Hampshire surprises at regional

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:28PM

Entering the Prairie Ridge Class AA Girls Golf Regional on Wednesday, Hampshire coach Sue Ellett thought her team was going to be fighting for one of the last qualifying spots.

It turned out the Whip-Purs won the whole thing. Led by medalist Connie Ellett, Hampshire shot 347 at 5,438-yard Prairie Isle to claim the first postseason girls golf championship in school history.

"It far surpassed my expectations," Sue Ellett said. "To be regional champions, from way out west in little Hampshire, we certainly are really pleased."

Hampshire edged Barrington by three shots and Crystal Lake's co-op also advanced after shooting 353 and prevailing on a fifth-score tiebreaker over Prairie Ridge.

To sweeten the victory, Connie and Taylor Ellett finished with the lowest scores of the day, 74 and 77, respectively. They were the only players to break 80 on the par-73 layout.

"Taylor and Connie go out and are thoroughbreds," their coach and mother said. "They have each done their role perfectly to a tee. They just get it done."

Hampshire also counted 92 from Jessie Van Dorin and 104 from Grace Jakubowski. They'll help lead the Hampshire contingent into Monday's Rockford Guilford Sectional.

"We are so steady," Connie said about her and her sister. "It's not like we go out there and make five birdies and then an eight. We take it one shot at a time."

Taylor Ellett made one birdie and five bogeys.

"I have to work on my chipping and putting," Taylor said. "You've always got to keep that sharp because that can save you even if you are not hitting the ball that great."

Jacobs shot 430 and placed seventh but senior Kelsey Woloszyk's season will continue. She shot 101 and was among 10 players not on qualifying teams to advance to sectional play.

Jacobs also counted 106 from Morgan Harvey, 109 from Kaitlyn Woloszyk and 114 from Ashley Morales.

Huntley, led by Holly Dryden's 104, tied for ninth with 442. The Red Raiders also counted 107 from Samantha Wightman, 112 from Danielle Smith and 119 from Roxy Kelly.

Dundee-Crown shot 504 to place last in the 11-team field. The Chargers counted 113 from Lauren Wendt, 120 from Alexis Howe, 130 from Andi Huml and 141 from Kirstin Kaufhold.

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