New Trier junior Rachel Rhee, seen here in the league meet, shot an 83 to take sixth in the regional meet. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
Led by Penelope Tir, Abbie Kaestle and Rachel Rhee, host New Trier shot a 332 to win a Class 2A regional title at the Winnetka Golf Club on Oct. 5. The Trevians finished four strokes better than runner-up Loyola Academy.
Senior Margaret Hickey highlighted LA’s effort, claiming medalist honors with a 78.
Sophomores Tir and Kaestle carded 81s to share second place with Glenbrook South junior Sophia Lau and Hersey senior Megan Kopeny.
Rhea, a junior, took sixth overall with an 83, while sophomore teammate Lizzie Kenter added an 87.
Junior Nina Rutkowski (85), senior Kellie McCabe (85) and sophomore Lilly Gentzkow (88) turned in solid performances for Loyola.
Lau is not the only GBS player advancing to the Buffalo Grove Sectional on Oct. 10. Sophomore Hanna Tanaka (86) and senior Hannah Buchband (87) also kept their season going.
Glenbrook North qualified two players to the sectional: senior Emma Vickery (86) and junior Stephanie Suh (88).
Lake Forest advances to sectional
Lake Forest Regional: The tie-breaker went Lake Forest’s way.
Lake Forest and Highland Park scored 353s to come in tied for the third spot in the Class 2A Lake Forest Regional at Deerpath Golf Course on Oct. 5. But, thanks to the tie-breaker, the host Scouts will be advancing to the Buffalo Grove Sectional on Oct. 10.
LF was led by senior Lena Benjakul (88), sophomore Erin Shalala (88), sophomore Clare Green (88) and sophomore Isabella Martino (89).
Highland Park will send three players to the sectional meet: senior Nicole Berardi (84), junior Lexi Kovitz (85) and sophomore Julia Shafir (86).
Barrington won the team title going away (309). Buffalo Grove was the runner-up with a 352.
The medalist was Barrington sophomore Nicole Ciskowski (71). Deerfield standout Elyse Emerzian finished third (75) behind Barrington’s Reena Sulkar (74).
Glenbrook North’s Emma Vickery watches her ball during play in the league meet. She was the CSL North champion. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
HP’s Nicole Berardi follows through on her iron during the CSL Championships. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
Vickery earns medalist honors; Giants win CSL North crown
CSL North Meet: Four in the top six.
That was more than enough to get the job done for Highland Park at the Central Suburban League championships at Sunset Valley on Sept. 28.
The Giants scored a 349 to win the North Division title. It was their first title since 2011.
Glenbrook North was the runner-up with a 354.
Meanwhile, it was another victory for Glenbrook North star Emma Vickery. Her 79 was two strokes better than Deerfield’s Elise Emerzian.
Senior Nicole Berardi paced HP, carding an 83 for third place. Jennifer Berardi shot an 88 to take fifth place, while Lexi Kovitz and Julia Shafir recorded 89s for a share sixth place with GBN’s Ashley Choi. Caroline Cunniff of the Giants shot a 95 for 12th place.
Glenbrook North’s other scorers were Stephanie Suh (10th, 92) and Anna Sabic (11th, 94). Gina Kim and Kate Frieden tallied 97s to share 13th place with Deerfield’s Kailey Bertram.
Glenbrook South’s Sophia Lau chips a shot towards the pin during the CSL Championships. She took medalist honors after winning a playoff. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
New Trier’s Penelope Tir watches her roll on the green during the CSL Championships. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
New Trier claims CSL South Championship
CSL South Meet: The battle for medalist honors was fierce.
Glenbrook South’s Sophia Lau and New Trier’s Penelope Tir went at it hard at the Central Suburban League Championships on Sept. 28 at Sunset Valley. Both finished their 18 holes with 76s. Lau walked away with first place by winning the sudden death playoff.
Meanwhile, things weren’t so close in the team battle. Led by Tir and Rachel Rhee (3rd, 77), New Trier compiled a 315 to beat runner-up GBS (348).
NT’s other scorers were Megan Gabor (5th, 79) and Lizzie Kentor (6th, 83). Abbie Kaestle shot an 86 (7th), while Eva Kirie added a 92 (99th).
GBS’s Hanna Tanaka also did fine work. She shot a 78 for fourth place. Hannah Buchband took eighth place (87).
