SEYMOUR – Bedford North Lawrence sophomore Kinleigh Root carded a career-best 34 while powering the 17th-ranked Stars to wins over Seymour and Jennings County during girls golf action on the front nine at Shadowood on Tuesday.
With Root posting 2-under to earn medalist honors, BNL fired a team total of 163. The Owls were second with 194, and the Panthers finished with 228.
Root’s impeccable round included seven pars and two birdies (the fifth and ninth holes). Her recent practice sessions and focus on her game paid off, and repeating her favorite Bible scripture (Phil. 4:13) in her head before every shot kept her calm.
“I was super locked in and not worrying about anything,” Root said. “I was just aiming for par on every hole. I didn’t want to make a bogey. I’ve been spending hours a day to get everything right.”
Chloe McFaddin birdied the ninth to cap her round of 40, and Kenley Craig added a 42. Ellie Horton completed the scoring for the Stars with 47.
“I’m incredibly proud of Kinleigh’s round,” BNL coach Kori Johnston said. “With her big drives, solid irons and improving short game, she has the potential to be dangerous on the course.
“We’re going to take advantage of some practice time tomorrow to work on some swings so we are dialed in for our first home match.”
Emmy Followell paced Seymour with a 45.
BNL will finally makes it home debut on Thursday, hosting Bloomington South.
BNL 163, Seymour 194, Jennings County 228
BNL – Chloe McFaddin 40, Kenley Craig 42, Kinleigh Root 34, Ellie Horton 47, Sammie Nusbaum 48
Seymour – Katie Cottrill 47, Emmy Followell 45, Shana Spray 50, Emily Windley 52, Caroline Dennis 58
Jennings County – Lauren Galvan 50, Shelby Davis 54, Dakota Carr 62, Imilia Gresham 68, Ashlyn Hopkins 62
