FORSYTH, Ill. — Waubonsie Valley senior Arushi Singh couldn’t help but let nostalgia creep up on her at Saturday’s Class 2A state finals.
Sentimental feelings? Of course.
But there was zero chance a stroll down memory lane would cause Singh to trip up.
The four-year state qualifier finished her career with a stellar even-par 72 at Hickory Point, giving Singh all-state honors in a tie for fifth in the 112-player field. It was her best round and best state finish.
“My whole goal was to make top 10 or top five,” said Singh, an Indiana recruit. “I wasn’t thinking much of my score or where I was on the leaderboard. I just wanted to play my best, and I definitely think I did that.”
Singh (75-72) was three strokes back from New Trier’s Penelope Tir (73-71), who took the title. Singh’s previous best was 22nd as a sophomore.
“Four years in a row is crazy,” Singh said. “Seeing how (this season) differed from my freshman year is huge.”
With just a few final holes to go, Singh reflected on just how far she’d come. She leaves Waubonsie Valley as the second player in program history to reach four state finals — joining current Illinois golfer Bing Singhsumalee.
“Bing had been a huge role model and watching her play as a senior my freshman year was amazing,” Singh said. “I wanted to be that same leader that she was.”
Call it a success, and there’s a good chance the two compete next year in Big Ten play.
Singh, though, wasn’t the only four-year state qualifier soaking up memories.
Lauren Nay, the lone senior in the lineup for state finalist Naperville North, reminisced with coach Greta Williams while walking to her final hole.
“We talked about how I came down and watched the 2013 state series when I was in eighth grade,” Nay said. “Coach said, ‘You’ll be in this state finals some day.’ And that hit my heart hard.
“It was fun to have those memories together.”
Naperville North (626) took fifth in the team standings behind champion New Trier (603). Barrington (613) and Hinsdale Central (619) also reached the state podium.
Mara Flaherty (76-75) and Hannah Martin (81-76) paced the Huskies, with Flaherty finishing in a tie for 14th. Nay (81-77) was next in line for North.
“Losing Lauren is going to be a big blow, but we’re hoping to be down here for the next few years and get a trophy next season,” said Flaherty, a junior.
Other notables from the area include Naperville Central sophomore Emma Lim (75-82), who tied Martin for 38th, which was two strokes ahead of Naperville North sophomore Emily Nay.
Waubonsie Valley senior Kerrigan Boose (85-84) placed 78th.
Logan Malloy is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
