On September 3, 2024, the Lincoln East girls golf team took on Nebraska’s top high school golfers at the Pius X Invite at Woodland Hills Golf Course, placing second to their rival, the Lincoln Southwest Silverhawks. The tournament, against 12 other teams, was a great opportunity for the girls to see who they’ll be up against heading into the rest of the season.
One Spartan who placed well at the tournament was Isabella Elgert who came in first for the varsity team and fourth overall. Elgert scored 40 on the front 9 holes and 37 on the back 9 holes of the course, with a combined score of 77. Elgert is a senior, committed to play golf at Drake University, and was on last season’s state championship team.
“I am feeling really positive about our golf season,” Elgert said. “We haven’t played our best so far, but we are working harder than we did last year. I personally wasn’t too happy with how I played at Woodland Hills. I left a lot of shots out there and made some mistakes. But I was able to stay in it and played my last 4 holes 3 under par. It was a confidence boost telling me I am close to where I want to be, I just need to refine a few things.”
Elgert was tied for first place after 18 holes at State last year, and lost to her competitor in a three-hole play-off. This loss has been on her mind since then, and Elgert has been working hard this season to help her take first in this year’s state tournament.
“This season I want to win state as an individual,” Elgert said. “I think I am coming from a better headspace this year and have the ability to win. I am practicing every day, refining every single part of my game. I think all of our girls are looking forward to the state championship. We were the underdogs last year and we were able to get it done. We are the underdogs again and our girls are driven by that. We want to prove ourselves and we want to go back-to-back.”
The Spartans underwent a change in coaching staff this year, and hope to continue their success under the new leadership. Steph Kolbas was named as the coach for this year’s season after a 28 year coaching position at Pius X, and has many goals to keep the girls moving towards another win at state.
“We as coaches are working to help the girls improve their skills each week,” Kolbas said. “We are focusing a lot on fundamentals of the game along with an emphasis on short game, from pitching, chipping, and putting, along with course management skills. We are also focusing on being mentally tough during competition. This allows our JV players to compete for a varsity spot and for our varsity players to defend our State Championship title among some tough competition this fall.”
With defending their state title on the line, the girls will continue to work hard this season. To keep up with the girls, visit their instagram @lincolneastgolf.
Lincoln East Scores at the Pius X Invite:
Varsity:
Isabella Elgert 40, 37 — 77
Addison Shirk 42, 41 — 83
Tasha Kolbas 43, 42 — 85
Kellie Peitzmeier 44, 43 — 87
Emily Kumm 42, 47 — 89
Junior Varsity:
Josie Jobst 52, 46 — 98
Emma Gehrig 55, 53 — 108
Marena Piro 50, 54 — 104
Aubrey Christensen 56, 59 — 115
Brielle Gehrig 62, 55 — 117
