Columbus East sophomore Harley Gant shot a career-best 43, that included three birdies, in Thursday’s girls golf match with Shelbyville at Otter Creek.
Gant’s teammate, senior Lauren Steinwedel, tied her with a round of 43, and they were co-medalists in the Olympians 192-212 victory.
“Over the last week, I’ve been practicing a lot more,” Gant said. “The practice has showed off in my last few rounds. I’m pretty happy with what has happened.”
Gant started her round with a triple-bogey and a double-bogey. She bounced back with birdies on holes 3 and 4. She eventually posted her third birdie on No. 8.
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“Three birdies is great. She had three birdies and shoots a career-best 43, it really shows a lot of growth in her game,” East coach Troy Buntin said. “She started off triple-bogey, double-bogey, and in the past, that would let her get down, but her game is growing not only talent, but mentally that she is overcoming those bad shots. She then puts up two birdies (in a row) and it lifts her spirits up. I’ve seen a lot of growth from Harley this year.”
Steinwedel started out pretty consistent with four straight pars, but then a couple double-bogeys on holes 5 and 9 cost her from putting up a great score.
“I started off pretty strong through the first four holes, and then something switched, and then it started going downhill,” Steinwedel said. “I just kept saying to myself, ‘Be confident, and just follow through on your shots.’ Then everything just worked out, and I trusted myself.”
Buntin also is starting to see some consistency with Steinwedel.
“I think she is getting more confident in her putting. She started off four pars in a row, and then she got a couple bad bounces out there,” Buntin said. “Anytime when you can shoot 43, it’s good. Anytime our girls can shoot under bogey-golf, you have to feel pretty good.”
Peyton Meier added a 51 for the Olympians, and Katie Hong finished with a 55. Mattie Shoaf carded a 56, Cristen Martinez added a 60 and Avery Brooks had a 63.
“They’re young players. My 4, 5 and 6 are first-time varsity players, and they’re part-time golfers,” Buntin said. “Katie is a freshman, and Mattie and Cristen are sophomores. They have their ups and downs like all new golfers would. The more you get out here, the more experience you get, the better you get at it.”
Steinwedel also has seen a lot of growth with the team.
“I think we are all improving pretty well,” Steinwedel said. “We have sectional coming up. I think we have a really good chance of getting through and going to regional and competing. I’m excited to see where we go.”
