Columbus East bounced back from a close loss to Batesville on Monday to claim a 201-235 win over Hoosier Hills Conference foe Jennings County in Tuesday’s dual match at Otter Creek Golf Course.
Olympians senior Lauren Steinwedel claimed medalist honors by shooting a 48, but she says she left a lot of strokes on the course.
"Honestly, I’m kind of disappointed in myself because I could have been in the low 40s," Steinwedel said. "I struggled with putting, and I’ve been over-swinging a lot lately, so that definitely messes up my balance. I know I should have done better, but I can deal with it. It’s OK."
Harley Gant was right behind Steinwedel, finishing off her round on a high note by chipping in for birdie on her final hole to finish with a 49. Peyton Meier and Katie Hong each shot 52 to round out the East team scoring.
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Other Olympian scores were Cristen Martinez with a 57, Avery Brooks with a 64 and Mattie Shoaf with a 67.
"A 201 is OK. I think that they are a little disappointed because we played so well Saturday (in the Greensburg Invitational). Getting back to school is tough. They have a long day, and then they get out here," East coach Troy Buntin said. "You have kids here where golf season is the only time they are committed to golf full-time. They play well one time and expect it all the time, but every day is different. You have to adjust, but we’ll get better.
"Their body language looks like they’re shooting a lot, and then they come in, and they’re high 40s. That’s good, but they’re disappointed, but we have to move on. I always say that the only shot you have to think about is the next one."
For the Panthers, Ellie Hearne led with a 50. Sophia Curry added a 54, Emy Ralston shot 62 and Abby Rowlett had a 69.
It’s a step back from their team-best 213 score Monday against Floyd Central at St. Anne’s, but coach Alejandro Galvan said the team is still making strides.
"They’ve been improving until today. They had a little trouble with the hazards out here, the water and the sand," Galvan said. "They’re still trying hard, even though their scores are a little higher tonight. We have a long week, so they’re probably getting a little bit worn down a bit. They played hard, and they’re doing OK."
