Payton's Iwaoka takes Public League

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:30PM

Payton senior Kelsey Iwaoka walked off the 18th hole at Jackson Park Saturday with a sharp grimace and a steely look. Virtually too cold to talk, Iwaoka left her game relate the tale.

She shot a 41 to win her second consecutive Public League city golf title. Despite playing in horrendous conditions, a constant rain and severe wind, she started quickly and ended beautifully, registering pars on the first and third holes and punctuating her performance with a birdie.

Her score easily outdistanced Taft freshman Jenna Greco and Northside's Cecile Franke, who both shot 47. "The hot start helped give me a focus and I put off the weather," she said. "Fortunately, we were the first group out, so we didn't have to wait around for people. That also helped speed things up."

Iwaoka also powered the Grizzlies to their fourth consecutive city title. "It means a lot to me this year, to go out as a senior," Iwaoka said.

Payton also dominated with their depth. The Grizzlies had four players finish in the top ten and their team mark of 198 easily surpassed runner-up Taft's 216.

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