Nathan Li

Senior Maxine Hurst follows through on a drive at golf competition earlier in the season. The girls golf team placed third overall at the IHSA 1A State

In a historic season, the girls golf team placed third overall at the IHSA 1A State Championship at the Red Trail Golf Course in Decatur from Oct. 17-19. This was the first time in the team’s history to win a trophy at state. Also for the first time in school history, the boys golf team had two members compete individually at state, though neither received medals. 

Senior Amelia Tan, who has qualified individually for state the past three years, placed 8th, and senior Maxine Hurst placed 13th overall. 

“I think it’s really incredible to be able to make history for Lab, because that’s something that’s never happened before,” Amelia said. “On top of just being excited in general at getting third place, which is something I don’t think when we were freshmen, we would have ever thought that we would have accomplished.”

Prior to this season, the team’s best result was sixth at state last year. 

Amelia emphasized that the supportive team environment and the close-knit relationships helped players succeed throughout the season and at state. 

“It’s already like a small team as it is, but we’re really close, and I think that helps us, because we sort of push each other to be, like, the best we can be,” Amelia said. 

The state championship was also memorable to the team because they were able to play at such a high level. Vedika Dangi, Maxine Hurst and Devyn Moubayed all had their personal bests at state.

“This was our second time going, and it’s always fun playing at such a competitive level.” Vedika said. “We had so much support from our coaches at state, which really helped.”

The boys team competed at the Weibring Golf Course in Normal. Daniel Chang placed 16th and Krish Khanna placed 70th. 

“My experience at state this year was definitely something special because this was the first time in Lab’s history that any boys qualified into the state tournament,” Daniel said. “I think what made it really, really special was that I wasn’t at state alone.”