As the gray clouds and rain covered Harbor Trees Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana, HSE Girls golf prepared for the IHSAA Sectionals. It was a morning filled with nerves and determination, but by the end of the round, one performance stood above the rest. 

Senior standout Janelle Garcia delivered a strong 72(+1) earning medalist. From her opening tee shot, Garcia looked composed, finding fairways and rolling smooth putts with confidence. A birdie on the par-3 8th gave her momentum heading to the turn, and she carried that spark into the back nine. Another birdie at the long 17th par 5 was followed by a clutch par save on the par 3, 18th, drawing cheers from teammates and parents gathered greenside. 

Garcia’s round set the tone for the Royals, posting one of her best scores of the year. The energy around the squad reflected not only excitement for advancing but also pride in the way they handled sectional pressure. 

As players packed their bags and scorecards were signed, Garcia’s one over par performance became the headline of the day, securing her a top individual finish and putting Hamilton Southeastern in prime position for regional play. For Garcia, the round was both personal and team-driven. 

With sectionals in the books, and a 2nd place at the IHSAA Regionals at Edgewood GC, riding the momentum of Garcia’s steady, standout play, the Royals now prepare for State at Prairie View October 3rd and 4th.