WEST CHICAGO – Dean Netzel has never played at the state golf tournament, but he has a reliable source of information who knows what to expect.

Netzel, a Downers Grove South junior, and senior teammate Trent Caraher both made it out of the Class 3A St. Charles East sectional tournament at St. Andrew’s on Oct. 12 and head to the state tourney, which takes place in Bloomington on Oct. 16 and 17.

“It’s awesome,” Netzel said of earning a state berth. “It’s my first time doing it, and to be able to get down there is an honor.”

Netzel carded a 75, a good score considering the windy conditions, but had to play the waiting game to see if he qualified for state. Right around the time he found out his 75 was safe, Caraher turned in a 74 on his scorecard to give the Mustangs a pair of state golfers.

Caraher made the state tournament as a sophomore. Netzel plans to take advantage of his teammate’s experience to help in his debut.

“I definitely want to ask him a few questions because he’s got experience down there,” Netzel said.

Caraher believes his state experience (he made it as a sophomore) will help out this time around.

“It can get cold so you got to dress warm,” he said. “Other than that, it’s like any other round of golf. you have to grind it out and stick to your gameplan.”

Downers Grove North boys

Aidan Lafferty played in his first high school golf sectional on Oct. 12.

The Downers Grove North freshman has played in some big tournaments before, but the sectional tourney was a different experience.

“I feel like I didn’t play the best, but after No. 9 I felt like I relaxed and played like how I know I’m capable of playing,” Lafferty said.

Lafferty carded an 80 for his round. Senior Bryan Eckmann had the same score as the pair led the way for the Trojans. Alex Malone (82) and Kevin Chow (84) also scored for North, which finished 10th as a team with a score of 326 and did not have any state qualifiers.

Gytis Blinstrubas (86) and Bowen Marks (88) also played in the sectional for North.

Lafferty and Cooper Marks were two freshmen who played for the Trojans this season, and based on a season’s worth of results North head coach Anthony Calderone wasn’t surprised that Lafferty led the way at the sectional.

“Aidan is a very mature golfer,” Calderone said. “He understands the game and he plays a very strategic game. He knows his strengths and weaknesses, and he has a very consistent swing.”

After a positive experience as a freshman, Lafferty is looking forward to three more years of high school golf.

“I was really excited to be here, and I learned a lot for sure about my game and how I perform under pressure,” Lafferty said. “I’m looking forward to the future.”

Downers Grove North girls

Matching 78s from Courtney Katz and Rachel Leucuta helped lift the Trojans to third place and a state berth at the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional tournament on Oct. 12.

Grace Holler carded an 80 and Annie Bedalov an 85 to also count for North. Madison Farnsworth and Olivia Weaver also played in the sectional.

North tallied a 321 score and finished one stroke ahead of Naperville North for the third and final team qualifying spot.

Downers Grove South girls

Seniors Emily Tom and Morgan Meyer both played in the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional on Oct. 12, but each just missed out on earning a state tournament berth.

Benet boys

Nick Schanzer shot a 71 to earn medalist honors and a state tournament berth at the Class 3A St. Charles East sectional on Oct. 12.

Schanzer shot a 36 on his front nine and followed with a 35.

“I shot out of my mind today,” Schanzer said. “My drives were unbelievable. I hit a lot of greens and I made solid putts.”

Austin Feldman (78), Jack Neenan (78) and Alex Bassetto (84) also played in the sectional for Benet.

Benet girls

Lauren Beaudreau shot a 69 and won a one-hole playoff to earn medalist honors and a state meet berth at the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional on Oct. 12.

Abby Bitto (77) was also a state qualifier for the Redwings.

Lisle girls

After winning conference and regional titles, the Lions kept it up by winning the Class A Nazareth sectional on Oct. 12. Lisle shot a 371 to win by four strokes and qualify for the state tournament as a team.

Hanna Altpeter and Savannah Zink each shot an 87 to lead the way for Lisle. Bella Daly (97) and Kelsey Liss (100) counted for the Lions, and Anna Palicka and Katelyn Fonner also played for the Lions.