Herr edges Sager in District 1 Championship

LIMERICK >> Maddie Sager’s goal was to capture the District 1 Class AAA girls golf championship.

While she played quite well on both days of the competition, she still came up shy of achieving that lofty goal.

Coming off a career-best 66 on Monday at Gilbertsville Golf Club, Sager finished second to Council Rock North’s Madeline Herr in a sudden-death playoff for the title at Turtle Creek Golf Course on Tuesday afternoon.

“I played pretty well today,” said Sager, a senior and two-time Pioneer Athletic Conference champion who is headed to Seton Hall University on a full women’s golf scholarship. “I had a triple bogey on the first hole, but then overall I played well. I birdied the next hole and then had all pars.”

She said she had a chance for another birdie with 5-foot attempts that were downhill on the final two holes. However, there was a break in front and she just missed those putts that she still considered tough shots.

Sager will now advance to the regional level of competition Monday at Golden Oaks in Fleetwood as one of the top eight Class AAA finishers at the district meet. From there, the goal will be to take part in the PIAA State Tournament as the final stop on her scholastic slate.

Sager had a 74 Tuesday to go along with her 66 Monday to give her a two-day total of 140 strokes. Herr checked in with a 69 Monday and then a 71 Tuesday to also close at 140.

Since 18 holes weren’t enough to settle the score, the two returned to No. 1 for a sudden-death playoff hole.

In the end, Herr came out on top to claim the victory.

Perkiomen Valley senior Carly Dorminy, the PAC-10 champion, finished in a tie for 10th place at 156 with rounds of 74 and 82.

Radnor’s Brynn Walker, another outstanding golfer, came in with a 142 on rounds of 72 and 70. Conestoga’s Samantha Yao shot 68 and 77 to finish at 145.

Sager is happy to be moving on at such a high level of play.

“That’s exciting,” said Sager. “I came here wanting to win it, and I did come really close. But I am very happy to be moving on.”

She participated in playoffs previously, including one last year at the PAC-10 tourney, when she defeated Boyertown’s Emily Gilbert. She said these types of tournaments do not usually have playoffs so it was really good experience as she continues her golf career.

Herr, the Suburban One League champion, is another proven golfer. She also played exceptionally well during districts and was able to come away with the first-place finish.

“I have been hitting the ball really well,” said Herr. “I have been hitting fairways every time and then hitting greens. My approach shots have been really good.”

Herr, too, had previous experience with a such a playoff format. Last year, Herr tangled with Walker in a Women’s Four Ball Tournament when the two players competed together.

“That kind of helped me today,” said Herr.

She said she is taking it one day at a time as far as regionals and a potential state berth as well.

Herr said her best particular holes came on Nos. 8, 10 and 18.

“I had four birdies today,” said Herr. “My putting was steady and good today. I have been a little bit more aggressive with my putting.”

Sager and Herr played in a threesome with Coatesville’s Samantha Staudt, who also advanced by shooting a 145 for fifth place (68-77). Radnor’s Gabby Kim checked in with a 146, Council Rock North’s Lauren Muhlbauer was next at 150, and Downingtown East’s Liddie McCook moved on with a 152.

Notes >> Waltz’s Golf Farm owner Bobbi Waltz was recognized for hosting the tournament again. … The PGA has also assisted with the district tournament for the past eight years. … The day began with overcast skies and rain, but the afternoon broke into sunshine with warm temperatures.