The long wait to defend their 2019 state title was worth it for Bishop Garrigan girls golf, as they took home the 2021 championship in dominating fashion, with a two day team score of 671, a whole 74 strokes ahead of 2nd place Central Lyon’s 745, as three team members finished in the top 10 overall individually.
After the 2020 season was wiped out due to the pandemic, Bishop Garrigan didn’t waste any time asserting themselves as the Class 1A title favorite for 2021, as the Golden Bears went through the entire regular season without a loss.
Once the state tournament finally arrived, the Golden Bears immediately got out to a lead, with a day one team score of 342, a full 30 strokes ahead of the next closest team. Day two was even better for Bishop Garrigan, as they shot a 329 to put the competition away and win the title.
Coach Victor Berte knew his team had the ability to win a state title and said it was a great feeling to see it happen.
Individually, Annie Burns placed 3rd overall with a two day score of 162. Burns, who shot an 85 in round one, tied for the best 2nd round score of anyone in the field with a 77. That 77 was also tied for the best score for any round when the day one scores are taken into account. Kelly Baade was not far behind Burns, as she tied for 4th place with a 163. Anna Berke finished tied for 8th, at 170, and Ava Eisenbarth rounded out the top four with a two day score of 178. Also competing for Bishop Garrigan were Riley Rosenmeyer, who tied for 16th with a 182, while Avery Lichter was 33rd with a 195.
All four of Bishop Garrigan’s golfers who competed at the 2019 state tournament improved their overall place from that competition. Burns went from being tied for 28th in 2019 to 3rd this year. Kelly Baade, who also tied for 28th in 2019, was tied 4th place this year. Ava Eisenbarth improved by three places, going from tied for 16th in 2019 to 13th this year. Anna Berke was 14th overall in 2019 and moved into the top ten this year, tying for 8th place.
Coach Berte said the previous experience at state greatly helped the team’s performance.
This championship marks the 9th state title in Bishop Garrigan girls golf history.
Class 1A Team Scores
- Bishop Garrigan 671
- Central Lyon 745
- Grundy Center 762
- New London 773
- Boyer Valley 785
- Newell-Fonda 787
- Saint Ansgar 787
- Westwood 798
- Durant 816
- Sigourney 827
