As any competitive event should, the final team sectional qualifying spot came down to the last foursome Tuesday at the York Class 3A regional held at Oak Meadows Golf Course in Addison.

And when the smoke cleared, Hinsdale South was left standing, earning it a date at next Monday’s St. Charles East sectional.

Needing Glenbard West’s Kyle Kochevar to finish with a 75 or higher, the Hornets contingent was able to celebrate when a score of 76 was posted for the Hilltoppers’ sophomore.

As a result, Hinsdale South finished in third place with a score of 315, besting Glenbard West (317) by two strokes and Downers Grove North (318) by three. Hinsdale Central cruised to the team title with York as the runner-up.

“That was exciting,” said Hinsdale South head coach Bruce Kendrick. “It came down to the last card coming in from Glenbard West. That is how tough it is. It comes down to every shot throughout a round.

“It is a tough sectional and we knew that. We thought we’d be fighting for one spot. We counted Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West in and thought we’d have to take that spot from York and Downers Grove South and Downers Grove North. But we ended up taking it from Glenbard West.”

Making his first appearance at the regional meet after playing on the JV a year ago, sophomore Chris Kopp put together a magnificent performance despite rainy and windy conditions. Kopp came in with a two-over par 73 to finish in a tie for second place.

“It was exciting, really exciting,” Kopp said.

“I actually felt like I could have shot better. If you were watching me, you probably would not have thought I shot a 73. But you always feel like you can take strokes off.

“It is a great feeling and I’m really happy with my score. I was straight off the tee and hit like 12 or 13 fairways today. I really wanted to make it to sectionals this year and it is great that we made it as a team.”

Junior Jake Kindelin backed up his teammate’s score with a 78 of his own, which included a 38 on the front nine.

“It was fun,” Kindelin said.

“When the wind is acting up like that it is tough but you have to play through it. I missed some putts but there are always some putts that could have dropped but didn’t.

“(The sectional) will be exciting. It would be nice to go and maybe make it downstate if I play well. This season has been pretty good. We had some disappointing days as a team but today was great.”

Freshman David Basa was next with an 81 while senior Pat Boland rounded out the scoring with an 83. Junior Justin Hruska (85) and senior Tyler Buchman (95) also competed at the regional.

Hinsdale South girls
The Hornets’ girls golf team one-upped their boy counterparts, not only advancing to the sectional but bringing home the first-place plaque from the Lockport Class AA regional held at Broken Arrow on Wednesday. The victory marked the first time that Hinsdale South has won a regional under seven-year head coach Julie Sweet.

“Even with the windy conditions, I was pleased with how well the girls scored,” Sweet said.
“The amount of success that we achieve as a team at the sectional might be based on how well the bottom half of our lineup performs.”

The Hornets finished with a score of 406, clipping runner-up Lockport (412). Lemont (432) rounded out the top three.

Angela Difiglio topped the Hornets with a 94 while Danielle Bavcevic carded a 97. Jessica Sachs had a 104, Lauran San Juan posted a 111, Jessica Reif tallied a 112 and Janelle Wisniowicz rounded out the contingent with a 117.