NEW PALESTINE — The 15th-ranked New Palestine girls golf team has found its rhythm.
Scuffling the first time out more than a week ago during the State Preview on Aug. 8, head coach Gregg Greene’s team hasn’t looked back.
Improving to 2-1 with wins against Southport and Greenwood, coupled with a slim loss to No. 16 Noblesville 169-171 last week, the Dragons successfully defending their home course to win the New Palestine Invitational on Saturday for a third straight season.
“A three-peat is a nice way to close out the first week of the season,” Greene commented. “We set a record of 355 in this event last year and followed that with 356 this time.”
Finishing first among eight teams, which included Greenfield-Central and No. 20 Brownsburg, New Palestine had two golfers come in under 90 and two more below the century mark.
Sophomore Mckenzi Black earned medalist honors with an 81 at Hawk’s Tail. Senior Cassie Rooks was fifth overall with an 86.
Carly Jones was sixth at 92 and Cassidy Harp followed with a 97.
“We got steady, solid play from all five girls and will be tested more this week.” Greene said.
The Dragons played in an away three-way match with sectional opponents Whiteland and Knightstown on Monday. They also host again coming up against Fishers, who earned a regional berth last season, said Greene.
Brownsburg was runner-up at the New Palestine Invitational with a 382.
Greenfield-Central (388) took fourth behind another strong showing from senior Makenzie Fisk, who shot an 83. She was second behind Black.
Megan Garner fired a 93, Lindsey McCord contributed a 103 and Kim Miles rounded out Greenfield-Central’s scoring with a 109.
The Cougars were coming off a tough 182-216 home loss to Perry Meridian last week. Fisk carded a 41 in the defeat at Hawk’s Tail, but the Falcons were just as good.
Garner provided a 54 while McCord and Miles added a 59 and 62, respectively.