Lisa Benjakul, seen here during the Lake Country Invite earlier this season, finished in a tie for fifth at the NSC Meet. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Lake Forest takes third in the NSC tournament
North Suburban Conference Meet: Lake Forest’s Lena Benjakul and Julia Loghinov shot 88s to share fifth place in the North Suburban Conference tournament in Bonnie Brook Golf Course on Sept. 28.
The Scouts finished third in the team standings (361). Libertyville beat Warren 356-345 for the team title.
LF’s Isabella Martino came in 15th (92), while Erin Shalala recorded a 93.
Highland Park’s Julia Shafir, seen here in earlier action, took third place in the Giant Invite on Sept. 24. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Highland Park wins Giant Invite
Giant Invite: This is gettin’ it done.
Highland Park placed five players in the top five in the Giant Invite at Sunset Valley Golf Course on Sept. 24.
As a result, the host Giants came away with the team title in the six-team meet. Their 347 was seven strokes better than runner-up Deerfield. Vernon Hills took third with a 396.
Nicole Berardi shot an 83 to earn runner-up honors. Deerfield’s Elyse Emerzian was the medalist with a 77.
HP also was aided by the play of Julia Shafir (3rd, 83), Lexi Kovitz (5th, 89), Jennifer Berardi (tied for 6th, 90) and Caroline Cunniff (tied for 6th, 90).
Kaestle, Tir pace New Trier at Waukegan Invite
Waukegan Invite: Highlighted by the play of Abbie Kaestle and Penelope Tir, New Trier placed fourth in the 20-team Waukegan Invite on Sept. 10.
Kaestle shot a 77 to take fifth place. Tir recorded an 80 to finish in a tie for seventh place.
New Trier, which received an 89 from Lizzie Kenter and a 93 from Molly Van Gorp, ended up with a 333 total. Hinsdale Central (322), Barrington (324) and Wheaton Warrenville South were the top three team finishers.
Highland Park finished eighth with a 360. Nicole Berardi led the team with an 84 (18th-place tie). She was followed by Julia Shafir (88), Sydney Kirsch (92) and Jennifer Berardi (96).
Glenbrook South’s Sophia Lau shot a 73 earned runner-up honors, two strokes behind Deerfield medalist Elyse Emerzian. Teammate Hanna Tanaka carded an 80 to finish in a three-way tie for seventh place.
GBS finished 11th as a team (370), while Lake Forest finished 12th overall with a 379 score. LF’s top scorer was Julia Loghninov (90). Isabella Martino shot a 94.
HP’s Berardi places fourth at Lake County Invite
Lake County Invite: Highland Park’s Nicole Berardi put it all together on the back nine (38) to take fourth place in the Lake County Invite on Aug. 21 at Bonnie Brook in Waukegan.
Her 83 helped the Giants to a fourth-place team finish (358) behind Libertyville (331), Barrington (337) and Lake Forest (355). Teammate Julia Shafir shot an 86 to share eighth place with four other players.
LF was led by Lena Bejakul, who recorded an 84 (41-43) to finish in a three-way tie for fifth place. Teammate Julia Loghinov also was a top-15 finisher (43-44 — 87).
The Scouts’ other scorers were Isabella Martino (90) and Erin Shalala (84).
HP’s other scorers were Jennifer Berardi (89) and Caroline Cunniff (98).
Deerfield’s Elyse Emerzian earned medalist honors with a 73 (36-37). She edged out Barrington’s Nicole Ciskowski (74) and Libertyville’s Simone Mikaelian (74).
Rutkowski leads LA at Fenwick Invite
Fenwick Invite: Nina Rutkowski shot a 71 to take third place in the Fenwick Invite at Willowcrest Golf Club on Aug. 20. Her efforts helped the Ramblers to a third-place team finish (313).
Margaret Hickey also turned in solid work (77). LA’s other scorers were Kellie McCabe (81) and Lilly Gentzkow (84).
Barrington claimed the team title with a 289.
GBN’s Vickery takes second at Libertyville Invite
Libertyville Invite: Senior captain Emma Vickery just missed earning medalist honors in the Libertyville Invite on Aug. 18 at Pine Meadow Golf Course. She shot a 2-over 74. Deerfield’s Elyse Emerzian took first with a 73.
