Linn-Mar, Xavier attempt to earn second straight state golf berth

The Linn-Mar girls golf season has been one of the best in school history and might receive a boost for the postseason.

The Lions have set a school record with a 60-5 record, winning CRANDIC and Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division titles and placing second at the MVC Super Meet. Now, they will get to start the postseason with three-year starter Dionna Jensen back in the lineup.

Jensen will see her first competition of the season, returning from a broken hand, when Linn-Mar competes in the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Class 4A reginal Monday at Ottumwa Country Club. All Metro 4A schools and Iowa City West will be in the field.

“We're pretty balanced one through six,” Linn-Mar Coach Steve Kahler said. “Those girls have had a sensational season.”

The Lions have been fueled by tremendous balance, averaging around 178 strokes per meet, which is one of the program's best. Julie Pople has scored in every meet for the Lions, carrying a 44-stroke nine-hole average.

C.J. Davis, Emma Lorenz and Rachel Thrune, a four-year starter, average around 46 with Katie Harding coming in a half stroke higher. Danielle Toy, who did not crack the top six for the postseason, was second team all-MVC.

“We've had a lot of good competition,” Kahler said. “Hopefully, that will help us.”

Even with the success, Jensen is a welcome, albeit surprising addition, to the lineup. She broke her hand at the beginning of the season, having the cast removed, getting cleared by the doctor and surviving a playoff last week.

Jensen started as a freshman, played as the No. 1 spot as a sophomore and held one of the top two positions as a junior, helping lead the Lions to the state tournament. Kahler said she supported the team while injured, often attending meets and following her teammates.

Good for Linn-Mar, but better for Jensen.

“That's going to give us one more experienced golfer. That will help our team,” said Kahler, who didn't expect Jensen to come back. “Since she's a senior and this is it, we're glad her hand has healed and she can play.”

Jensen had to earn her spot, playing against two others for a final spot Thursday. Kahler said she showed some rust, but got stronger as the round progressed, parring the final four holes to win by a stroke.

“It's quite an accomplishment to do that and not have it (hand) hurt,” Kahler said. “It's pretty amazing.”

The field will be tough with Linn-Mar, Ottumwa, West Des Moines Valley and Cedar Rapids Xavier ranked fourth through seventh in the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association rankings. Only two will advance to state, leaving worthy teams home.

“Without a doubt we have the toughest regional,” Kahler said. “We have four teams deserving to make it, but unfortunately only two will make it.”

Just like Linn-Mar, the Saints are looking for their second straight state tournament appearance. Xavier returns five of the six players who competed in the 2011 state meet. The Saints battled nerves, and didn't place as well as expected.

“Earning a return trip to State has definitely been a goal of each of the girls since we finished in 7th place last year,” Xavier Coach Julie Kadlec said in an email. “They want a second chance, so to speak, to show what they are truly capable of doing.”

Maddie Bertsch and Grace Winker lead the Saints, providing two low scores routinely. Taylor Wertzberger has been a strong No. 3 with Lisa Olberding, a three-year letterwinner, a regular No. 4. Hailey Sojka and Morgan DeLong have made contributions as well.

“They both play with such focus and determination, it is a real asset to the team to have them both being pretty consistent with their scores,” Kadlec said about Bertsch and Winker. “But I must say that our team is exactly that: a team that enjoys each others talents and accomplishments.”