Second-place team finish

McDowell tops Warren; Dragons\' Shippee is medalist with 73

ERIE -- It was a great day for the Warren girls golf team as four out of five players shot their career low competition scores en route to their best mega match finish in the four years of existence with a second-place team finish.

"I really thought we could contend for a District 10 Region 3 championship this year," said head coach Scott Pearson. "Although we came up just short a little too many times, this finish just proves that we had it in us. Credit to the girls for not giving up, and always playing their best."

At JC Martin Golf Course, the girls had to play off of the white tee markers for Nos. 3-9 and red markers for Nos. 1-2. The yardages for the four par 3s off of the white tee markers were farther than any other tees the girls played this year and measured at 200, 183, 183 and 175 yards, " ... which is daunting for anyone," Pearson said.

Kate Shippee, playing in her final career mega match, made the most of it with many great strategic and veteran shots firing her career competition low gross round of 73 to win medalist for the third time this season.

"It has been really impressive watching her play this season and really throughout all four years," Pearson said. "I couldn’t be more proud of her for the time and commitment she has made to be an elite golfer and for the season she has had so far.

"I am also very happy and proud of Zella Hendricks as she really came to play today and shattered her career best low by eight strokes by shooting a 90, ultimately finishing 13th in the region," Pearson added. "Zella is very talented, and it just shows how far she could take her game the next few years if she is able to put the time in."

Alyssa Reichle, also playing in her last mega match, continued her steady improvement by shooting her career competition round of 105.

"She has improved her scoring average by almost 20 shots since last year," Pearson said of Reichle. "She is a very polite and hard-working girl, and I am very proud to have had her on the team the last two years and has always been a pleasure to coach."

Another Dragon shooting her personal best was freshman Cailee Williams with a 112, four strokes better than her previous best.

"Cailee is an extremely hard-working girl with a great attitude, and I am very excited to see her develop her game in the next three years," Pearson said.

Monday's complete Warren scoring was: Shippee 73, Hendricks 90, Reichle 105, Williams 112 and Alyssa Goss 167.

Team scoring was: McDowell 239, Warren 268, Harbor Creek 278 and Meadville 288. The last regular season team event is scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon at the Bear Cup Championship at Union City.