The Chesterton girls golf team didn’t waste any time announcing themselves as the area’s top team on Monday at The Brassie.

Chesterton fired a 333 team score on its way to a 50-shot victory and Duneland Athletic Conference Meet title. Lake Central was second (383), followed by Valparaiso (389) and Crown Point (396).

“Today was a good start for us in going after the DAC title,” Chesterton coach Dale Hewitt said. “Last year we won here and finished second. We have to keep it going through the dual meets.”

The Trojans got off to a fine start as freshman Kelly Grassel birdied her first hole on her way to a 75 and medalist honors.

“I was swinging well,” Grassel said. “I really just tried to go one shot at a time and play the course. I only missed four greens all day, but I three-putted twice.

“It was really a pretty boring round of golf.”

Senior Erin DeVaney posted the second lowest round of the tournament with an 82, while classmate Hayley Miller shot 89. Freshman Marissa Kroeger fired a personal best 87 with Stephanie Drake shooting 91.

Only four players in the field eclipsed the Trojans fifth score.

Chesterton returns to the course on Thursday when they host Michigan City at 4:15 p.m.

1. Chesterton 333, 2. Lake Central 383, 3. Valparaiso 389, 4. Crown Point 396, 5. LaPorte 431, 6. Portage 443, 7. Merrillville 460, 8. Michigan City 496.

Chesterton -- Kelly Grassel 75 (Medalist), Erin DeVaney 82, Marissa Kroeger 87, Hayley Miller 89, Stephanie Drake 91.

Lake Central -- Brianna Davy 84, Emily Sandefar 92, Jen Pafahl 101, Lisa Rodriguez 106, Michelle Baczkowski 108.

Valparaiso -- Kelly Copeland 87, Lyndsey Holmes 98, Ellie Gorski 102, Kate Manning 102, Susan Friedlander 106.

Crown Point -- Carolyn Kupechik 86, Kelly Rostin 96, Laura Dexter 102, Angela Roberts 117.

LaPorte -- Lisa Mullen 95, Sara Renefiel 102, Stephanie Klingenmeir 107, Natsuko Mazany 127.

Portage -- Sarah Dienes 85, Nessa Junyanid 92, Clarissa Blazek 127, Jessica Morris 142, Lauren Murray 139.

Merrillville -- Alexis Connelly 96, Sarah Martin 119, Lauren Carniello 115, Kelsey Washburn 130.

Michigan City -- Cecelia Gussman 111, Laura Bennett 118, Maggie Gondeck 125, Paige Mellen 142.

Posted 8/18/2009