Dowagiac’s Whitaker wins playoff to qualify for state finals
Published 9:06 am Tuesday, October 8, 2019
- Dowagiac’s Greta Whitaker (left) earned a spot in the state finals by winning a one-hole playoff Monday. Whitaker shot 94 to lead the Chieftains. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)
NILES — Host Niles, Dowagiac and Edwardsburg were unable to quality for the Division 3 state finals on Monday.
Marshall captured the regional championship at Orchard Hills Country Club as it shot 381 to easily outdistance runner-up Charlotte, which shot 401. Plainwell was the third and final team to qualify for the state finals, which will be held at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University Oct. 18-19. The Trojans shot 414.
The Vikings missed qualifying on their home course by a single stroke as they shot a 414.
Dowagiac senior Greta Whitaker tied Lauren Reed of Battle Creek Harper Creek for the third and final individual spot for the state finals.
Whitaker earned the final individual spot as she won the first playoff hole.
“I’m still shaking,” Whitaker said. “[Reaching the green with several strokes to give] made it a little easier because I knew I had it. That was my mind set, but I was still super nervous.”
Dowagiac coach Bob Turner was disappointed with the outcome as a team, but pleased for his senior.
“I can’t even talk,” she said. “They are done. I wanted so bad for them to go as a team. They have been so close three out of the four years, but Greta winning the playoff put a smile on everybody’s face.
Also qualifying were Pat Grau, who earned medalist honors with an 87. Allegan’s Emma Franklin was the second qualifier with a 93.
Niles coach Dan Brawley was equally disappointed that his team missed qualifying by a single stroke.
“I always tell the kids that every shot counts,” he said. “Today that was right in front of us.”
DIVISION 3 REGIONAL
At Orchard Hills C.C.
Medalist
Pat Grau, Otsego – 87
Team scores
Marshall 381, Plainwell 413, Charlotte 401, Niles 414, Dowagiac 431, Battle Creek Harper Creek 433, Otsego 447, South Haven 453, Lakeshore 464, Edwardsburg 472, Three Rivers 476, Allegan 488, Vicksburg 512
Niles results
Willow Brawley 100, Skylar Brawley 99, Maddie Lister 120, Sophie Hoover 98, Shelby Jaynes 117
Dowagiac results
Rebecca Franklin 96, Greta Whitaker 94, Lynsie Stolpe 123, Calley Ruff 118, Anna Ironside 147
Edwardsburg results
Ashley Low 118, Sara Casey Liberty Hunsberger 155, Autumn Sawyer 118, Aleia Pompey 119
