Schmitmeyer in fourth at state

Compiled by Colin Foster

Jill Schmitmeyer finds herself in title contention once again at the Division II state golf tournament.

The senior from St. Marys shot a 3-over 73 to position herself in fourth place on the first day of action at the Ohio State University Gray Course in Columbus.

"I have a lot of confidence going into tomorrow," said Schmitmeyer, who finished fifth at last year's state tournament. "There were a lot of really good scores out there today, but people can shoot better  than what they did today. I didn't start very well today, but I did finish pretty strong. That helps give me a little more confidence heading into tomorrow, too."

She is five shots off the lead heading into today's final round.

Independence's Sophia Trombetta, the runner-up last season, is alone on top the standings after shooting a 2-under 68. Kansas Lakota's

Kyleigh Dull and Eaton's Sarah Willis are tied for second with matching scores of 72. Shaker Heights Laurel's Jami Morris and Lima Central Catholic's Mary Kelly Mulcahy are one stroke behind Schmitmeyer in fifth.

"I think anybody's catchable," Schmitmeyer said. "I don't think anybody ever has it locked, especially because I missed a lot of putts. I barely missed a lot of birdie putts, especially on the front. I could have played better on the back nine. I'm excited to see what I can do tomorrow with it and to try to catch (Trombetta)."

St. Henry - making its first state appearance as a team - finished the first day in 12th place with a total of 380.

Redskin freshman Ellen Naumann is tied for 23rd overall with a score of 85. Karlee Staugler shot a 95 for St. Henry, Allyson Hemmelgarn had a 99, Claire Clune carded a 101 and Elizabeth Rockwell finished with a 110.

Independence holds a commanding lead in the team race with a 320 and Lima Central Catholic ranks second with 332. Versailles is tied with Chaminade Julienne for ninth place at 363.

Versailles is tied for ninth in the standings with a 363.