Abby Luchtenberg Advances to Girls Golf Sectionals

The Geneva girls golf team's season is over after coming in sixth place at the regional tournament today at St. Andrews, but the season is still very much alive for Abby Luchtenberg.

Luchtenberg shot 82 and was among the leaders at the tournament. Overall, Geneva shot 397. Elise Anderson shot 102, Jessie Matthieson 106, Megan Kelly 107 to round out the top four scores. Katie Kelly added a 120.

"I struggled today but somehow managed to make clutch putts," said Luchtenberg. "My goal was to shoot 79, so I wasn't too far off. It was nice to play with Kayla [Stueland] and tie with her. She kept me on my toes. I felt like I was on track."

Luchtenburg has been playing well all season, and, as a freshman, it looks like she has a very bright future.

"Abby has been playing very well, especially for a freshman. She keeps getting better," said assistant coach Scott Hennig.

Next week, Abby will take on golfers who have been consistently scoring low. Among the competitors are regional medalist Arianna Furrie of St. Charles North, who shot 74, and Kate VenHorst of St. Charles East, who shot 77 Wednesday.

Hennig says one of Abby's best qualities is that she "doesn't fold under pressure."

"I'm really happy with myself, and I'm looking forward to advancing. I think I have a good shot, I just need a couple of days of really good practice," Luchtenberg said.

Overall, St. Charles East came in first place shooting 330, while Batavia placed second with 333, and Wheaton Warrenville South High School came in third with 336. St. Charles North's Ariana Furrie was the individual leader with a 73.

Luchtenberg will join other top golfers at the sectional tournament Monday.