Loyola rolls to sectional championship

Updated: October 11, 2011 7:12PM

Loyola picked the perfect time to play the best golf in program history.

The Ramblers shot a best-ever 308 to capture the sectional championship Tuesday at Cog Hill Golf Club’s No. 1 course.

“They are in a good space now,” Loyola coach Jim Jackimiec said. “But they know now we start over. What we did out here doesn’t matter this weekend.

“But I have no reservations on what they can do. If they were a stock, I would buy.”

Isabelle Kane headlined Loyola in Lemont with her 2-over 74 and was the runner-up to Wheaton Warrenville South’s Emily Johnson, who shot 72.

Nina Puch posted a 75, while Taylor Gentzkow carded a 78. Caroline Newell, the medalist at last week’s regional tournament, and Teddi Weigel each shot 81.

Katie Boesen, Loyola’s final entry, wasn’t feeling well enough to play Tuesday. Jackimiec hopes to have her back for the state tournament at Hickory Point Golf Club in Decatur.

New Trier also advanced as a team Tuesday after shooting 315 to take third place. Wheaton Warrenville South shot 309 to finish second to the Ramblers.

“All of us are capable of going low,” said Trevians’ Callie Nelson, who topped the team with her 76. “It’s all about the team now. I just want to help the team score well.”

Elizabeth Szokol followed Newell with a 79, while Nerissa Derenberg and Ellie McGuire both shot 80s.

“Our No. 1 priority was to qualify for the state tournament,” New Trier coach Scott Fricke said. “Would it have been nice to win a sectional championship? Of course. But the important thing is we are in good shape to win a state championship.”

Like Nelson, Kane also played it safe Tuesday.

“I just made sure to hit a lot of greens,” Kane said of her one-birdie round. “We’re in great position as a team right now.”

Maine South also shot a program-best round Tuesday, but the Hawks’ 343 wasn’t enough to advance.

Leia Atas will play another two rounds of golf this season. The Maine South freshman fired a career-best 80 to move on as an at-large qualifier. She punctuated her round with a birdie at the par-4 18th.

“Remarkable round of golf,” Hawks coach Jeff Hamann said. “We are all so excited for her. And to hit three good shots on the final hole in that setting for a freshman was exciting. I’m so proud of her.

“I’m proud of all of players. As a coach, all you ask for is for them to play their best at the end of the season. They did that.”

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