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Poland girls, Witmer capture state crowns
Photo
The Poland High girls golf team
Ariel Witmer of South Range won the individual golf title by eight strokes.
Vindicator staff report
COLUMBUS — The Poland High girls golf team won its first state title in dramatic fashion on Saturday at Ohio State University.
South Range senior Ariel Witmer didn’t supply quite as much suspense.
The Bulldogs edged Tipp City Tippecanoe in the Division II standings by one stroke — 680 to 679 — when sophomore Allison Mitzel made par on the 18th hole and Tipp City’s top player shot one over.
“The kids said they never saw me speechless before,” said Poland’s seventh-year coach, Judy Young. “It’s like a dream come true.”
Witmer, meanwhile, shot a 70-69—139 on the par-70 Gray Course to capture the individual crown by eight strokes in Ohio’s first year for girls Div. II competition.
“This was her dream and it finally came true,” said Raiders coach, Bob Ferranti. “She was really cool and collected the whole time.”
Poland entered Saturday’s action tied with Tipp City in second place, two strokes behind Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown (346-344).
Mitzell, who placed 14th overall, led the Bulldogs with a two-day total of 84-74—158, followed by junior Angela Molaskey (84-79—163), freshman Maria Mancini (88-83—171), junior Mariah Groner (90-97—187) and senior Lauren Erdel (96-98—194). The top four scores count.
Junior Samantha Cox was a team alternate.
This was Poland’s first time competing at the state tournament since becoming a varsity sport 10 years ago.
“I knew they were good but I didn’t know how good,” Young said. “It was a totally overwhelming experience.
“To play this great course with all the spectators and to be handed that trophy was just outstanding.”
Witmer, who was the only player to shoot below par, had just two bogeys on Friday and made a double bogey on Saturday for the only blemish of her round. She also chipped in on the par-5 No. 12 hole on both days.
Gahana Colmbus Academy freshman Morgan Ransom placed second with a 74-73—147, while Tipp City sophomore Laura Murray was third (75-75—150).
This was Witmer’s third state tournament appearance. After advancing as a freshman and a sophomore (when she finished seventh), she just missed qualifying last year.
Ferranti said he didn’t need to say anything to Witmer before Saturday’s round.
“She was ready to play,” he said. “On the practice tee, it was liking watching the pros. She kept hitting it in the same place, then she grabbed another club and did the same thing.
“She was focused and in control the entire time.”
Cardinal Mooney placed 12th in the 12-team competition.
On the boys side, Warren JFK’s Bruce Timko finished ninth overall in Div. III with a 155.