Sep. 19—WINONA LAKE — The first batch of regional advancers have been declared in the girls golf postseason.
The only sectional to play Thursday out of 30 in the state took place at Warsaw’s home course at Stonehenge Golf Course.
And for the first time since 2021, the NorthWood Panthers are headed to next weekend’s regional at Noble Hawk GC in Kendallville.
Junior Sophie Richmond won medalist honors, beating Warsaw’s Abbey Richmond for the title in a playoff after both tied at 1-under-par through the 18 holes.
It’s Richmond’s best performance in the postseason in her career. The NorthWood junior scored an 84 for fifth overall in her freshman year and a 76 last season which was good for fourth overall. Both sent her to the regional round as the top individual.
Now, she’ll be joined by her team. It’s the Panthers first time advancing to regionals as a team since 2021. Behind Richmond were Joey Slone (83, 4th overall), Leah Rowe (99, 14th overall) and Marley Jordan (106). NorthWood finished with 359 strokes which was good for second.
Warsaw won the title with a total of 335.
Wawasee senior Ava Couture carded a score of 97, inching by to the next stage of the postseason, tying Bremen’s Samantha Ton for the second and final non-advancing team individual spots. Couture was tied for 11th overall.
It is the first time the Warriors have sent a golfer to regionals since Rylee Firestone did so in 2021.
Both NorthWood and Couture will join Northridge, Angola, Homestead and Eastbrook sectional advancers Friday, Sept. 27 at Noble Hawk Golf Course.
Reach Matt Lucas at 574-533-2151, ext. 240325, or at matt.lucas@goshennews.com.
