Sports
GBN Girls Golf Team Advances to Sectionals
The Spartans finished third in their regional to advance as a team for the first time since 2004.
Competing against familiar foes, the Glenbrook North girls golf team advanced to sectionals as a team for the first time since 2004.
The top three teams advanced to sectional play and the Spartans knew it would be a close race to advance.
GBN beat out Glenbrook South by 12 strokes for third in the Maine South Regional, which took place at Mt. Prospect Golf Club.
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The Spartans posted a 350, finishing behind New Trier (316) and Loyola (327).
"They've played good all year," GBN coach Pat Walker said. "It's nice to see them rewarded in the regionals.
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"I knew that it would be pretty close between us, Glenbrook South and Maine South based on our competition all year. I knew we had a good shot if the girls just hung in there, kept their composure and played the way they're capable of and they did so I'm very pleased."
The top four teams in the standings were grouped together in foursomes so the teams were able to track each other's progress.
Jill Saiki led the way with an 84, including a 40 on the back nine. Sophomore Ashley Hong posted an 86. Saiki and Hong both qualified for sectionals last year as individuals.
"We're just happy to move on because we haven't advanced as a team since I've been here," Saiki said.
Saiki and Hong had the top scores for the Spartans, but it was GBN's depth that helped them to advance. Ha Yon Yoon shot an 88 and fellow senior Stephanie Vincent shot a 92.
Dakota Karson shot a 94, impressive for a sophomore, and Chanel Chasnov shot a 103. Neither score counted towards the team's total since only the top four rounds are used.
"Last year we were so close, but this year we made it so I'm so glad we made it together," Hong said.
Both Hong and Saiki mentioned how fast the greens were, but said they were able to adjust.
"At the beginning I was struggling because the greens are really fast, but then I was able to read it and get used to the greens," Saiki said.
The last time Glenbrook North advanced to sectionals as a team, in 2004, they shot a 369 so this round was very impressive for the Spartans.
The sectional tournament will take place Monday at Willow Crest Golf Course in Oak Brook.
