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Roe leads Carmi-White County to victory at Jackson Country Club

By D.W. Norris, For The Southern

Thursday, October 9, 2008 9:13 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Hannah Roe's medal-winning performance led Carmi-White County to a Class A girls regional golf title Wednesday at Jackson Country Club.

Roe carded an eight-over-par 80 and beat Chester's Jamie Springer by 16 strokes for her first regional title.

Roe said she was pleased with the result, but one aspect of her game let her down.

"I'm a little disappointed that I went 40-40 when I had several birdie putts," Roe said, "but I'm still excited, it being my senior year."

Roe birdied the 397-yard par 5 first hole, her only score under par on the day. She missed an eagle putt on 18 after nearly driving the 232-yard par 4.

"I can't believe I missed that, but I still got it down in two," Roe said.

Carmi-White County's four lowest scorers - Roe, junior Chelsea Grider, freshman Brittanie Garrison and senior Sami Higginson - combined for a 439, two strokes better than runner up Steeleville. Regional host Murphysboro finished in third place with a 457.

Carmi-White County, Murphysboro and Steeleville advanced to Monday's sectional tournament at Crab Orchard Country Club in Carterville.

Carmi-White County coach Cathy Wilkey said the regional title was the program's first since the 1980s.

Steeleville struggled to a 231 going out, but shaved 21 strokes off that total coming back to the clubhouse.

"Our girls put a lot of pressure on themselves on the front nine because they really wanted to make it out as a team," said Steeleville coach Valerie Bohnert. "Once they got the front nine in, they relaxed and just played golf."

The Bulldogs' win surprised Wilkey, a veteran coach who was a course observer. A Carmi-White County parent told Wilkey her team fell short by a couple strokes.

"I got to looking -- and Sami HIgginson (117) came in with a lower score," Wilkey said.

Springer, who finished second, advanced to the Carterville sectional with a 96. Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton's Chelsey Weddle advanced as an individual with a third-place 98. Chandra Weddle finished in fourth with a 105. Murphysboro's Katie Youngberg rounded out the top five with a 108.

dw_norris@yahoo.com