Girls Golf: Lincoln-Way East in the Swing in tournament
By Logan Malloy For Sun-Times Media September 15, 2012 9:46PM
Lincoln-Way East's Kelly Sterling enjoys the long walk to the cup after making a challenging putt. | Allen Cunningham~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 15, 2012 1:38AM
With 128 players competing for 26 teams, Providence’s 24th annual Celtic Swing has become a measuring stick for the postseason.
On Saturday at the South and East nines of Broken Arrow, it was Lincoln-Way East looking primed for a prolonged playoff run.
East, led by third-place finisher Kelly Sterling’s 4-over 76, captured third with a 346, trailing only Hinsdale Central (317) and Lyons (327), two 2011 state finalists.
“This is absolutely (a place to gauge yourself),” East coach Mary McGivern said. “Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township feed into our sectional, so this was good for us to see where we’re at.”
McGivern credited her team’s competitiveness as a major reason for success. She was quick to point out her job is made easier with a player of Sterling’s ability leading the lineup card.
Sterling’s round included a 35 over the East course, the top score of any nine holes.
“I had six birdies, but then I had doubles and a lot of bogeys, so I was up and down,” Sterling said. “My score ended up working out, but I’m not used to that. Usually I par most of my holes. That’s the most birdies I’ve ever hit.”
Seniors Hannah Petraitis (85) and Katie Reno (88) also played well for the Griffins.
“I couldn’t have asked for a greater group of girls,” McGivern said. “It’s not a job for me. I enjoy and cherish every moment because it’s been a special season.”
Providence (366), propelled by Maggie Corso’s 83, took sixth.
Sandburg (384) was 10th (ninth in the Gold Division) and Lemont (398) finished 12th.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Divinity Stevens won the Longest Drive contest.
Sandburg sophomore Frankie Saban was the only other Southland athlete to finish in the top 10. Saban’s 81 placed her 10th.
“Out of all these schools, I’m really happy I placed in the top 10 and it gives me a good boost going into conference and regionals,” Saban said.
