By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic ‘Fightin Irish’ kicked off the 2021 prep girls golf season right where they left off last year: as champions.
The Irish, who played their way to back to back state championships in 2020, opened up the new season by capturing their own tournament, the Springfield Catholic Invitational, on Wednesday (Sept. 1) at the Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course.
Led by Lyla Louderbaugh’s 66, Reagan Zibilski’s 67 and Kyleigh Pfitzner’s 72 the Irish posted a 284 to claim this year’s title by 87 strokes. Rounding out the Irish’s scorecard was Celia Stiltner (79) and Reagan West (91).
Catholic’s 284 was also a state record for tournaments played on par 71 courses. The old record was 288, which was set by the Irish in 2019.
“Our kids have worked really hard this summer. They’re determined to get back to state this year and win again,” said head coach Frank Gallant. “They’re not sitting on their laurels, they want more.”
“These are a very special group of young girls. I think they could be even better than the team we had two years ago,” said Gallant. “I’m not taking anything away from the performance our girls had last year, but we have everybody back this year and they’re much better.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE TOURNAMENT
Irish senior Kyleigh Pfitzner says this year’s team is driven to bring a third state title back to Springfield Catholic.
“We’re all motivated to try and win another state championship,” said Pfitzner. “Our practices are much harder this year and we’re all pushing each other to get better. Everyone’s level of golf is pretty close so we get lots of competition from each other most every day. It keeps us working hard.”
That level of competition showed up big at the Springfield meet. This week Lyla Louderbaugh earned top medalist honors edging Reagan Zibilski, last year’s state individual champion, by a stroke.
“I’m not surprised at all that Lyla won,” said Gallant. “She’s worked hard for everything she’s accomplished and I’m very proud of her.”
“I played pretty good today. I made a lot of putts but I missed a few birdie opportunities too,” said Louderbaugh. “Overall though I was pretty happy with my game.”
Louderbaugh, the only junior on the Irish squad, fired a 31 on the front nine and a 35 on the backside in carding her five under par 66.
While she says she always feels like she can win when she tees up, there’s another reason she’s working so hard this year.
“Besides being state champions the past two years our team is very close,” said the Irish southpaw. “I want to make this the best year ever for my teammates. I want to help them win another state championship. They’re all seniors and next year they’ll be moving on so I want this year to be special for them.”
Next up for Springfield will be the Bolivar Invitational on Monday September 13.
SC Invitational Medalists
1. Lyla Lounderbaugh – 66 – Catholic
2. Regan Zibilski – 67 – Catholic
3. Kyleigh Pfitzner – 72 – Catholic
4. Emree Cameron – 72 – Nevada
5. Savannah Tessing – 72 – NCA
6. Mia Farrar – 78 – Nixa
7. Avery Chappel – 78 – Cassville
8. Marlee Edgeman – 78 – Marshfield
9. Celia Stiltner – 79 – Catholic
10. Maci Rogers – 89 – Branson
11. Kenadi Killingsworth – 89 – Mt. Vernon
12. Reagan West – 91 – Catholic
13. Madalyn Cook – 95 – Mt. Vernon
14. Josette McLaughlin – 95 – Clever
15. Elle Robinson – 95 – Bolivar
