Marian girls golfers qualify for state at Marist sectional

Marian Catholic struggled at times, but the Spartans played well enough to earn a return trip to the Class AA girls golf state finals.

Marian Catholic finished second Monday at the Marist Sectional at Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen with a 334.

Hinsdale Central won with 317 and Lyons Twp. was third (347). The top three teams and top 10 individuals on non-advancing teams qualify for the state meet this weekend at Hickory Point Golf Club in Forsyth.

Marian got a hug lift from sophomore Nina Nicpon, who shot an 80 and had the second-best performance by a Spartan.

"It feels real good to have a good day and to help my team," Nicpon said. "We really wanted to do well and get back to state."

Marian coach Linda Gilley said the sophomore from Cedar Lake gave the Spartans the lift they needed.

"Without Nina, we might not have finished second," Gilley said. "We had an up-and-down day and struggled at times, but Nina came through and our other golfers did what they had to do."

Nicpon said she had four 3-putts, but didn't let it bother her.

"I just told myself that I had to concentrate on the next hole, what is done is done," Nicpon said. "I went out there and was relaxed and had fun.

"I drove the ball real well today and I think that really helped me."

Sylvie Brick led the Spartans with a 78, followed by Nicpon and Bree Veazey (81).

"We're glad to be going back to state and we knew this would be a tough sectional," Gilley said. "We knew Hinsdale Central would be ahead of everyone."

Hinsdale Central's Rosanna Lederhausen was medalist with a 1-under par 70.

Homewood-Flossmoor's Katelyn Hoag qualified as an individual with an 83. The Vikings, who were state champs in 2009 and state runners-up last year, finished fifth with a 352.