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Ferrell first-round leader in Rock County women's golf

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Teresa Haberman watches her shot fly out of the bunker on 2 during the first round of the Rock County Women's Tournament on Saturday.

JANESVILLE — Holly (Nehs) LaChance, the perennial titlist in area women’s golf, has a young challenger in her bid to repeat in the Rock County Championship.

Allyssa Ferrell, who will be an Edgerton High junior this fall, grabbed a two-stroke lead over LaChance by shooting a 2-over-par 35-38—73 here Saturday in the first round of the 36-hole tournament at Riverside Golf Course.

LaChance, a 16-time champion in the Janesville Women’s City Tournament that was the forerunner to Rock County event, opened with a 1-under-par 34 on the front nine to lead Ferrell by a stroke before finishing with a 41 on the back for a 4-over 75 total.

Andrea Hanke, the only other player in the Championship Flight, trailed by 11 at 41-43—84. Donna Bailey, last year’s runner-up to LaChance in the Championship Flight, shot a 39-46—85 to share the First Flight lead with Michelle Kern (43-42—85).

Ferrell, who tied for third, just two strokes behind the champion, in last year’s WIAA Division 1 state tournament, has had considerable success as a frequent participant on the Wisconsin PGA Junior Tour this summer. The pin placements might have been tougher for this event, but she remained on a roll against older competition.

“It doesn’t affect me at all,’’ Ferrell said. “I’ll play with anybody, and I actually enjoy playing with people with more experience.’’

Ferrell added to her enjoyment with a solid start that included seven pars and a birdie on the front nine. She finished with nine pars and three birdies.

“I’m hoping I can shoot a little better than this,’’ Ferrell said of her bid to secure the title in today’s final round. “I just felt like I left quite a few putts out there.’’

Meanwhile, in playing for only about this sixth time this season, LaChance faltered a bit after a sizzling start that included six pars and two birdies on the front nine.

“The front nine went quite well, but the back nine had a few hitches, probably from not playing very much,’’ said LaChance, who thought the Rock County tournament was next week and had planned accordingly. “But in general, I’m happy with the way I played.’’

LaChance also was happy to get the competition from Ferrell.

“She’s a good player and fun to play with,’’ LaChance said. “It’s always fun to play with different people, and we’ll just have to see how it goes tomorrow (today).’’

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

Allyssa Ferrell 35-38—73

Holly LaChance 34-41—75

Andrea Hanke 43-41—84

FIRST FLIGHT

Donna Bailey 39-46—85

Michelle Kern 43-42—85

Nancy Furlano 41-45—86

Teresa Haberman 45-45—90

Phyllis Wells 49-47—96

Mary Conway 48-55—103

SECOND FLIGHT

Karen Brown 47-47—94

Kathleen Clartworthy 45-50—95

Betty Miller 47-50—97

Lori Warren 48-50—98

Carol Bessel 47-52—99

Audrey McNatt 50-53—103

Deb Wurl 59-59—118