The Macomb High girls golf team bested nine other squads in capturing an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A Regional title Tuesday afternoon in Kewanee.
Playing at the Baker Park Golf Course the Bombers posted a team score of 367, finishing 15 strokes ahead of runner-up Monmouth United.
It was the first team regional title for the MHS girls since 2023.
“I was happy for all the girls on our team,” said MHS coach Brian Sullivan. “I don’t do much, I just drive around in a cart. But it was rewarding to see.”
“It’s always rewarding to see your players be successful and accomplish something as a group,” he added.
“It means a lot that we were able to accomplish that this year,” said MHS sophomore Reese Watson of winning a regional title. “After losing to Monmouth United last year, it felt really good.”
“That was our goal to beat them,” she added.
“It definitely gives us hope for sectionals and getting to state again,” stated MHS sophomore Taylor Mann. “We have a chance again this year.”
Farmington was third at 427, also qualifying for Class 1A Sectional play Oct. 5 at Valley View Club in Cambridge.
Brimfield was fourth at 436, followed by Kewanee H.S. (442), ROWVA/Williamsfield (454), Elmwood (459), Stark County (478), Canton (504) and Biggsville West Central (554).
The regional also included golfers from Abingdon-Avon, Annawan/Wethersfield, Bushnell- Prairie City, Galva, Knoxville, LVC and Monmouth-Roseville.
Speaking of Mann, playing on the 5,278 yard par 71 layout, Mann won medalist honors in carding an 80. She finished five strokes ahead of United’s Paige Christianson (85).
“I knew I could have a chance because the year before I was second and the girls that beat me graduated,” said Mann.
Mann became the first individual regional champion for Macomb since Lily Vardaman in 2021.
“The whole second half of the year, she’s taken her game to a whole new level,” said Sullivan of Mann. “It’s really cool to see her be rewarded with all the hard work she’s put in.”
Reese Watson finished tied for third with an 86. Kennedy McGraw was 11th with a 100, one shot ahead of teammate Aubrey Holthaus, who tied for 12th with a 101.
“I know how I can hit the ball and how well I can play,” said Watson. “It’s just when I get in my head I struggle a little bit. I just need to be mentally confident.”
Rounding out the scores for the Bombers were Mullen Butcher (102) and Emma Rigg (114).
B-PC had two golfers take part in the first regional tournament with Finley Hess finishing 38th with a 118, while Adyen Berry was 64th at 167.
“I’m super proud of these two girls,” said B-PC coach Tyler Snyder. “From where each of these girls began the season to where they ended was amazing to watch. Both girls have put in hard work and it showed.”
“Finley improved by 24 strokes on her last 18 hole match and Adyen improved by six strokes. It was a long ride to the match and we haven’t had many days to practice before Regionals. Both girls had some great shots.”
Other individuals advancing to next week’s sectional included the following: Nevaeh Stokes, Monmouth- Roseville (94); Kennedy Vanunnik, Knoxville (97); Nicole Detmers, Brimfield (97); Rachel Fell, Brimfield (97); Sophie Hamilton, Kewanee H.S. (99); Bella Dennis, ROWVA/Williamsfield (102); Addison Przybylo, Brimfield (103); Emily Anderson, Elmwood (103); Lauren Dana, Annawan/ Wethersfield (108) and Colbie Lewis, ROWVA/Wethersfield (108).
The top three teams, along with the top 10 individuals not on an advancing team advance to sectional competition.
Regional qualifiers from Galena, Taylor Ridge and Metamora will also participate in Monday’s meet.
For the Bombers, it is playing on another familiar course.
“We should be very comfortable there,” said Watson of playing at Valley View.
Adding to the mix is the late-season return of Holthaus, who has been out due to recovering from surgery.
“You’re adding a kid to your team who’s a great athlete,” said Sullivan of Holthaus. “She’s a huge addition.”
“We’ve had people fill in all year,” he added. “It’s been a team effort. But getting Aubrey back makes us a lot more dangerous than we are without her.”
Sullivan hopes the experience gained by the four returning players will help pay dividends on Monday.
“We have a really steep hill to climb,” said Sullivan. “But I think we have a shot at it. I don’t think it’s impossible.”
“Last year getting to state showed us how much potential we had and that possibly we could do it again,” said Watson.
“I don’t think there’s that much pressure because of course we lost people and we gained some really good freshmen,” she added. “But I think it’s just up to us and how we play this year.”
