Middleton's girls golfers headed back to state
Error message
- Notice: Undefined index: taxonomy_term in similarterms_taxonomy_node_get_terms() (line 518 of /home/middleton/www/www/sites/all/modules/similarterms/similarterms.module).
- Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in similarterms_list() (line 221 of /home/middleton/www/www/sites/all/modules/similarterms/similarterms.module).
- Notice: Undefined offset: 1 in similarterms_list() (line 222 of /home/middleton/www/www/sites/all/modules/similarterms/similarterms.module).
The beat goes on.
And boy, what a rhythm it’s been.
Middleton’s girls golf team finished second at the Oregon Sectional on Tuesday and clinched a spot at the WIAA Division 1 state tournament for the 13th straight year.
DeForest won the sectional title held at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus with a 321 team score. Middleton was second with a 329, while Oregon (341), Verona (353) and Waunakee (353) rounded out the top five at the eight-team regional.
Only the top two teams qualified for state, which will be held Monday and Tuesday at University Ridge.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team for securing a spot at state,” Middleton coach Becky Halverson. “The girls have shown remarkable dedication and teamwork throughout the season, and this is a testament to all of their hard work.”
Middleton will be making its 25th overall trip to state, which ranks third in state history behind only Brookfield Central (31) and Homestead (27). Since 2012 — when the Cardinals’ current streak of consecutive state tournament appearances began — Middleton has been first at state three times, second on three occasions and third four times.
This Middleton team will be challenged to post another top-three finish at a tournament where DSHA is the overwhelming favorite and Hartland Arrowhead is considered the top challenger.
But the Cardinals are thrilled to have another chance to chase greatness.
“Heading into the state tournament, our goal is to play confidently and consistently, focusing on each shot and supporting one another,” Halverson said. “We aim to represent Middleton with pride and give it our all on the course. We’re excited for the challenge and grateful for the opportunity to compete at state.”
Junior Annika Jafferis, Middleton’s No. 1 player, had a strong day at sectionals with a 6-over par, 78 that was good for second place individually. Jafferis had a steady front nine where she shot 38, then carded a 40 on the back nine that included a birdie at the par-4, 13th hole.
Junior Addie Sloan gave the Cardinals a lift from the No. 5 spot in the lineup with an 83. Sloan made birdies on both sides, sprinkled in eight pars and finished in a tie for eighth individually.
Junior Sydney Weiss also tied for eighth with an 83 that included birdies on both nines. And seniors Maddy Wilcox and Emily Utter both carded 85s that were good for 11th individually.
Middleton was also second at the Reedsburg Regional on Oct. 1.
DeForest was first with a 333, while the Cardinals were second at 335. Waunakee (355) and Madison West (387) also advanced to sectionals.
Weiss led Middleton with an 80, which was good for third place individually. Weiss was extremely steady throughout her day with 11 pars, six bogeys and one double bogey.
Jafferis was fourth individually with an 82. Jafferis birdied holes No. 1 and 15 and shot a 40 on the back nine.
Utter carded an 86 that was good for fifth individually, while senior Maddy Wilcox shot an 87 that was eighth individually.
“Regionals were a battle and we narrowly missed out on first place,” Halverson said. “That said, I’m proud of how the girls performed under pressure and in some windy conditions. Every shot mattered, and they stayed focused throughout.”