Raiders conference runners-up

Even though Sidney sophomore Emma Alexander had already completed a remarkable day after tying for the lead in the Western Conference tournament Saturday, she found herself with a little more work to do when her round of 82 was complete.

Outwardly calm and collected, Alexander punctuated her day by defeating Scottsbluff senior Hannah Holloway on the second playoff hole to become the Western Conference champion at Hillside Golf Course on Saturday. The veteran Holloway finished in eighth place at the 2014 state tournament.

While Alexander captured the individual title, Scottsbluff took home top honors in the team competition as its top four scorers finished with a 364 total. Sidney was second with 387 strokes, while Gering (419) was third and Chadron (474) fourth.

The Lady Raiders' Rachel Blauert tied with the Bearcats' Shelby Pointer for third with an 85, though she was awarded the fourth-place medal after a "card playoff." Alpine Hickstein of Chadron completed the top five with a 91. The Raiders' other scores included Megan Neal (104), Paige Langley (116) and Taylor Parsons (117).

"I had two varsity girls improve their scores, and all I ask is that they improve," said Raiders head coach Dani Kuchar. "We're not going to improve every day, but hopefully we'll be a little more consistent as the season goes on."

After all the scores were turned in, Alexander and Holloway went immediately to the par-5 18th tee to start the playoff. Hitting first, Alexander looked confident as she drilled her drive straight down the middle. Both players reached the green in regulation and two putted for par.

Alexander took the advantage as the playoff moved to the par-4 first hole. The Sidney sophomore smacked another strong drive, which landed just 20 yards short of the green. Prior to Alexander's hit, Holloway pushed her drive out of bounds to the left. Holloway, a left hander, couldn't recover and double bogeyed the hole. Alexander then hit two more putts to win by a stroke.

"I didn't necessarily expect to win today, but I felt I had a good chance to play well. I felt really good this morning," Alexander said. "There was just something in my gut that told me I was going to have a really good day."

Part of Alexander's success was her ability to stay in the moment.

"Riding to the 18th tee for the playoff, Coach and I just talked about focusing on one shot," Alexander added. "The only ball that mattered was the one at my feet."

The Raiders were also boosted by the consistent play of their No. 1 player, Blauert. She finished one stroke better than she did at the Sidney Invite on Tuesday. Blauert, despite being nagged by allergies throughout the day, hit the ball well. She birdied the fourth and 10th holes.

"I was hitting my drives well and putting better today than on Tuesday," said Blauert. "I felt a lot more comfortable over my putts today."

The Raiders will try to keep the momentum going when they travel to Kimball on Tuesday. The first tee shot is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Four Winds Golf Course.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Team Scores

1. Scottsbluff 364

2. Sidney 387

3. Gering 419

4. Chadron 474

Alliance NTS

Mitchell NTS

Individual Medalists

1. Emma Alexander Sidney 82*

2. Hannah Holloway Scottsbluff 82

3. Shelby Poynter Scottsbluff 85

4. Rachel Blauert Sidney 85

5. Alpine Hickstein Chadron 91

6. Myranda Musfelt Mitchell 96

7. Jordyn Hoxworth Scottsbluff 96

8. Jaylen Beam Gering 100

9. Alyssa Hoagland Gering 101

10. Karlie Johnson Scottsbluff 104

* Won on 2nd playoff hole

Sidney Scores

Emma Alexander 82

Rachel Blauert 85

Megan Neal 104

Paige Langley 116

Taylor Parsons 117