CL girls advance as team to State Golf Meet; GHV sends two individuals

(Above) Clear Lake’s Emily Snelling (left) and GHV’s Bailee Frayne finished as medalist and runner-up respectively at Monday’s Regional final.  Snelling carded a (37-35) 72, while Frayne’s score was (42-40) 87. -Photos courtesy of Cheila Frayne

The Clear Lake girls golf team, led by defending State Champion Emily Snelling, will return to the Iowa Girls State Golf Meet Tuesday and Wednesday, May 30-31, at Lake Panorama, Panora.

Snelling captured medalist honors at Monday’s Regional final played at River Road Golf Course in Algona.  She shot a (37-35) 72 to cruise to the win.  Garner-Hayfield-Ventura’s Bailee Frayne, a senior, was runner-up with a (42-39) 81.  She also advances to the State Meet, along with her sister, Carlee, who was fifth with a (47-40)87.  Marta Pover, of Spirit Lake, was the other individual qualifier, placing third overall with a score of (40-44) 84.

Clear Lake’s Ashley DeLong finished fourth overall with a (44-42) 86.  Jordyn Barragy carded a (47-49) 96 and Mattie Krause

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finished with a (51-53) 104 to complete the Lions’ scoring.

“Emily hit the ball very well today, and also had the putter working,” said Clear Lake Coach Adam Brinkman.  “Emily is one of those athletes that will spend countless hours outside of practice on her game, and that’s what makes her the great player she is.”

The coach said DeLong and Barragy both hit the ball straight all day, but just weren’t able to find a rhythm in their putting games.

“They were a little frustrated in their rounds, even though they both managed to be in the top 10,” said Brinkman.  “Mattie also hit the ball pretty consistent today and only got into trouble a few holes.”

GHV Coach Todd Greiman called the Cardinals’ Regional outing as “bittersweet.”

“It was good to see Bailee and Carlee advance, but disappointing for the seniors.  I think nerves may have gotten the best of them.  They definitely did not play up to their potential and were disappointed about it.  But they need to look at the big picture— they recorded some very good team scores throughout the season and successfully defended their conference title.  Rachel Enright, Paige Penning, Kayla Leerar and Cassie Eichman have spent four years in the program and have made some huge contributions.  Filling their shoes next year will be extremely difficult,” said Greiman.

Penning posted a score of (60-52) 112.  Eichman was next with a (59-63) 122, followed by Enright’s (62-61) 123, and Leerar’s (74-67) 141.

Brinkman described Lake Panorama’s greens as big, so the Lions will focus on getting their putting down this week.

“I couldn’t be happier for these girls and what they have accomplished this season,” said Clear Lake Coach Adam Brinkman.  “They have worked extremely hard  and we are one step closer

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