The Columbus North girls golfers didn’t put together as solid an outing as they did in Monday’s Conference Indiana Tournament, but that didn’t stop them from putting together a victory on senior night.
Freshman Nathaly Munnicha fired a 2-over-par 38 to lead the third-ranked Bull Dogs to a 160-191 win Tuesday against Columbus East at Harrison Lake Country Club in what could be the first of three meetings between the two teams this week.
“I’m not displeased because I think the course is a little bit harder than what we played (Monday), and I think the conditions were much tougher tonight, being wet, cold and windy,” said North coach Scott Seavers, whose team won the Conference Indiana Tournament on Monday with a 306 at Timbergate.
With a shotgun start Tuesday, Munnicha began on No. 5. She triple-bogeyed that hole, then three-putted No. 6.
Munnicha then played her final seven holes in 2-under par.
“I’m actually kind of happy with my score because I didn’t start off that well,” Munnicha said. “I was like, ‘Oh man,’ but then I came back with three birdies later, so I’m happy that I didn’t give up. (Monday) was kind of rough for me, so I’m getting my confidence back.”
Danbi Kim carded a 39 for the Bull Dogs. Julia Luken added a 41, Alex Munnicha and Annie Anderson each shot 42 and Molly Donnell had a 44.
Lily Shelp led the Olympians with a 45. Autumn Fateley carded a 46, Lauren Steinwedel added a 48, Morgan Harrison shot 52, Katie Brunn had a 53 and Ellie Buntin finished with a 58.
“It was obviously not our best night, but I always think it’s hard coming from school with no practice range, no driving range and getting loose,” East coach Troy Buntin said. “It’s difficult to get into it, but looking at the scores, for the most part, we got better as the match went on. But it’s Tuesday, we have all week to practice, and we’ll be ready for sectional.”
The sectional is Saturday at Greensburg Country Club, and North and East are paired with host Greensburg. The Bull Dogs are scheduled to play a dual match tonight at Greensburg. The Olympians are scheduled for a dual match Thursday at Greensburg, so if tonight’s match is rained out, North may join East and the Pirates for Thursday’s match.
Tuesday was senior night for three Bull Dog seniors — Kim, Luken and Donnell. The trio have helped North go 41-2 in dual matches over the past four years. Kim and Luken have been a part of three state finalist teams so far.
“They’re just fabulous students and people,” Seavers said. “They’re nice young ladies who represent Columbus North and our program in a way that makes me really proud.”
