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Area golfers in girls state title hunt

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Delaney Conrad, a Southeast Valley junior, putts during last year’s Webster County golf championship.

Southeast Valley junior standout Delaney Conrad joins Humboldt and Bishop Garrigan as competitors spread out around Iowa at state golf meets beginning Tuesday.

Conrad will compete in Class 2A at the Ames Golf and Country Club, with the Wildcats headed to Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny for 3A.

The Golden Bears are set for the 1A meet in Marshalltown at the American Legion Golf Course.

Conrad, who qualified for state as a sophomore last spring and finished seventh overall, recorded the lowest round of her career with a 70 to claim a regional final title. The defending women’s Webster County champion had six birdies and eight pars on the round in Garner.

“I’m trying my best to not get in my own head and expect too much out of myself,” Conrad said. “Obviously I am thrilled to have shot such a great round at regional finals, but I don’t want to expect state to go the same.

“I am truly hoping to just play my game. As long as I stay solid and do that, I will be happy with whatever place I get.”

On the year, Conrad’s adjusted nine/18 hole score ranks 10th in the state overall and second in 2A behind New Hampton’s Allison Nuss. Nuss also carded a 70 earlier this year.

“As far as my past experiences, every round (played) will help,” Conrad said. “I’ve definitely had highs and lows this year, but all have taught me to just keep breathing and not get ahead of myself.

“The last couple years, I’ve definitely become a stronger golfer mentally. I hope to keep this strength with me during state.”

Humboldt’s Frances Carlson scored a regional title with a round of 82 as the Wildcats also won team gold with a 352 overall.

Nora Carlson and Kelly Boleyn tied for fourth at regionals with 88s as Kenzie McCarten added a 94.

Coming into state, Humboldt ranks sixth in 3A for adjusted scoring, with Frances Carlson sitting 12th and Nora Carlson 18th. Dubuque Wahlert is the team favorite, with Gilbert’s Britta Snyder the individual leader.

Garrigan’s adjusted team score ranks second in 1A behind only East Buchanan. Both teams have played four 18-hole tournaments, with East Buchanan averaging just under 378 and the Golden Bears at 386.5.

“Our goal is to play well and if we can do that, the score will speak for itself at the end of the second day,” BGHS head coach Jared Montag said. “We have two freshmen and two sophomores in our lineup and they have gotten better every day.

“We also benefit from the fact that on any given day, we could get six good scores — which I feel is a luxury most teams don’t have.”

At regionals, Garrigan claimed a team title over Alta/Aurelia with Ava Eisenbarth finishing as the runner-up.

Last year, the Golden Bears were seventh overall. Isabella Capesius tied for 23rd and Anna Berke tied for 30th.

Capesius has qualified for state three times with Madison Illg and Kelly Baade making their second appearance.

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