Chilly and wet conditions at Otter Creek GC did not get in the way of tremendous junior play this weekend. During the 2014 Hoosier Junior Championship, Sydney Anderson fired a two day total of 8-over-par, 152 with a second day score of 73 to capture the title. In the boys division, Thomas Lewis posted an impressive 3-under-par, 141 to win his second major of the year.
Playing on her home course this weekend, Anderson headed to the final round two shots behind leader Alexis Miestowski of Schereville. Anderson made the turn at 1-over-par, taking a four shot lead over Miestowski with just nine holes to play. Although Miestowski made a comeback on the back nine, firing a 1-under-par, 35, Anderson proved that this was her event. Firing a solid back nine of 36 with four bogeys and four birdies, Anderson captured her first Hoosier Junior victory.
“I played really well today,” Anderson said. “After I turned at 1-over-par, I felt really confident heading to the east nine. I kept my driver in play off the tee all day and I think that is a definitely the reason I was able to win this event.”
Last year, Anderson was leading heading to the final round, but just fell short. This year, her game has become more consistent.
“I honestly never play that well at Otter Creek even though I practice here all the time,” Anderson said. “Last year, my game was kind of inconsistent and lately I feel like I have steadied out. I felt really confident coming into today.”
Anderson is currently a senior in high school and will attend the University of Indianapolis next fall. First round leader Miestowksi finished runner-up.
In the boys division, Thomas Lewis started off the day just one shot out of the lead. With a final round score of 4-under-par, 68 yesterday, Lewis coasted to victory.
“My short game was really good both days this weekend,” said Lewis of Westfield, Ind. “I knew I would have a lot of great competition at this event, and being able to win really makes me feel confident.”
Earlier this season, Lewis won the Boy’s State Junior Championship, and this weekend’s victory gives him his second major win.
“After winning the Boy’s State Junior, I made it my goal to win this event,” Lewis said. “It’s a great feeling heading into my junior season at Westfield.”
To cap off his win yesterday, Lewis sunk a ten footer for birdie on 18 in front of a small gallery. Columbia City’s Tyler Green and Spencer Klimek finished in a tie for second with two day totals of 1-over-par, 145.
Click here for results from the Girls Division.
Click here for results from the Boys Division.