Independence opened the defense of its Division II state title on Saturday at the Kent Roughrider Invitational.
The Blue Devils, who finished in eighth place overall, were highlighted by sophomore Allie Ksiazka’s hole in one on the fifth hole, a 137-yard par 3 at Twin Lakes Country Club.
“Allie threw her club in the air and screamed, ‘I quit,’” said Independence coach Karl Schuld. “I was very pleased today. Obviously, Allie stole the show with a hole in one, but we went out and established a baseline for us to work from for future events.”
Junior Emma McGreal paced the Blue Devils with a 91 while sophomore Morgan Pascarella finished with a 94. Ksiazka shot a 95, junior Alexis Kovesdi carded a 115 and senior Hannah Botzman came in with a 120.
“Emma and Allie both shot Independence career lows,” Schuld said. “Morgan finished strong with several pars while Alexis and Hannah fought hard all day in their first varsity event. Twin Lakes is a tough course. There are not many flat areas on the course and the greens are very sloped. We are young and we will improve. I talked to the girls about fighting for every stroke and I think we need to improve in that area. Overall, it was a good first outing. We now have some experience headed into next week’s CVC preseason tournament.”
The Blue Devils and the rest of the Chagrin Valley Conference will compete at St. Denis Golf Course in Chardon on Monday.
