Xavier wins MVC Valley title

Cedar Rapids Xavier is second no longer.

After four straight runner-up finishes in divisional competition, the Saints earned their spot atop of the Mississippi Valley Conference's Valley Division.

Xavier shot 359 in the MVC Valley divisional meet Monday at The Meadows Golf Club in Dubuque, giving them a two-round total of 729. The Saints beat Linn-Mar by 15 strokes, trailing the Lions by three after the MVC Super Meet last week at Hunters Ridge.

Xavier had finished behind Cedar Falls the last three years and Iowa City West in 2010.

'I told them kudos,” said Xavier Coach Julie Kadlec, who was named MVC Valley Coach of the Year. 'They worked really hard,”

The Saints were led by senior leaders Maddie Bertsch and Grace Winker again. Over the course of the two rounds, five golfers contributed, including a 95 and 99 from Amy Olberding and Catie Locher on Monday. Senior Kara Zwanziger scored in the Saints' runner-up finish at the Super Meet.

'We had some other girls step up,” Kadlec said. 'We had a good team finish and we were happy with it.”

All golfers have endured poor conditions this spring and the Valley divisional was delayed about 45 minutes due to rain. Kadlec said the conditions have affected play, but her team handles it without a complaint.

Bertsch was runner-up medalist, shooting 76 and tallying a total of 158. Winker carded 89 for a 191. After seven holes Winker was 1-under and Bertsch was at even par. Both earned first-team all-MVC Valley honors. Olberding made the second team, while Zwanziger and Locher were on the honorable mention list.

It was the third straight first-team performance for Bertsch, who will golf at University of Northern Iowa next year. Bertsch was second to Cedar Rapids Washington's MVC Valley Golfer of the Year M.J. Kamin, who had a 155 total.

'Maddie held it together,” Kadlec said. 'She came through.”

Xavier, the Class 4A state runner-up last year, begins the postseason Tuesday, May 27 at Waverly Municipal Golf Course. The field also includes defending state champion Charles City. Kadlec said she expects tough individual and team competition, but the divisional team title provides a boost.

'Anytime they can come through the way they did gives them confidence,” Kadlec said. 'They are doing the right things and better things can be ahead.”

In the MVC Mississippi Division, Dubuque Hempstead entered divisional meet in third, sitting three shots back of West and Dubuque Senior. The Mustangs won the team championship with total of 756 after shooting 367 Monday at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo. West shot 385 for a two-round total of 771 to place third, 10 shots behind Senior.

Iowa City High's Sarah Overton was third overall with a total of 178. West's Tiffany Danger and Olivia Ewing were fourth and sixth, respectively. All three earned first team all-MVC Mississippi Division honors.

Beckman edges Williamsburg for Wamac title

Dyersville Beckman captured the Wamac Super Meet girls golf team title by the slimmest of margins.

The Blazers edged Williamsburg by a single stroke Monday at Saddleback Golf Course in Solon. Beckman shot 358, led by medalist Brooke Klostermann's 77, and Williamsburg's 359 was seven shots better than third-place Western Dubuque.

Blair Klostermann posted 86 and Jordynne Knipper added a 96 to lead the Blazers. Williamsburg's Sadie Ritchie placed third with an 85. Lyndie Phillips and Brette McKown each shot 89 and Olivia Meade scored 96 for the Raiders.

In the Tri-Rivers Conference Championships, Central City won the team race with 417, topping runner-up Easton Valley by 42 shots, Tuesday at Three Elms Golf Course in Independence. The Wildcats' Jessica Etten was runner-up medalist with an 86. North-Linn's Jessica Franson was third with 88.

Cascade claimed the River Valley Conference team title on Wednesday at Muscatine Municipal Golf Course. The Cougars shot 410, beating runner-up Mid-Prairie by three. Iowa City Regina was third with 414. Cascade's Katie Coyle was medalist with 84. West Branch's Ashley Finnagan was second with 87.

IHSAA sectionals

The Iowa High School Athletic Association sectional golf meets begin this week. Area teams will open postseason play today and Friday.

Iowa City Regina will host a Class 2A sectional at Lake MacBride Golf Course today, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The field includes Mount Vernon, Regina, Tipton, West Branch and Wilton.

Marion will host a 3A sectional at Gardner Golf Course on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Anamosa, Clear Creek Amana, DeWitt Central, Maquoketa, Solon, Washington and Williamsburg will compete for individual and team spots in next week's district meet.

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