Golfers stay atop BRC

• Wildcat Kacey Simone

Wildcat senior Kacey Simone hits her approach shot into the ninth green in a steady rain Thursday at a Big Rivers Conference mini meet at the River Falls Golf Club. Simone carded a round of 43 to help the Cats to a first place team finish. Bob Burrows photo

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Three Wildcats finished in the top four to help the Cats stay undefeated in Big Rivers Conference play at a soggy BRC mini meet Thursday at the River Falls Golf Club.

Mari Pechacek took second with a score of 42 and Kacey Simone and Halle Hauer tied for third with 43 each to lead the Cats to a first place score of 184, nine strokes better than second place Hudson. Hudson’s Cassi Wurm earned medalist honors with a score of 37.

“I think the top three, Mari, Kacey and Halle, did a nice job keeping their scores within their average,” Wildcat coach Deb Meyer said. “The weather continued to worsen as the day went on, so I think that may have factored in a touch to their scores — primarily around the greens — as they were very slow.”

Katie Byron finished with a 56 to round out the Wildcats’ team score while Ellise Heiman finished with 59. 

“Katie had an out-of-bounds on the first hole and had to take a two stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball, and that got into her head right off the bat,” Meyer said. “Ellise has been struggling with her swing lately and hasn’t been able to score as I know she can, so that has been a challenge for her.”

Thursday, at a triangular with New Richmond and Hudson a the New Richmond links course, Hauer edged Hudson’s Wurm by one stroke for medalist honors with a 39 as the Cats edged New Richmond by two strokes for first place.

“Halle had a great day, considering she had a nine and was still able to finish under 40,” Meyer said. 

Simone carded a 42, Pechacek came in with 45 and Byron shot 49 to give the Cats a team total of 175. 

Meyer said Pechacek and Simone have provided the steady, senior leadership the team needs so far this season.

“Mari and Kacey have been solid in their numbers — their experience, leadership and talents are such a great asset to our team,” the coach said.

Tags: sports, prep, wildcats, golf