Tribe qualifies for state golf meet

Tecumseh’s varsity girl's golf team punched their ticket for the Division 3 State Championship Tournament by finishing third at Linden’s Spring Meadows Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Division 3, Regional 14 meet. Only the top three teams advance to state competition. Chelsea won the regional championship with a score of 373 while Jackson Northwest carded 374 to finish second.“We were on pins and needles waiting for the last scores to come in today because we were on the bubble,” said Tecumseh coach Kerry Smith, “But when the final scores finally rolled in, we were all relieved and then elated. For the past few years these girls have been so close to making the state tournament as a team and they finally did it. I am so proud of and excited for them.” Tecumseh scored 375 to place third. The Indians’ closest competitor was 12 strokes down with Linden scoring 387.Other teams participating include DeWitt, Clio, Haslett, Parma Western, Corunna, South Lyon East, Bay City John Glenn, Eaton Rapids and Charlotte.Lindon’s Julie Guckian was the low scorer at the par-72 course with 83 while Tecumseh’s Paige Watkins and Jackson Northwest’s Kelsey Gough each medaled by carded 84s for the day.Coach Smith commented that the temperatures warmed up in the afternoon but heavy winds blew in and became a factor.“You really had to play the wind,” Smith said. “If the wind was at your back, the girls were clubbing down by two and still hitting it over the green. If you had a crosswind or it was in your face, punch shots were the way to go and thankfully we’ve been practicing those quite a bit.”Tecumseh’s Becca Nowak tied for eighth overall by recording 92 while Carley LaPlant tied for 10 with 94. Tecumseh’s Leigh Kapnick shot 105 while Anneka Hart finished with 125.The Division 3 State Final will be played on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20, at Bedford Valley in Augusta, near Battle Creek.