It all came down to one putt. With everyone watching, junior Lily Patel had to make her par putt to stay in contention for the conference title. Both Patel and the defending champ, Millburn’s Ysabel Liu, had shot a 64 to tie for first. This demanded a playoff, the two would go back-and-forth until one came out on top. After topping her second shot, Liu was on the green in three. Patel had to chip on the green but was left with a long putt for birdie. After both players missed their birdie putts, Patel defied the nerves and sank her putt for par. Liu failed to perform, giving Patel the championship. On April 30, the Blue Devils traveled to Francis Byrne golf club to participate in the Essex County conference tournament, with Patel finishing in first individually, and the team placing third overall.
Five players represented Westfield in the tournament, Patel, senior Claire Gallagher, juniors Peyton Harrington and Chloe Martin and sophomore Sadie Pitigala. Leading into the match, the team knew they would have to put up a good performance to qualify for the sectional tournament, and the weather was in their favor. “It was really nice out, and the course is super pretty, so that definitely helped with the mental aspect,” said Pitigala.
Leading into the season, a main goal for the Blue Devils was to assert themselves as a varsity team. “I sat down with the captains before the season started, and it seemed like a big thing they wanted was a more competitive environment,” said head coach Kevin Everly. This placement in a major tournament, and their qualification for the sectional tournament, has cemented their position as a team to beat.
Girls golf is still a growing sport, with new schools creating teams every year and new opportunities constantly arising. “You end up playing with a lot of the same girls, so you get to know them and build up some good relationships,” said Pitigala. “It’s a good community to have.”
This successful placement is just the first of many for the young team. As the season comes to a close, the Blue Devils are looking to finish on a high note at states and sectionals. “Finishing on the podium is a great confidence booster for everyone, and it helps us build our program,” said Patel. “We needed to play well to qualify for sectionals, and we really pulled through.”
Five players, Patel, Gallagher, Harrington, Pitigala and Hayden Pfister, will represent Westfield in the state tournament on May 5 at Great Gorge Golf Course.