Lake Forest’s Lean Benjakul wound up fifth (41-41—82) behind Libertyville’s Simone Mikaelian (3rd, 75) and Vernon Hills’ Faith Jung (4th, 81).
GBN tallied a 353 to take runner-up honors in the team standings behind the host Wildcats (339). Lake Forest scored a 357 for third place in the six-team tourney. The Scouts outshot Deerfield (359), Carmel Catholic (360) and Vernon Hills (412).
GBN’s Ana Sabic shot an 85 to place seventh overall. Teammate Stephanie Suh came in 16th (93).
Clara Butler (13th, 90), Erin Shalala (14th, 91) and Isabella Martino (17th, 94) were LF’s other scorers.
Lau, Tanaka pace GBS at Marion Central Invite
Marian Central Invite: Sophia Lau shot a 72 and Hanna Tanaka added a 74 as Glenbrook South claimed the runner-up spot in the Marion Central Invite at Boone Creek Golf Course on Aug. 17.
The Titans finished the day with a 325.
Lau ended up in a tie for first place, while Tanaka and Hannah Buchband (80) were top-five finishers.
Vickery, Choi lead GBN at Conant Invite
Conant Invite: Paced by Emma Vickery and Ashley Choi, Glenbrook North placed second in the 12-team Conant Early Bird Invite at the Bridges of Poplar Creek on Aug. 16.
The Spartans ended up shooting a 331. Vickery carded a 71 to finish in a tie for second place, while Choi wound up in a tie for 10th place (81). Stephanie Suh (86) and Ana Sabic (93) were the team’s other scorers.
NT’s Tir, Rhee stand out at Prospect Invite
Prospect Invite: Led by Penelope Tir and Rachel Rhee, New Trier scored a 309 to take runner-up honors in the season-opening Prospect Knights Invite on Aug. 15 at the Mount Prospect Golf Club.
Paced by Hanna Tanaka, Glenbrook South placed third in the five-team meet with a 328. St. Charles North took first with a 303.
Tir shot a 2-over par 72 to share runner-up honors with Tanaka. Rhee shot a 73 to finish fourth, while teammate Abby Kaestle also had a top-10 finish (81). Evan Kirie and Megan Gabor ended up with 83s for the Trevians.
The Titans had three players in the top 10 with Tanaka, Sophia Lau (6th, 76) and Hannah Buckband (8th, 78).
The medalist was St. Charles North standout Megan Furtney (70). The sophomore finished fifth in last year’s state tournament.
GBN’s Vickery wins Barrington Invite
Barrington Invite: Glenbrook North’s Emma Vickery claimed medalist honors in the season-opening Barrington Invite at Bonnie Dundee on Aug. 15.
Vickery shot a 2-under 69 to earn a one-stroke win over Barrington’s Caroline Smith. The senior helped the Spartans to a second-place finish behind Barrington 292-305. The 305 total is a school record.
Other GBN players contributing include Ashley Choi (9th, 75), Stephanie Suh (80) and Ana Sabic (81).
“It was a fantastic start to the season,” said GBN coach Michael Schroeder.
Led by Julia Shafir (11th, 76) and Nicole Berardi (77), Highland Park finished fourth in the 10-team field with a 324.
“Shafir’s hard work all summer has really paid off,” said HP head coach Cathy Nachman.
The other scorers for the Giants were Lexi Kovitz (83) and Jennifer Berardi (88).
“Nicole is very solid and has developed into our team leader,” Nachman said. “I look for Lexi and Jennifer to continue to improve.”
Lake Forest also competed, and Lena Benjakul represented the Scouts extremely well by shooting a 73 and finishing in a four-way tie for fourth place.
LF ended up sixth in the team standings (333).
