Lansing Catholic is going for its third straight girls’ golf state title. While coach Mary Schafer realizes that three-peats are tough and that her team can’t take anything for granted, she likes their potential.
“My No. 1 is a junior, and I have two seniors who have worked their tails off during the summer,” Schafer said.
Last season, the Cougars won the state title by 63 strokes.
Jacqueline Setas, this year’s No. 1 player, had 160 at the state finals to tie with teammate Danielle Crilley. Alyssa Albright had 161 and Janie Fineis 172.
This season, the team tied a school record for nine holes with 146 in a home match against Stockbridge. Setas fired a 30, Fineis notched a 32, and Crilley a 39 in the September 13 match at Groesbeck Golf Course. Setas’ 30 included a hole in one at No. 14.
“I’m so excited,” she said, adding that it’s probably her “No. 1” thrill in golf “just before the state meet. It hit behind the hole, spun back, and went in. When I got on the green, my ball wasn’t there.”
Setas did not see the ball go in but celebrated her ace when she went up to the green and saw the ball in the hole. The 30 is her best nine-hole total. She had three pars, four birdies, and the ace.
Setas came into this season well-prepared. “I’ve played in national tournaments,” she said. “I’m playing pretty well this year.”
She finished in the final four at the Michigan Amateur in July at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers Golf Course. She lost one-up to 2010 champ Natalie Brehm in the semifinal.
After two rounds of the WWGA National Junior Championship in early July in Cincinnati, Setas was tied for the lead with a 148 after rounds of 75 and 73. She wound up losing in the semifinal round of the championship flight.
Fineis, a senior, has been on the varsity golf team four seasons. “I’ve really improved since last year and every year,” she said. “I keep trying to get better every day. My putting has been strong lately and my pitching.”
Fineis has been shooting around even par for a nine-hole average but is looking to get below par. She continues to play at No. 3. “Every year is a new year, but everyone is working hard,” Fineis said, noting that taking another state title remains an important team goal.
Crilley is also a senior in her fourth year on the team and has been playing No. 2 behind Setas. Her average for 18 holes is around 77.
While Lansing Catholic get ready to go after a third-straight state title, Crilley said that the regular season will give her team some excellent tests.
“We have a lot of tournaments coming up,” she said. “They’re looking good for all of us.”
Keeping the ball in play is what Crilley said is a simple key for her success.
“My short game helps me out,” she said. “I’d like to work on my putting.”