Platte County freshman Naomi Loehner and senior Grace Handke set career-bests with matching rounds of 99 on Thursday in the Staley Invitational at Hodge Park Golf Course in Kansas City. With a limited roster of just six, the Pirates continue to build around Handke’s returning experience and finished 12th out of 15 teams with a total of 412.
Debuting as a No. 2 for Platte County’s experienced lineup, Loehner recorded four consecutive pars on holes four through seven. She shot a 115 just a week earlier in her first solo 18-hole tournament.
A three-year starter and returning Class 3 MSHSAA Golf Championships qualifier, Handke made just one birdie at the Staley Invitational but made a birdie on the 11th, a par five. She previously shot an even 100 in the Suburban Conference White Division Championships as a junior ahead of her state qualification round.
Outside of Handke, Platte County sophomore Finnley Dougan brought back the most varsity experience, and she shot a PR of 104 on the par 72 setup. She spread out four pars and placed 50th overall. Lila Sedlacek, a junior, rounded out the Pirates’ team score with a 110, while sophomore Ainsley Habel shot a 113.
Platte County must rebuild after graduating three key seniors while also facing a move up to Class 4 for this year’s postseason. Only Handke played in last year’s Class 3 District 4 lineup with the Pirates sending two individuals to state.
Dougan played a limited varsity schedule as a contributing freshman.
