Fairfield’s girls golf program celebrated senior night Thursday, May 7th at the Fairfield Golf and Country Club, honoring seniors Janell Ferguson and Aries Wagner in a dual meet against Van Buren County that played out under a mix of sunshine and rain showers on a chilly afternoon. When the round was complete, Fairfield came away with the victory 219-226 on the par-37, nine-hole course.
Van Buren County was shorthanded on the day, competing without their top player Sophia Jirak due to personal reasons, as well as Lilly McEntee.
Fairfield’s Ella Bentler led all golfers with a 48 to claim medalist honors. Teagan Sickels of Van Buren County was runner-up with a 50 in a round that ended on a memorable note — she holed out her final shot of the day from 54 yards for par, drawing cheers that carried across the course.
Maddie Cocherell placed third for Van Buren County with a 51. Aries Wagner, one of Fairfield’s honored seniors, placed fourth with a 55, and Janell Ferguson, the other senior being recognized, was fifth with a 57.
Vanessa Kessel placed sixth for Fairfield with a 59, Macolie McEntee seventh for Van Buren County with a 61, Addie Kaemmerer eighth for Van Buren County with a 64, and Kylie Felt ninth for Fairfield with a 64.
Bentler was candid about the result, acknowledging the win while keeping her eye on what lies ahead. “I think the team did good. Even though we won, there’s still things we need to work on, like always. I know I can do better than I did. But that’s what golf’s all about — we just keep getting better each meet. Next week for conference, we’re going to be ready. We’re going to win,” she said.
Fairfield head coach Makenzie Champ reflected warmly on the evening and on the seniors who have helped shape the program in its first year. “It was a close match. Proud of our girls. Our seniors have been our unofficial team captains — great leaders, and different in their own ways. Hattie and I feel this group is special since it’s our inaugural year coaching,” Champ said.
Van Buren County head coach Phil Ross said the Warriors competed well despite being shorthanded. He also noted that Hadley and Sofia rounded out the Van Buren County contingent and had a great time playing a best-shot format with Fairfield’s JV squad.
Recent Action
Both programs entered Thursday’s dual on the heels of strong recent performances worth noting from earlier in the week.
Fairfield competed at the Grayhound Invite at the Flint Hills Golf Course in Burlington on Tuesday, May 5th, finishing sixth out of nine teams that had enough players for a team score — eleven teams participated in all. Ella Bentler had another standout individual day, placing fourth overall. Aries Wagner provided the round’s highlight, chipping in from off the green for an eagle — a two on a par four — in one of the more exciting moments of the tournament.
Van Buren County traveled to Keokuk on Monday, May 4th for the Keokuk Girls Golf Invite at the Elks Fairview Golf Course, competing over 18 holes on a par-70 course. The Warriors placed second alongside Mount Pleasant, both finishing with a team score of 379 behind winner Keokuk at 358, with Central Lee fourth at 468. Sophia Jirak was the individual medalist with a personal-best 73 that included a 2-under back nine of 33. Teagan Sickels also had a breakthrough round, breaking 50 on the back nine for the first time and finishing with a 99. Maddie Cocherell shot 102, Addie Kaemmerer 105, Lilly McEntee 106, and Macolie McEntee 120.
Ross praised the team’s performance in Keokuk. “It was a great day for golf in Keokuk. Our team played their best against some tough competition,” he said. “Most of all, I’m proud — as always — of our team’s integrity and sportsmanship. Well done.”
