ANDERSON — Lapel High School’s Macy Beeson will return to defend her state title after scoring the third-best score of the day in regional play at The Edge Golf Course & Country Club in Anderson.
Beeson shot a two-over-par 75 on the Bulldogs’ home course.
The Bulldogs finished fifth with a 350. Noblesville won the regional with a 313, with Hamilton Southeastern in second at 315.
Pendleton Heights’ Grace Wiggens scored a 92 but did not advance to the finals.
Beeson finished her first nine at an even-par 36. However, the Bulldogs junior — who shot a 73 last year and was the medalist for the regional — had trouble in a few of the final holes, including a double bogey on the ninth hole, which was her last.
The Bulldogs’ No. 5 golfer, Rosemary Likens, scored a 90, her personal best. Other Lapel scores were Chloe Renihan, 97; Kerith Renihan, 94; and Grace Martin, 91.
Tee times were delayed because of the heavy overnight rain.
Beeson’s road to defend her title begins Friday at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Her Round 1 tee time is 8:39 a.m. at the first hole. All teams and individuals play Round 2 on Saturday.