By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The only way to start a streak, according to this deep, philosophical quote from baseball slugger Juan Soto, is winning the first one. No kidding, Mr. Obvious. Bedford North Lawrence has taken care of that part. The tougher part is keeping it going.
After recording its 13th consecutive sectional championship, an astounding number that’s threatening the state record, the Stars will seek to add to another amazing run when they compete in the IHSAA regional at Country Oaks on Saturday. The top three teams in the field of 15 will qualify for the state championship rounds, and that’s always the ultimate goal when the first tee shots are fired at the start of this short season.
BNL has advanced to the final stage of the state tournament series for three straight years. The fight for four, and the accompanying ticket to Prairie View for the finals, will be a test of skill and nerves. The Stars, with experience on the course and the environment, should be equipped to handle that.
The Stars have seen the course multiple times, they have fond memories of their previous trips.
“Every bit of experience helps,” BNL first-year coach Carly Stigall said. “They know where the hazards are, they know where the trouble is, they know where the safe spots are. That’s a big key to have. There is pressure at the regional. There are a lot of teams gunning for that win, more than usual. So having that experience will play a huge part in what we do.”
BNL’s run started in 2022 with a second-place finish, followed by a regional championship in 2023 and another runner-up conclusion last year. The Stars are also chasing their 12th state finals appearance in program history.
The first factor in BNL’s favor is experience. Kinleigh Root (the sectional medalist) and Sammie Nusbaum were members of the regional champions in ‘23, and Emma Voris joined them during last year’s state run.
“I know the course well,” Voris said. “Going to the regional last year, it settles the nerves a little bit. We just have to stick together as a team and be confident in what we can do.”
The second intangible for the Stars is their competitive streak. While claiming the sectional title at Otis Park on Saturday, there was not a lot of joy in the team total of 345. They demand better from themselves.
“I feel good about it, because we do not like the taste of a loss,” Root said. “This is a lot different, because there’s more competition. There are teams that have dropped a lot of strokes this season, so it will be really tight.”
The final factor is familiarity. While Kadynn Canada and Bella Warren will be making their regional debuts, they’ve been on the course before. The rest of the lineup considers Country Oaks a “second home.” It’s flatter than Otis, basically wide open in most spots, but still demanding. Predicted rain this week will soften a layout that’s been dry and dusty of late.
“We love the course,” Nusbaum said. “We’ve seen it, we can pull it off. It’s very comforting. Advancing again would be amazing, to continue this, because this team means so much to me.”
“I love that place,” Stigall said, referencing success she had there as a player. “It’s near and dear to my heart. I’m excited to see what this team can do.”
BNL (which posted five scores in the 80s last year, a testament to consistency) was second in 2024 while Castle took the top prize. The Knights, ranked 17th in the final state poll, are coming off a sectional win with a solid score of 328. Terre Haute South won its sectional with 326, and Washington shot 327 during its sectional victory.
The top three individuals who are not members of qualifying teams will also advance to the state finals on Oct. 3-4.
IHSAA REGIONAL
Saturday at Country Oaks
Team field – BNL, Seymour, Brownstown, Terre Haute South, Northview, Parke Heritage, Jasper, Boonville, South Spencer, Castle, Evansville Memorial, Evansville North, Washington, Barr-Reeve, Pike Central
