Erin Hopkins
Erin Hopkins couldn’t have asked for a better score Tuesday.
The Columbus North senior fired a 1-under 34 to capture medalist honors. She led North to a season-best team score, but it wasn’t enough against No. 12 Batesville in a 166-176 loss at Harrison Lake Country Club.
Hopkins’ 1-under round Tuesday was her best nine-hole score at Harrison Lake.
“I played pretty good today,” said Hopkins. “My approach shots were a lot better than they were recently, which I think helped my score. All around, my shots, putts, drives, they were all pretty good.”
Hopkins finished her round strong by capturing birdies on two of the last three holes.
“She’s been playing really well, and I’m happy for her. She’s capable of this every time. She’s confident right now, and I just want her to keep it up,” North coach Scott Seavers said. “She’s a good player and good leader and I’m happy for her.”
Lindsey Hartwell finished with a 42 for North. Kara Buntin shot a 44, Harper Andresen carded a 56 and Anna Pavlov had a 58.
“So far with every match, we’ve gotten a little bit better,” Seavers said. “Today, I’m really happy with how Kara Buntin played. She improved her score nine strokes from (Monday), so she gets better and better as the year goes on, and I’m counting on her to do that. I’m happy for her, too.”
With this being their season-best score, there is still tons of potential for North to go even lower as they get toward the second half of the season and eventually the postseason.
“It’s all about peaking,” Seavers said. “We know Martinsville is good ,and they’re the favorites (in the Bloomington North Sectional), and we just want to concentrate on what we can do to make our scores better and be ready when the time comes.”
