Iowa high school girls’ golf 2023: Gazette area golfers and teams to watch

A list of Gazette area golfers and teams to watch for the 2023 Iowa high school girls’ golf season.

Golfers to watch

Addie Berg, Cedar Rapids Prairie, sr. — Tied for eighth at 2022 Class 4A state meet, first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division, first-team all-Metro, CRANDIC medalist, averaged 72.83 per round with 39.84 combined adjusted average.

Jaisel Bott, Williamsburg, jr. — Two-time state participant who placed fifth at 2022 2A state meet, Wamac Conference West Division runner-up medalist, regional medalist, averaged 88.83 over 18 holes with a 46.84 combined adjusted average.

McKenna Conrad, Washington (Iowa), sr. — Placed 17th at 3A state meet in 2022, tied for 12th in 2021, all-Southeast Conference performer, averaged 85.17 for 18 holes with 44.09 combined adjusted average.

Claire Jarrett, West Branch, jr. — Ninth at 2022 1A state meet, River Valley Conference and 1A regional medalist, averaged 90.40 per round with 48.87 combined adjusted average.

Meera Julka, Cedar Rapids Xavier, jr. — Two-time state qualifier who was ninth at 2022 3A state meet, first-team all-Metro, MVC Valley Division Player of the Year, 3A regional medalist, averaged 83.25 per round with 44.41 combined adjusted average.

Kaylie Kelchen, Lisbon-Mount Vernon, jr. — Placed 10th in 2022 3A state meet, tied for 12th at state in 2021, second-team all-state, Tri-Rivers Conference East medalist, averaged 87.6 per 18 holes with 45.97 combined adjusted average.

Jane Petersen, Cedar Rapids Washington, soph. — Placed 12th at 2022 4A state meet, MVC Mississippi Division runner-up and MVC Super Meet medalist, first-team all-Metro, averaged 76.17 per 18 holes with a 41.34 combined adjusted average.

Isabella Pettersen, Iowa City Liberty, jr. — Third at the 2022 4A state meet, placed third in 2021 4A state meet, two-time MVC Mississippi Player of the Year, averaged 73.0 per 18 holes with 38.74 combined adjusted average.

Morgan Rupp, Linn-Mar, soph. — Tied for fifth at 2022 4A state meet, first-team all-Metro, first-team all-MVC Mississippi, averaged 76.17 per 18 holes and 41.14 combined adjusted average.

McKenna Stackis, Western Dubuque, jr. — Tied for fifth at 2022 4A state meet, placed 16th at state in 2021, first-team all-MVC Mississippi, shot 82.33 per 18 holes with a 43.43 combined adjusted average.

Girls’ golf teams to watch

Cedar Rapids Washington: The Warriors have a pretty strong 1-2 punch in Jane Petersen and Mya Messenger. They were runners-up to Cedar Falls in the Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division last season and ran into a tough regional field. The Warriors have two good low-scoring options and a returning letterwinner in Mackenzie Parks. With some additions to the lineup, the Warriors could be tough.

Linn-Mar: Four Lions are back from a team that qualified for state and placed ninth. Though there are some holes to fill due to graduation, they return Morgan Rupp, who averaged a little more than 76 per 18 holes as a freshman a year ago. Add in the state experience from senior Ava Kline and juniors Gabby and Nina Mercure with some promising newcomers and the Lions will be formidable.

Lisbon-Mount Vernon: Five starters return from a team that placed fourth in Class 3A last season, including leader Kaylie Kelchen. Karlee Luneckas was second-team all-state, while Brooke Ellyson was Tri-Rivers runner-up medalist and Eryn Jackson was all-TRC. They will look to round out their starting six but have the scoring nucleus to repeat as TRC champions and contend for a 3A state trophy.

Solon: The Spartans return four players from last year’s 3A state team that placed fifth, which was their first state appearance in 24 seasons. Taylor Dee and Lilly Houtakker were all-conference players, which is the second straight honor for Dee. Juniors Rylie Greazel and Peyton Pentico started for the Spartans, who were third at the Wamac Super Meet. Success in 2022 motivated them in the offseason. Though West Delaware and Williamsburg could be better in the conference, keep an eye on Solon.

Washington (Iowa): The Demons seem to reload and have the potential for a state tournament run. This year isn’t different. They return all six players who contributed to a sixth-place finish at the 3A state meet a year ago. Makenna Conrad and Kaylin Long lead the way. Seniors Alecia Goff and Mallary Johnson provided solid averages to round out scoring and provide more experience.

Western Dubuque: The Bobcats bring back three starters from a lineup that placed fifth in the 4A state tournament. They return their top two scorers in McKenna Stackis and CeCe Ball. Addy Jones and Ava Hosch spent some time in the lineup on a team that was third in a strong MVC Mississippi Division.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com