Independence’s girls’ golf team opened the 2016 season by winning the Chagrin Valley Conference preseason tournament. On Tuesday the Blue Devils defeated Chagrin Falls, 167-206, to win the regular season title.
“Now we have to wrap up the postseason tournament,” said Independence coach Karl Schuld. “We were very happy today. It’s not our overall goal but sometimes we take it for granted how hard it is to win a conference championship and now we’re just one step away. That’s just one piece of the puzzle for us. Ultimately we want to put it all together and get to the state tournament.”
Sophia Trombetta shot even par 35 to win medalist honors.
“Sophia was very solid,” Schuld said. “She had one hole where a couple weird things happened with her putting but it was just an outstanding day for her. Anytime you can shoot even par or better on any course in America you’re playing pretty well.”
Lyndsay Blum bounced back with a 40.
“It was really good to have Lyndsay back today,” Schuld said. “She had her bounce back in her step. She hit her first iron shot awkwardly but after that everything was on. We all know how important Lyndsay is to our team so it was good to see her smiling again today.”
Maddie Harper finished with a 45 and Ginger Crist shot another season-low score with a 47.
“Maddie has been working so hard. She’s just a consistent kid and she keeps getting a little better and better. Her drives are more consistent. Once she gets that straightened out she’s pretty good from 100 yards in,” Schuld said. “Ginger shot another all-time low; that’s two in a row for her. She keeps getting more and more consistent. I look at her cards and they’re filled with fives and sixes. She’s just a sophomore so the future is really bright.”
Madeline Mindzora shot a 51 and Christina Tommer came in with a 52 for the Blue Devils, who travel to St. Joseph Academy on Thursday.
