North Linn's Franson continues success

North-Linn's Jessica Franson has continued her winning ways.

After winning every competition before placing fourth at the Class 2A state golf meet last season, the Lynx senior has swept medalist honors in her first four events this spring.

'So far I feel like it is going pretty well, considering the weather and we haven't been able to get out as much,' Franson said. 'I'm happy with my scores so far. I know I can improve that much more once the weather starts cooperating and I get out there as much as I can.'

Franson, a senior who will play for Coe College, worked hard in the offseason. She travelled to Cedar Rapids weekly to work with a golf professional at Dick's Sporting Goods.

'She's a very serious golfer,' North Linn Coach Mike Hilmer said. 'She works really hard on it.'

Hilmer said Franson always looks at chances to trim strokes from her score after a round. A competitive nature prevents complacency. Lower scores might depend on her short game. She has worked on chipping and putting to complement her strength off the tee.

'Her driving has always been her strength,' Hilmer said. 'I think her chipping and putting is the thing that can help her get to the next level.'

Conditions have hampered many golfers, limiting their outdoor play and practice in favorable conditions. Franson has warmed up with the elements. She posted rounds of 42 and 43, but carded 39 in her last two meets.

The improvement has provided a boost, giving her confidence of her ability to shoot even par. She would also like to come away with medalist honors in the only meet she didn't last season.

'My goal is to improve my scores throughout the whole season, getting a medal in every single meet as much as I can,' Franson said. 'My bigger goal is to go to the state tournament and not only shoot better than I did last year but come home with a state title. That would be pretty awesome. It is definitely my No. 1 goal for the list of the whole season.'

West to impress

Iowa City West returned plenty of experience with most improving from regular play throughout the summer. The Women of Troy are enjoying the benefits of their effort.

West won its first four meets before a runner-up finish in the CRANDIC golf meet Wednesday at Twin Pines. The Women of Troy were six shots back of Cedar Rapids Xavier, despite beating the Saints on their home course in an earlier triangular. West is 15-1.

Tiffany Danger, an all-Mississippi Valley Conference performer, has led the way. She tied for fifth at the CRANDIC with an 85 and owns a 43.5 nine-hole average.

West has young talent. Freshman Jordan Amelon and sophomores Avery Kout and Mackenzie Marsh have made key contributions.

Ritchie's record

Williamsburg's Sadie Ritchie etched her name in the school's record book. Ritchie shot a 37 April 7 at Stone Creek Golf Club in Williamsburg, setting a course and overall nine-hole record for Raiders girls golf. The previous mark was 38, but information on when and who set it was unavailable.

Willliamsburg Coach Todd Subbert said  an impressive aspect of the performance was it came in the first meet, which was the first time the Raiders had even been able to get on the course this season.