GALION — Nicole Jones stepped on the accelerator early and never pumped the brakes.
A Shelby sophomore, Jones birdied her first three holes en route to an 8-under 65 to claim medalist honors at the Division II sectional tournament Tuesday at Valley View Golf Club.
The Whippets carded a team total of 356, good for a runner-up finish behind sectional champ Huron (341). Edison (382) grabbed the third and final district-qualifying spot.
The top three teams and top three individuals not on a qualifying team earned spots at next week’s district tournament at Sycamore Springs near Findlay.
Jones shot 32 on the front and came home in 33.
“I’m still trying to find out if that is the tournament record,” first-year Shelby coach Nick Briggs said. “Regardless, 65 is a phenomenal score.”
Julia Gutchall shot an 89 and Gillian Stumbo carded a 91 for the Whippets. Tressie Carroll shot 111 and Maci Westmeister had a 122.
“The girls played very well today,” Briggs said. “A lot of these girls have been in this situation before and they don’t feel as much pressure.
Shelby is the two-time defending Division II state runner-up. The Whippets were third at state in 2016.
“These girls are very confident,” Briggs said. “They know what is expected.”
St. Peter’s sophomore Danielle Powell and Colonel Crawford senior Mariah Cotsamire earned individual berths to next week’s district tournament. Powell tied for 10th with a 96 while Cotsamire carded a 99, good for 13th. New London’s Kotiana Barber earned the third individual district berth with a 96.
