Golf: Pioneer on course for a big finish – top Dexter, Skyline in tri-match

In a close race to the clubhouse featuring three outstanding golf programs, Pioneer edged Dexter and Skyline in an SEC Red tri-match on Wednesday at Lake Forest Golf Club. Pioneer fired a team score of 170 while Dexter finished just nine strokes back with a 179. Skyline was a close third with a 190.

“Right now, we are eighth in the state by stroke average,” said Pioneer Coach Bill Lyle. “We are getting better every day and are peaking as we head toward the conference championship, regionals and states. I think if we keep improving and play to our potential, we can get top three in the state.”

Pioneer had two players at the top of their scorecard. Senior Mackenzie Rooney and junior Alex Ellender each shot a 41 to lead the Pioneers. Sophomore Kyra Kahana and senior Alysa Zhu each shot a 44. Junior Madison Kohn carded a 65 while sophomore Maddie Gaines had a 67.

The young Dreadnaughts were led by a pair of freshman at the top of their scorecard. Avery Manning had the best round of the day among the three teams. The freshman fired an outstanding 40 for Dexter. Fellow freshman Millie Truesdell carded a solid 43. Sophomore Eleni Michos and junior Marissa Genske each had a 48 for the Dreads. Junior Shelby Waltz carded a 50 and senior Olivia Napolitan had a 53.

The Eagles also landed some impressive scores on their scorecard. Senior Helen Kucinski carded a 44 to lead Skyline. Junior Reva Patchava shot a 47, and junior Alana Eisman fired a 49. Junior Ali O’Brien and freshman Vedha Kakarla each shot a 50 and senior Val Rutte shot a 54.

The SEC Invitational is Sept. 28 at Rolling Meadows and is hosted by Pinckney.