Mustangs now 7-for-7 in tourney titles; Plymouth runner-up
It was billed as a preview for this year’s MHSAA Division 1 girls golf championships.
Saturday’s Top 50 Invitational at the Bedford Valley Golf Club featured a majority of the state’s top teams hoping to get a feel for the Battle Creek course, which will host the finals on Oct. 19-20.
The top-ranked Northville Mustangs managed an early morning fog delay and used quality play throughout their lineup to record an impressive team score of 306 to win its seventh tournament this season in seven tries.
Plymouth was runner-up with a 322, while Clarkston took third with a 323.
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“We accomplished what we came here to do today and I was happy with our approach and effort,” Northville coach Chris Cronin said. “There is still a lot of golf to be played this season and we know there are some areas we need to clean up if we hope to achieve our goals this season.”
Nobody could individual match the round of two-time Miss Golf Anika Dy of Traverse City West, who carded a 6-under 66 to earn medalist honors.
But Northville’s super sophomore Nicole Whatley, who was part of a foursome of some of the state’s best, placed runner-up with a 2-under 70.
“I felt like I was just playing with three friends and having a good time on the course,” Whatley said. “I know that I have the potential to compete with these girls on every shot and my mindset never really changed throughout the whole day.”
Although Whatley made long putts, one for eagle on the par-5 fourth hole and one for a birdie on No. 18, she felt her putting wasn’t up to par.
“I missed some very easy putts and even three-putted a couple times,” she said. “I feel like my irons were on fire today, hitting lots of greens.”
Cronin wasn’t surprised, however, by his top player’s success.
“Nicole had a tough tournament last week, but she has tremendous grit as an athlete and I could see it all week in her preparation and play,” he said.
Whatley also had the same take.
“Playing so well this week has been a real confidence booster and practice is what is going to set some good rounds into motion for the postseason,” she said.
Also earning top 10 finishes for Northville were senior Mariella Simoncini (ninth, 77) and Katelyn Tokarz (10th, 78).
“Although birdies were tough to find, our strength as a team this season has been playing for pars and both Katelyn and Mariella recorded 11 on their round toda,” the Northville coach said. “Tokarz had it rolling early, playing the front nine in 2-over par (38). Katelyn was making quality contact with the ball all day, and when she does that, she sets herself up for success.”
Meanwhile, Cronin also praised his captain’s ability to keep battling.
“Mariella didn’t have a great start to the round – 3-over after four holes – but her mental approach is so strong,” he said. “She just stays with it.”
Northville’s fourth scorer, Sufna Gill, shot 81 to tie for 15th as the junior had to scramble a bit whe her early drives weren’t finding the fairways. But she managed to card a solid round with some good work around the greens.
“Sufna is a talented player who has the ability to find a way to score even when her full game isn’t working,” Cronin said.
Northville’s fifth player Sedona Shipka added an 84 to place 20th.
“I thought Sedona did a great job of managing the day,” Cronin said. “She went out in 44 and came back in 40. Her strong finish was capped by an impressive birdie on 14. It was fun to watch.”
Plymouth was paced by Shae Zydeck, who took eighth with a 75. She was followed by Bridget Boczar (tied, for 10th, 78), Grace Boczar (tied for 18th, 83) and Rachel Stipel (tied for 23rd, 86). Marie Sullivan added an 88.
Livonia Franklin placed seventh with a 348 total led by Sophia Wydonik, who tied for 13th with an 80. She was followed by Sophia Cueva (87), Stephanie Cueva (89) and Olivia Napier (92) and Sandreena Cueva (92).
Churchill, 15th overall with a 417, was led by Halena Harris (tied for 13th, 81); Emma Grodek (97), Rachel Parrelly (106) and Paige Melcher (133).
Bloomfield Hills’ top finisher was Lizzie Pierce (tied for 21st) with an 85.
Contact Brad Emons: [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @BradEmons1.
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