Cedar Rapids Washington finishes fourth in strong girls’ golf field

MARION — Cedar Rapids Washington’s Mya Messenger had just enough time to pick up her medal, leaving the clubhouse before the awards presentation concluded.

The all-Metro and all-Mississippi Valley Conference golfer was on a tight schedule, zipping away to play doubles in the Warriors’ home tennis match against Iowa City High. She is one of three Washington golfers pulling double-duty this spring, joining teammates Lydia Nichols and Hannah Hoer, who are playing soccer.

“It’s incredible,” Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said. “It’s a lot of work to do one and they’re doing two, trying to juggle it. They’ve all been fair to me. I hope they are fair to the other coach as well.”

Messenger finished seventh and helped Washington to a fourth-place finish in a talent-laden 14-team field of Linn-Mar’s Spring Classic on Tuesday at Hunters Ridge Golf Course. Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Addie Berg posted a 76 for medalist honors, while Pleasant Valley shot 331 to beat runner-up West Des Moines Valley by 14.

Goettel describe the tournament as a “mini state” competition last week. The Warriors actually tied Bettendorf with 369, but the Bulldogs won a tiebreaker for third with the best fifth score in chilly and windy conditions. The spring has not provided favorable weather for rounds.

“It’s still tough conditions,” Goettel said. “I’m thrilled. I was hoping for a top-six finish, to be honest. I’m really proud of them. They did a really good job. We beat some very good teams.”

Messenger shot 82, carding a pair of birdies for a 3-over 39 on the front. She came in under par on consecutive holes — the par-3 No. 4 hole and the par-4 fifth. Messenger leads the team with a 42.13 combined adjusted average.

“She’s playing tennis and playing golf,” Goettel said. “She’s doing a darn good job of both.”

Messenger will miss Wednesday’s golf meet at Ellis, playing in a tennis double-dual against Cedar Rapids Xavier and Prairie. She is 7-0 in match wins, according to Varsity Bound statistics.

Goettel admitted it would be nice to have the trio solely devoted to golf, but appreciated their dedication to represent their school in multiple activities. He’ll make the most out of time with them.

“You’d like them to just be on your team, but if they had to choose between one of the two they might not choose our sport,” Goettel said. “I’m pleased to get them, even if it’s part time.”

Freshman Jane Petersen gave the Warriors two top-10 placewinners, coming in ninth with 84. Petersen noted she wasn’t thrilled with her round but still managed 42 going out and coming in.

Petersen and Messenger provide a nice 1-2 punch at the front of the Warriors lineup, battling for the best round each event.

“Mya and Jane are so dependable,” Goettel said. “They’re great going back and forth as our medalist in meets. They’re both playing real well.”

Grayce Conley and Mackenzie Parks completed the Washington scoring. Goettel complimented both for their efforts.

“I think Grace Conley played well today and that was good for us,” Goettel said. “Mackenzie Parks, who didn’t feel good, hung in there and did a good job.”

Linn-Mar was fifth at 378. Freshman Morgan Rupp placed eighth with a score of 83.

Berg, who won the CRANDIC golf meet, claimed medalist honors for the fourth time this season. She helped the Hawks place eighth overall.

LINN-MAR SPRING CLASSIC

At Hunters Ridge

(Par 72)

Teams - 1. Pleasant Valley 331, 2. West Des Moines Valley 345, 3. Bettendorf 369*, 4. C.R. Washington 369, 5. Linn-Mar 378, 6. Ankeny Centennial 379, 7. Cedar Falls 380, 8. C.R. Prairie 395, 9. Newton 406, 10. Waukee 428, 11. Johnston 431, 12. C.R. Xavier 440, 13. C.R. Kennedy 443, 14. C.R. Jefferson 449.

Individuals - 1. Addie Berg (CRP), 76, 2. (tie) Shannyn Vogler (Bett) and Rylee Heryford (New), 77, 4. (tie) Erika Holmberg (PV) and Maura Peters (PV), 78.

WASHINGTON (369): Mya Messenger 82, Jane Petersen 84, Grayce Conley 101, Mackenzie Parks 102.

LINN-MAR (378): Morgan Rupp 83, Abby Hoefle 94, Ava Kline 97, Gabby Mercure 104.

PRAIRIE (395): Berg 76, Kendal Erger 106, Yuewan Jennissen 106, Jessie Rosenberger 107.

XAVIER (440): Meera Julka 91, Kyla Johnson 111, Casey Gannon 112, Anna Esker 126.

KENNEDY (443): Leyla Grawe 97, Kirin Nguyen 110, Cora Johansen 113, Meredith Langton 123.

JEFFERSON (449): Kierra Thomas 100, Kylee Thomas 102, Ava Erger 122, Kiyaree Cooper 125.