Cyclones drop golf match to the Trojans by four strokes

Monday, the HCHS girls golf team competed against the Trojans at Atlantic’s Nishna Hills Golf Club and lost by four strokes, 189-193.

“I thought we played tough in real adverse weather conditions,” said Cyclones Head Coach Todd Bladt. “The girls had to battle the weather and battle a tough Atlantic team. They’re a state level contention team and we almost got them on their home course in tough conditions.”

Timber Svendsen led the way for the Cyclones, finishing with 44 strokes on the day, one ahead of Atlantic’s Bella Berg.

“They [Svendsen and Berg] played together,” Bladt said. “She [Svendsen] was able to rise up and stay focused through those nine holes and come out with a victory. Those are the little things we were looking at and I think we are in good positions to play some of our best golf on Wednesday when we get nice conditions on a flat course.”

Kara Kenkel was the next best Cyclone with 49 along with Macy Mueller tying for fifth place. Atlantic’s Abby Muller and Lexi Noelck finished with 49 as well.

“Kara Kenkel, she hit a tee shot I know she would want back that went about 10 feet up in the air and then about two feet off the tee,” Bladt added. “There’s all kind of places where you can find one stroke in your game where you get eliminated.”

Other highlights included Ella Freund finishing in 9th place with 51 strokes.

“She has moments of absolute genius,” Bladt said. “She had a par 3 last night. She breaks out her driver and puts it right on the green and had about a 20-foot putt.”

Tela Schwery and Caitlyn Ryan finished in 11th and 12th places for HCHS. Schwery had 73 strokes and Ryan had 77.

“Tela Schwery had a rough night last night, but she’s looking to bounce back,” Bladt added. “Sometimes the golf gods are just not in your favor and last night for Tela that was kind of the case. Caitlyn Ryan had one of her better rounds last night.”

Cyclones place 5th at Golf Regionals

The HCHS girls golf team played their final match of the season Wednesday during the Class 3A – Region 1 tournament at Storm Lake, placing 5th with 398 strokes, 59 strokes behind the winner, Clear Lake.

Head coach Todd Bladt was pleased with how the girls battled throughout the day, including Timber Svendsen, despite their season coming to an end.

“Timber, I think she battled the whole time as our senior leader,” he said. “She just had a couple of missteps that really cost her down the stretch.”

Svendsen, along with Tela Schwery, will not be returning for the Cyclones due to graduation.

“They’re really going to be missed,” Bladt said. “Tela, she’s a fun one to have around. She is just funny and we’re going to miss that comedic relief that kind of brings some fun to the game. Timber, she’s one that’s going to be tough to replace. She’s got great leadership and is one of those girls that’s always on time. She’s responsible, punctual, a fantastic practice player and really commits to the game.”

Other highlights according to Bladt included Macy Mueller, Kara Kenkel and Ella Freund, each finishing around 100.

“We put some good rounds together,” he added. “We had Macy down there close to 100, Kara Kenkel was around 105 and then Ella was our second best golfer today shooting a 98 and played the course really smart. She had some good course management and she’s only going to get better with a year left.”

Despite an earlier exit than they wanted this season, Bladt is optimistic about the future of HCHS golf.

“Next year’s squad, we’re going to look to make some noise and lower our scores and maybe make it one step further past the regionals,” Bladt said.

 
 

 

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