Golf: Pioneer tops Skyline in battle of SEC undefeated teams during quad-match
The Pioneer girls’ golf team knew they would have to shoot a strong round to remain undefeated in the SEC especially with the talented Skyline Eagles standing undefeated next to them on the tee.
The two Ann Arbor schools, along with Tecumseh and Adrian, teed it up for an SEC quad match at Lake Forest Golf Club on Wednesday afternoon. And the Pioneers did exactly what they needed to – and then some – shooting a season-best 162 to chip three more wins into the win column.
The Eagles fired a solid 185 to finish second while Tecumseh was third (199) and Adrian fourth (228).
“It was a great day for Pioneer at Lake Forest,” said Pioneer Coach Bill Lyle. “It was our best round of the year and a big three wins.
“We played great, and I’m excited for the upward trend and momentum. We are starting to see a lot of confidence and excitement in our players.”
Senior Amaya Melendez overcame a double bogey to fire a 36 for the Pioneers. “She didn’t let the double bogey or a bogey bother her,” Lyle said. “She made several birdies to get to even par.”
Sophomore Mackenzie Rooney fired a career-low 36 to join her talented teammate at the top of the scorecard.
Junior Hayley Marchand fired a 44, and senior Jillian Giordano and freshman Alex Ellender both carded a 46. Sophomore Alysa Zhu shot a 49 for the Pioneers.
The Eagles also had a good day on the links.
“What a beautiful day to play golf today,” said Skyline Coach Ashley Mantha. “Our undefeated SEC season came to an end, unfortunately, but we took victories over Tecumseh and Adrian.”
The two wins improve Skyline’s record to 9-1 in the SEC.
Junior Adie Maki fired a team-best 36 for the Eagles. Seniors Grace Hescheles and Alison Marshall both fired a 49. Freshman Reva Patchava shot a 51, junior Riya Patchava carded a 52 and senior Katie Maugh shot a 56 for Skyline.
Tecumseh seniors Sophie Whelan (42) and Ella Corson (49) led the Indians. Sophomore Quinn Hale led Adrian with a 52.
PHOTO: Senior Amaya Melendez fired an even-par 36 for the Pioneers. Photo by Terry Jacoby
