West inches closer to championship
Staff Report
The Lakota West girls golf team is halfway home.
The Firebirds will take a 21-shot lead into the final round of the state girls golf championship today in Columbus.
Paced by Rachel Nelson's 3-over-par 73, the Firebirds shot a sizzling first-round 318 Friday over the par-70 layout at The Ohio State University Gray Course.
Massillon Perry and Ursuline Academy are tied for second at 339 in the 12-team field.
Marissa Steen added a 77 for the Firebirds, who are looking to complete a remarkable season with their first state title. West was unbeaten in dual matches, and captured Greater Miami Conference, sectional and district titles en route to the state tourney.
Jenny Linville (83), Lauren Ellerman (85) and Kaitlyn Fienning (89) rounded out the lineup for the Firebirds, whose best finish at state is fourth in 2000, 2001 and 2004.
Nelson is second in the individual race, two shots off the pace of leader Allie White of Lancaster. Ursuline's Kelsey Lindenschmidt, a West Chester Twp. resident, is fourth at 74, one shot ahead of Steen.
