GHV girls golf team faces ups and downs

It was a week of ups and downs for the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura girls golf team.

On Monday, April 13, the team placed third in a four-team field at the Mason City Country Club.  Mason City won the meet with a score of 195.  Clear Lake was second with 212, GHV carded a 221 and Newman Catholic wasn’t far behind with a 226.

“We were all disappointed with our play at Mason City,” said Coach Todd Greiman.  “A stiff breeze combined with an unfamiliar course and some challenging greens led to a much bigger score than I anticipated.  We left a lot of strokes on the greens.”

Bailee Frayne led the Cardinals with a 48.  Kyleigh Slaichert recorded a 51, followed by Madee Hejna with a 53, and Paige Penning had a 69.  Jasie Heitland and Rachel Enright rounded out the score with a 70 and 72 respectively.

On Tuesday, April 14, the Cardinals hosted Lake Mills.  GHV won the meet with a 200.  Lake Mills shot a 211.

Slaichert shot a 44 and was runner-up by handicap hole.  Frayne also shot a 44.  Enright carded a 53, while Elly Johnston recorded a 59, Cassie Eichman shot a 60 and Penning recorded a 67.

“Rachel was the MVP in this meet, as 53 is her best score to date and 19 shots better than Monday,” said Greiman.  “We’ve got six girls battling for the final three spots in the lineup and the competition is making them all better.  It’s encouraging to shoot that well without senior leader, Madee Hejna, who was out with an illness.”

It was another win for the Cardinals when they hosted West Hancock on Friday, April 17.  GHV walked all over the Eagles outscoring them by 86 strokes, 192-278.

“West Hancock has a very young and inexperienced team, so we entered the meet feeling no pressure,” said Coach Greiman.  “Our four and five girls are starting to bring their scores down to a range that will make us fairly competitive.”

Frayne led the way for the Cardinals with a 42, followed by Hejna with a 46, Slaichert shot a 49, Enright and Johnson both carded a 55 and Penning rounded out the score with a 60.