Dual Meets
Sept. 22
New Trier d. Highland Park 167-168
NT: Rachel Rhee (41), Eva Kirie (41), Megan Gabor (41), Abbie Kaestle (44), Lizzie Kentor (47), Lauren Tamblin (47)
HP: Lexi Kovitz (39, medalist), Nicole Berardi (40), Julia Shafir (440), Caroline Cunniff (45), Jennifer Berardi (46)
Sept. 21
Loyola d. Glenbrook South 161-173
GBS: Hanna Tanaka (41), Sophia Lau (41), Hannah Buchband (42)
Sept. 20
• Loyola d. Highland Park 158-186
LA: Margaret Hickey (35, medalist), Kellie McCabe (39), Mary Boesen (39), Nina Rutkowski (40)
HP: Nicole Berardi (44), Jennifer Berardi (47), Lexi Kovitz (47), Julia Shafir (48)
• Lake Forest d. Palatine 170-215
LF: Lena Benjakul (39, medalist), Erin Shalala (41), Isabella Martino (44), Julia Loghinov (46), Clare Green (47), Kendall Kisselle (50)
Sept. 19
• Lake Forest d. Waukegan 180-268
LF: Lena Benjakul (43, medalist), Julia Loghinov (45), Erin Shalala (46), Clare Green (46), Isabella Martino (48)
Sept. 15
• Lake Forest d. Mundelein 175-234
LF: Lena Benjakul (38, medalist), Erin Shalala (42), Julia Loghinov (47), Isabella Martino (47), Clare Green (48), Carolyn Hammond (51)
Sept. 14
• Highland Park d. Deerfield 168-185
HP: Nicole Berardi (40), Jennifer Berardi (42), Lexi Kovitz (43), Sydney Kirsch (43), Julia Shafir (44), Caroline Cunniff (45)
DF: Elyse Emerzian (37, medalist)
Sept. 13
• New Trier d. Lake Forest 151-196
NT: Penelope Tir (35, medalist), Rachel Rhee (39), Evan Kirie (40), Megan Gabor (42), Abbie Kaestle (43), Lizzie Kenter (45)
LF: Lena Benjakul (44), Erin Shalala (49), Julia Loghinov (50), Isabella Martino (53), Carolyn Hammond (53), Clare Green (54)
Sept. 12
•Glenbrook South d. Maine West
GBS: Sophia Lau (39), Hanna Tanaka (39), Hannah Buchband (45), Ysabella Arrojo (48)
• Highland Park d. Glenbrook North 169-182
HP: Julia Shafir (39), Nicole Berardi (43), Lexi Kovitz (43), Jennifer Berardi (44), Caroline Cunniff (44)
GBN: Emma Vickery (38, medalist), Ashley Choi (47), Ana Sabic (48), Gina Kim (49)
Sept. 8
Highland Park d. Vernon Hills 169-184
HP: Nicole Berardi (40, medalist), Lexi Kovitz (41), Jennifer Berardi (43), Julia Shafir (45), Sydney Kirsch (48)
Sept. 7
• Glenbrook South d. Evanston 147-198
GBS: Hannah Buchband (32, medalist), Hanna Tanaka (35), Sophia Lau (35)
• Lake Forest d. Libertyville 165-166 @Willow Glen
LF: Lena Benjakul (37, co-medalist), Erin Shalala (40), Julia Loghinov (44), Isabella Martino (44), Clara Butler (44), Clare Green (49)
Sept. 6
• Highland Park d. Glenbrook South 178-174
HP: Jennifer Berardi (43), Nicole Berardi (45), Lexi Kovitz (45), Julia Shafir (45), Caroline Cunniff (46)
GBS: Sophia Lau (40, medalist), Hanna Tanaka (43), Hannah Buchband (45), Yasabella Arrojo (46)
Aug. 30
• Glenbrook South d. Niles West 177-208
GBS: Sophia Lau (39, medalist)
Aug. 23
• Glenbrook South d. Glenbrook North 172-180
GBS: Sophia Lau (40), Hanna Tanaka (41)
Aug. 22
• New Trier d. Glenbrook North 159-182
NT: Penelope Tir (35), Rachel Rhee (37), Lizzie Kenter (43), Megan Gabor (44); GBN: Emma Vickery (44)
Aug. 18
• Highland Park d. Stevenson 172-178
HP: Nicole Berardi (39), Jennifer Berardi (43), Julia Shafir (43), Lexi Kovitz (43), Sydney Kirsch (51), Caroline Cunniff (52); Stevenson: Olivia Stomberg (41)
Aug. 19
• Highland Park d. Libertyville 168-173
HP: Nicole Berardi (39), Jennifer Berardi (42), Julia Shafir (46), Sydney Kirsch (46), Lex Kovitz (47), Caroline Cunniff (51); Libertyville: Megan Sturonas (42)