Dubsky, Trojans both take second place at Viking Invitational

VALPARAISO | As Harley Dubsky walked into the clubhouse at Aberdeen on Tuesday afternoon, a pair of rival golfers asked the Valparaiso sophomore what she shot in the first high school meet of the season.

Dubsky shrugged, frowned and responded with "just a 73."

The pair of golfers dropped their jaws at the thought of shooting just 1-over par at Aberdeen and then mumbled something about shooting in the mid-90's before scurrying away.

On Tuesday, Dubsky began her second season of high school golf just one shot behind Penn's Kari Bellville (72) for medalist honors, and the Vikings finished in fourth place at the 2011 Viking Invitational.

"I think I shot 85 at my first invite here last year, so this is an improvement," Dubsky said. "It was an up-and-down kind of day with a few birdies and few bogeys. Luckily I didn't do anything worse than a bogey."

Chesterton junior Kelly Grassel shot a 74 to lead the Trojans (336 strokes) to a second place finish, just seven shots behind Penn (329). Grassel and Dubsky have a friendly rivalry that will no doubt heat up as the season goes on this year.

"I felt pretty good out there today," Grassel said. "There is some stuff to work on; especially, I'd like to work on my short game."

Grassel and Dubsky have spent much of the summer garnering success on various golf tours, but both were happy to share the day with their teammates after competing as individuals for the past three months.

"It's nice being in a team event because you feel like you're playing for something," Grassel said. "When I'd see my coaches, I'd ask them how the other girls were doing out there. It's nice to be back with them."

All of the golfers had to deal with scorching temperatures, which slowed play considerably. The low elevation of Aberdeen's course kept the breeze at a minimum and the sun pounding down on the fairways.

"It's humid and hot and that makes it tough on everyone," Chesterton coach Dale Hewitt said. "I think all the girls shot a good number today, but the heat plays a role into everything."