Despite the cancellation of multiple fall sports seasons at Notre Dame Academy, girls’ golf is continuing their 2020 season and is scheduled to participate in sectionals at Thornberry Creek next Tuesday. 

The girls finished runner-up at regionals at Greenwood Hills Country Club in Wausau on Thursday, which qualifies them to advance to the next round.

In an atypical 2020 season for high school athletes across the country amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was able to keep their spirits high.

“This year’s chemistry was even better than past years because we all realized that at any moment our season could be taken away from us, so we made each moment count,” junior Anna Gruesen said. “We encouraged and supported each other even more because we never knew when our last tournament could have been.” 

While every player has had her shining moment during the season, much of the success of this Triton team is credited towards sophomore Grace Durkin. The 2019 all-conference recipient continued her success in 2020, emerging as a young standout in the program. 

“The golf team is like a second family to me and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Durkin said.

While Durkin’s golf scores are among some of the best in the area for her age, her modesty is what stands out on the team. 

“Grace is not only the best golfer on the team, but she is also the most humble, sweetest girl you will ever meet,” Gruesen said. “She always is the girl that will support and cheer you on, even if you are having a bad round.”

Being one of two fall sports teams remaining in action at Notre Dame, the girls are thankful just for the opportunity to get together and compete as a team. 

“We have been so careful over the past few months to make sure we are still able to play and move forward with the season,” Durkin said.

While many attempts have been cut short for Tritons this fall due to COVID-19, the quest for Notre Dame Academy’s 36th overall state championship is still well within reach for the girls’ golf team. The once powerhouse program in the state of Wisconsin is very much a contender in these playoffs.

“Last year we made it to sectionals, and we unfortunately did not advance to state, but I think we have a shot this year,” Durkin said. “I think if we keep a positive attitude and take it one shot at a time, we could go to state.”

If the team qualifies at sectionals, they will advance to the state championship which will be played over two days on October 12-13 at Blackwolf Run in Kohler.