marion was third at 312.

Solon’s Isaiah Zoske carded 69, edging Williamsburg’s Crew Klingner by one for medalist honors. The Spartans’ Jack McCarty tied for fourth with 73. Brennan Heesch and Nick Stahle added, 78 and 84, respectively, for Solon..

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