Emma McGreal shot a career-best 42 to lead Independence to a 199-225 win over visiting Orange at Shawnee Hills Golf Course on Thursday.
McGreal outdueled Orange’s Emma Briskin, who shot 44, to claim medalist honors.
“She’s really stepping it up,” said Independence coach Karl Schuld of McGreal. “She kept her composure and played a really nice match with Emma Briskin from Orange, a very solid player. They both went at it and both had some really good shots. It was good for her because it’s the first time she really played with pressure. She said afterward that it was really nerve-wracking because it was like match play.”
McGreal countered a few errant tee shots with solid work around the green and a birdie on the seventh hole.
“When you put well and chip well you’re going to score well,” Schuld said.
Allie Ksiazka finished with a 47 for the Blue Devils.
“She continues to play really steady golf for us,” Schuld said. “She came off after the ninth hole and said, ‘Man, if it wasn’t for the putting.’ She has worked really hard as of late and is striking the ball much better. Her scores are starting to be much more consistent.”
Hannah Botzman came in with a 54 for Independence.
“Hannah is right around that 53, 54, 55 range, which is really good,” Schuld said. “She’s steady out there. She doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and her approach game is very good. If we can get a little more length off the tee she’ll score much better.”
Morgan Pascarella and Alexis Kovezdi both shot 56 to round out the scoring for the Blue Devils.
Orange dropped to 6-1 with the loss.
Leah Laisure carded a 58 for the Lions while Noelle Laisure finished one stroke behind at 59. Jessica Hudson-Terpin and Casey Hart closed out Orange’s scoring with a 64.
