CHENEY, Kan.—
Buhler high school has given notice that it wants to win back-to-back state girls golf championships.After a decisive win at the Cheney Invitational on Monday, they proved they are well in contention.
Buhler head coach Brennan Torgerson is mighty proud of his Crusader squad, and adding to the sweetness of the victory is that his daughter, Taryn Torgerson, was the gold medalist. Taryn shot a 38 on the front nine and matched that on the back for a tally of 76 amid strong winds that swept the competition at Cherry Oaks Golf Course.
“It’s very rewarding,” said coach Torgerson. “It’s a neat experience to be able to come out and spend time with her. Here, it’s all about team, but with her being a part of this team and being a part of the state championship team from last year was a lot of fun,”
Coming in second was teammate Maggie Starr, who shot an 86. Starr carded 44 on the front nine and 42 on the back. Hannah Balding was fifth for the Crusaders with 92 strokes.
Experience is on Buhler’s side, as they have four returners from last year’s squad.
“I think all four of those who are returning in the end will be better than they were a year ago,” said coach Torgerson. “I thought Maggie Star and Hanna Balding played very well, and of course Taryn posted a great score and the conditions were tough and the course played tough today. Taryn would probably tell you she didn’t putt well. She shot 76 with 35 putts, but I thought she did a really nice job battling the course and keeping her focus. I’m really pleased with our team score.”
The father knows his daughter well, as she mentioned she wasn’t satisfied with her putting.
“I didn’t putt very well at all today,” said Taryn. “I had trouble getting off the tee today. My driver -- I was everywhere. But I did a good job coming back and making something good of whatever I had got myself into.”
Having finished third as an individual at the state championships in 2011, Taryn is hoping to not only bring the team title back to Buhler, but to claim the individual title as well.
“I have a goal of getting the individual title,” said Taryn. “We’re hosting state at our home course in Hesston, so the setup’s perfect. I just got to go out and relax and play like I know I can.”
Second-place Andover was paced by Ashley Teinert, who shot a 44 on the front nine and a 46 on the back for a 90 score.
A returning player from the Andover squad that placed third in Class 5A a year ago, Teinert said they were hoping for the title in Cheney, but she was still satisfied with the outcome.
“I was happier than I thought I’d be,” said Teinert. “It’s a tougher course and the weather made it hard, so I’m happy with how things turned out,”
Andover had four of the top ten medalists. Haley Meisch was sixth with 95, Paige Schlitter was ninth with 98, and Alexa Wasinger was tenth with 99.
Andale finished third as a team, with two top-ten medalists.
Other schools competing were host Cheney, Pretty Prairie, Mulvane, Andover Central, Pratt, Medicine Lodge, Nickerson and Kingman.
