The Independence Girls Golf team couldn’t have asked for a much better way to open the 2026 season.
The Blue Devils finished second Monday at the Lady Spartan Invitational at Chenoweth Golf Course, posting a team score of 383 to trail only Archbishop Hoban (377) in one of Northeast Ohio’s strongest early-season fields.
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Leading the charge was Abbey Cottrell, who carded a 91 to place fourth individually. Marisa Mudra added a 95 to tie for eighth, Jamie Tresp finished 11th with a 98, Maddie Krogman tied for 12th with a 99, and Olivia Krysiak rounded out the scoring with a 108 as Independence finished ahead of 12 other teams.
For Cottrell, the opening tournament confirmed the progress she made throughout the offseason.
“It gives me confidence that my game is in a good place to start the season,” Cottrell said. “It shows the improvements I’ve made from last season and how I have brought them into this season.”
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Cottrell credited her consistency for helping her produce one of the best rounds of the day.
“I was happiest with how consistent I was throughout the round, keeping my confidence and focus up to get a good score,” she said.
While her individual finish stood out, Cottrell was just as excited about what the team accomplished against one of the state’s top fields.
“It is super encouraging to see our team finish second behind another really good team,” Cottrell said. “It really shows how we’ve grown together and our improvement as a team.”
The Blue Devils hope Monday’s performance is only the beginning.
“I think as a team the most important thing for all of us is to stay positive and focused throughout the rest of the season, as well as keeping up the strong work like we had today,” Cottrell said.
With confidence already building after the opening event, Independence believes the foundation has been laid for a successful fall.
“We are very excited to see how the rest of the season goes for us,” Cottrell said. “Our goals are mainly to grow as a team, stay consistent, and have fun. We are capable of reaching these goals because of all the work we have put in together, and it’s already been shown through our tournament today.”
Archbishop Hoban claimed the tournament title behind medalist Lily Taylor, who shot an 81.
Giebel Shines for Rootstown
Morgan Giebel turned in one of the day’s top individual performances for Rootstown, firing an 88 to finish third overall.
The Rovers placed 11th in the team standings with a score of 482. Charlie Wilson added a 115, while Idabelle Harris (136), Madison Kline (143) and Audrey Wohlwend (152) completed Rootstown’s scoring.
