The Dexter girls’ golf team swung into this past weekend’s state finals looking to card some experience and play some good golf. The young Dreadnaughts accomplished both as they finished with a team score of 805 to tie with Petoskey for 13th place on a chilly and windy day at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at Forest Akers West in East Lansing.
“I thought our team played very well at the State Finals,” said Dexter Coach Greg Palkowski. “The cooler temperatures and wind definitely played a role in the scores. It was by far the toughest course, in the toughest weather conditions, against the toughest competition we had faced all season. The passion and work ethic of this team is just astounding as they practiced very diligently all week leading up to the State Finals.”
Dexter freshman Avery Manning had an impressive first round at Forest Akers. She shot an 83 on the first day and then an 87 on day two for a 170 – just three strokes off a top-10 overall finish. Dexter junior Marissa Genske shot a 103 on the first day and a 99 on day two for a 202.
Also on Dexter’s scorecard were senior Olivia Napolitan (107-107, 214), freshman Millie Truesdell (115-104, 219) and sophomore Eleni Michos (116-111, 227).
Palkowski said it was a “great learning experience” for the Dreadnaughts. “This experience gives us something to build on for next season,” he said. “Forest Akers was in great shape and the staff there does an amazing job in hosting the MHSAA State Finals; so a shout out to Forest Akers.”
Farmington Hills Mercy certainly enjoyed Forest Akers as they finished first overall with a 684.
South Lyon was runner-up with a final score of 711 thanks in large part to senior Gabby Tapp, who was second individually with a 153. Byron Center junior Macie Elzinga finished first overall with a first-day round of 72, and followed that up with a 76 to finish with a 148, five shots ahead of Tapp. Haslett senior Sydney Dausman finished in third behind Elzinga and Tapp with a score of 157.
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern was third (723), Byron Center fourth (726) and Grosse Pointe South fifth (756). SEC school Lincoln was 17th (868).
