The Dexter girls’ golf team finished second over the weekend at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University. Dexter shot a first-round score of 348 and trailed leader Farmington Hills Mercy by 14 strokes at the end of Friday. The Dreadnaughts fired a tournament best second-round score of 334 – 14 strokes better than day one. But Mercy had a solid round, following up its 334 with a 343 to finish with 677. Dexter carded a 682 to take second place overall while Lowell finished third with a 688.
Dexter Coach Greg Palkowski takes us inside the ropes of the State Finals with a look at each round and a player-by-player rundown.
A recap of Dexter Women’s Golf State Finals
Round 1: Dexter shot a team total of 348 on Day 1. Avey Manning led the scoring with a sensational round of 3-under 69. She carded 5 birdies, 1 eagle and 4 bogeys. Maddy Manning shot a round of 90, Millie Truesdell a 92 and Eleni Michos & Sophia Dettling both carded a 97.
Round 2: Avery Manning led the scoring once again with an even par round of 72; with 5 birdies & 5 bogeys. Millie Truesdell shot an 82. Maddy Manning an 85, Eleni Michos a 95 and Sophia Dettling a 100.
Player by Player scorecard by Coach Palkowski
Junior Avery Manning
Avery Manning finished 1st overall as an individual and with a 2-day total of 3-under par 141. Her round of 3 under par 69 on Friday was just incredible and then to follow that up with an even par round of 72 on Saturday was amazing. She came out with a pretty clear game plan on both days and knew how she wanted to play each and every hole. Her decision making off the tee was key and her approach shots & putting were really good both days. It’s hard to shoot two rounds back-to-back at under par or even par; especially in the State Finals but she did it and I am very proud of her accomplishment.
Junior Millie Truesdell
Millie Truesdell finished 27th overall as an individual and with a 2-day total of 174. Friday’s round might not have gone as she wanted it to but Millie is a player who always finds a way to finish strong. Saturday’s round of 82 was a great round and shows why she is a leader & a captain of this team. Millie, a 3rd year varsity player, has an outstanding golf game and has shown great improvement each year. Millie’s approach to the game, her overall golf knowledge, her decision making on the course, her confidence and her leadership on the team is so important and why Millie is such a successful player. Millie drove the ball off the tee so effectively both days in the State Finals and watching her chip in for eagle on the par 5 4th hole on Friday from just off the green, with her dad standing beside me, was so cool to watch.
Freshman Maddy Manning
Maddy Manning, our freshman varsity player, finished 28th overall and with a 2-day total of 175. Maddy has a very good golf game and is very mature as a freshman. In a State Finals field filled with a majority of juniors & seniors, most of whom have experience playing in a State Final prior, she played extremely well. Maddy plays with a ton of confidence and shows up to each & every tournament with the desire to compete & win. Maddy’s decision making around the golf course improved tournament after tournament. She knows what she can do, what shot to hit and where she needs to hit it so she can set herself up for the best possible outcome. Making it to a State Finals as a freshman is a great accomplishment.
Senior Eleni Michos
Eleni Michos, a senior and 3rd year varsity player, finished 57th overall with a 2-day total of 192. Eleni is a second year captain and the heart of this team. Eleni has played in three State Finals since joining the golf team as a sophomore and plays each tournament with a smile on her face and is always laughing throughout the round; whether the round is good or bad. Having the opportunity to play in three State Finals is a real accomplishment. Eleni, like all the varsity players, is dedicated and has continued to practice and improve her golf game each season.
Senior Sophia Dettling
Sophia Dettling, a senior and 2nd year varsity player, finished 65th overall with a 2-day total of 197. Sophia (Soph) has shown so much improvement in her golf game since joining the team as a sophomore. Soph has been a great addition to our varsity team these last couple of seasons and really stabilized the varsity roster. She has played extremely well all season long and her passion for the game is very strong.
