NOBLESVILLE — While the Lapel girls golf team struggled on the course at Harbour Trees in Noblesville, the Bulldogs fared well enough to be the third and final team to move on from their sectional round to Saturday’s regional.
The Bulldogs scored 358, 16 strokes ahead of fourth-place Fishers and 21 strokes behind Noblesville. Hamilton Southeastern won the event with a 225.
For the second time in two years, the Bulldogs are making an appearance in the regional, something coach Dylan Crosley wasn’t entirely expecting.
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“It’s kind of a surprise, but after our invite, I knew we had a chance,” Crosley said.
Crosley thought the team would have played a little better in the sectional. A stout breeze all day may have hindered some of the players.
“The wind was a major factor. If you’re going into the wind, the ball is dead,” he said.
He told the girls to swing easy against the wind and let it fly downwind.
Freshman Macy Beeson, who has been the Bulldogs’ No. 1 player all season, again led the team with a 79, only two strokes behind medalist Amber Luttrell of HSE.
Beeson, who finished eight over par, wasn’t pleased with her game but was anxious to get to practice for Saturday’s competition.
“My individual game was not very good today. I was all over the place,” Beeson said. “I only hit two greens and not very many fairways.”
She had played the course a few times recently and had scored better.
“A few weeks ago, I shot a 73 here, and it was kind of disappointing coming in with a 79. I just couldn’t get my game together,” Beeson said.
She said her approach shots were off; she plans to spend the next week focusing on good strong practice sessions.
In her final season of high school play, Lauren Lutz was another one not pleased with her performance.
“I struggled,” Lutz said. “It’s disappointing because you want to play well on your last sectional, but hopefully we can redeem ourselves.”
When the Bulldogs were coming off the 18th and final hole, looks of frustration and disappointment were replaced with relief as Lapel players eyed the scoreboard, which showed they had a real chance to advance.
“It makes you feel a little better, but you still want to play better,” Lutz said.
Crosley was also surprised at the fortunate turn for his team.
“I looked at the scores and thought ‘Oh man,’ we got out. After 12 holes I thought there was little chance we may get out because Hamilton Heights is good and Fishers you never know with them.”
The Bulldogs play host the regional on their home course at Edgewood, a course they play very well on.
“I feel pretty confident. We play there every day. I feel if I come out and do my best, we can make it out (to state),” Beeson said.
Lutz also believes her team will have an advantage on their home course. “I think we play well there.”
Having an opportunity to make the state tournament would be special for Crosley and his team.
“It’d mean everything. This is what I coach for. It’d mean the world,” Crosley said.
The regional begins Saturday morning. Tee off times will be announced later.
