PITTSFIELD, NORTHWESTERN PUNCH TICKETS TO IHSA STATE GOLF

WATERLOO, Ill. — Two western Illinois boys golf teams are headed to the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament after Pittsfield and Palmyra Northwestern both advanced from Monday’s Waterloo Gibault Sectional at Annbriar Golf Course.

Pittsfield turned in a team score of 330, matching Red Bud for the low score of the day. Red Bud claimed the sectional championship on the fifth-score tiebreaker, while the Saukees secured their place at state. Palmyra Northwestern finished third at 344, two strokes ahead of Carlinville, to claim the final team qualifying berth.

Junior Colby Hayes led Pittsfield with a 75, the fourth-best individual round of the sectional. Senior Isaac McGlauchlen and junior Brody Tomhave each shot 81, while senior Silas Smith supplied the Saukees’ fourth counting score with a 93. Rome Bacon shot 104 and Liam Simon finished at 114.

Northwestern was powered by senior Ty Bowman, who shot an even-par 72 to finish second individually. Freshman Walker Lancaster added an 84, while juniors Dirk Campbell and Dean Lancaster each carded 94. Senior Layton Walters and sophomore Jace Murphy both finished with 96.

The state berths continue impressive postseason runs for both teams. Pittsfield won last week’s Mt. Sterling Regional with a 307, while Northwestern finished second there at 318. Bowman was the regional medalist with a four-under-par 68, one stroke ahead of Pittsfield’s Tomhave.

Pittsfield and Northwestern now advance to the two-day IHSA Class 1A State Tournament Friday and Saturday at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington. The top eight teams after Friday’s opening round advance to Saturday’s final round.