Marian Catholic girls golf team wins own invitational

FLOSSMOOR | The setting was made for comfort. Marian Catholic started off the 2011 season by hosting its own tournament at Coyote Run, its home course, with partly cloudy skies and a slight breeze.

Still, senior Sam Barlage put her expected level of play at a height that generated pressure.

"I'm happy I just didn't freak out with nerves, because I'm always nervous for this tournament," Barlage, Marian's No. 3 golfer, said. "Just because it's our home tournament, and I feel like we should do really, really well. It's just those little jitters that I get rid of on those bad holes."

The uneasiness wasn't too apparent for Barlage or the team as she pinned an 83 and the Marian girls took first place with a 320 score. Homewood-Flossmoor took second with a 338 total and Benet Academy posted a 347 in third place. Marian's other senior Sylvie Brick took top individual honors with a 1-over 72.

"It's nice to do well at our own invitational," Brick said. "Obviously, I know (the course) pretty well. I feel more comfortable here. We're surrounded by people who support us, and our parents can come out. It all sort of falls into place."

Marian coach Linda Gilley doesn't want her girls getting wrapped up in what opponents they face.

"We try to focus on the fact that you play the golf course," Gilley said. "If you can beat the golf course on any day or somebody else can, then you are excited for them. Your opponent is the golf course, not the other girls. That allows for the girls to be genuinely happy for somebody that has a good day."

Gilley believes the girls' active off-season was greatly beneficial.

"A lot of the girls have been playing summer tournaments all along, so they are already in the routine of that," Gilley said. "I was really pleased this summer."

Sarah Armstrong led the Vikings, who were second in Class AA last year, with an 82. Katleyn Hoag fired an 83.