By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Kinleigh Root’s opening drive off the first tee, a nervous top that skittered down the fairway, was not a thing of beauty. The rest of her round was much better.
Root recorded two birdies and carded a smooth 2-over 39 on the front nine at Otis Park as Bedford North Lawrence conquered league rival New Albany 174-180 in its home-course debut on Monday afternoon.
The rough start didn’t fluster her. Root bounced back with a 25-footer for birdie on the fourth hole, then holed a pitch shot for birdie on the sixth.
“She played a solid round and recovered well,” BNL coach Carly Stigall said. “That really got her back on track mentally to bring in a good score.”
BNL’s Sammie Nusbaum fired a 42 and Emma Voris added a 46. Kadynn Canada completed the team scoring with 47 as the Stars avenged a one-shot loss to New Albany in the Seymour Invitational earlier this season.
“This team showed a lot of grit,” Stigall said. “Each one of them had a struggle, but they all pushed through and fought for this team win.”
New Albany star Kaidyn Wardlaw, who posted a school-record 65 at Shadowood during that win, was the medalist with a 38.
BNL will face Seymour and Jennings County at Shadowood on Tuesday.
BNL 174, New Albany 180
BNL – Sammie Nusbaum 42, Kinleigh Root 39, Emma Voris 46, Kadynn Canada 47, Bella Warren 58
New Albany – Kaidyn Wardlaw 38, Ava Quinn 44, Emma Reavis 49, Sienna Dietrich 49, Emily Spainhour 51, Mya Mangas 49
