Lyons Township High School seniors Charlie Forrest and Ben Hare had strong performances at the Class 3A boys golf state meet at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington. Just one shot better would have made both even happier. 

Forrest and Hare were among six golfers who tied for 11th with two-round, three-over-par 147s. They were only one stroke from sharing eighth and top-10 all-state honors. 

“I hit the ball very well, probably the best ball striking I’ve had all year,” Forrest said.  “I putted very poorly, unfortunately, so I felt like I could have scored a lot better, but I’m pretty happy with how I played.”   

Forrest (71-76) improved from tying for 34th in his state debut last year with a 155 (76-79). He had an eagle and two birdies Friday on the par-72 course. Hare (72-75) had four birdies both rounds. Hare shot par Friday but opened Saturday with a double bogey. He later overcame a triple bogey on hole No. 12. 

“It was a pretty frustrating (Saturday) but overall pretty happy with the result,” Hare said. “If you would have told me I’d be getting 11th place, I’d be extremely happy so I’m still proud of myself for doing that. I could have done better, but happy with how I did.” 

LTHS junior Cohen Bloomfield tied for 18th at 149 (74-75), three strokes from all-state, with an eagle and five birdies. LTHS senior and sectional medalist Grayson Lee shot 83 Friday to tie for 87th and missed the second-round cut of 81.  

Forrest was even after Saturday’s first birdie on his 16th hole but then had a triple bogey on No. 17. He was the only LTHS golfer with previous state experience. He plans to play college golf. 

“I knew what to expect (coming back). I don’t think I was as nervous,” Forrest said. “The greens were extremely difficult. I wasn’t the only one that struggled putting. I just missed a couple that I would have liked to have back.”  

At last year’s sectional, Hare came one stroke from the playoff for the last individual state spots. He battled to 2-under-par through 10 holes Saturday but fell back with the double-bogey on No. 12 and bogeys on two of his last three holes. 

“Just a lot of ups and downs but I was happy with how I kept my composure,” Hare said. “(State) was actually more fun than I thought. It was fun and just nice being with the guys, hanging out with them. The golf was fun, too, but also just off the course was much better than I thought.” 

Hare also spoke about Friday’s tee shot and birdie on the par-3, 185-yard No. 8 hole.    

“I stuck it like two feet (from the hole) so I’ll definitely remember that one,” Hare said. “That was probably one of the best shots I’ve hit in a while.”  

Forrest (wrist) and Bloomfield (back) overcame injuries to reach state. Forrest’s setback forced him to miss the beginning of the season and events he looked forward to playing. He competed just two days after he returned to hitting balls. 

“I knocked off the rust later in the year,” Forrest said.  

At the 2A boys state meet, Nazareth Academy junior Max Dwyer tied for 53rd with a 160 (79-81) at the par-72 Weibring Golf Club in Normal and two birdies Friday. 

At the Class 2A girls state meet at Hickory Point in Decatur, Nazareth senior Gabriella Giangrande tied for 67th with a two-round 165 (81-84) on the par-72 course. 

On Friday, Lyons Township senior Mekayla Genovesi tied for 97th overall with a 91 with one birdie, seven strokes from the cut. 

LTHS girls flag football 

Junior June Smith not only joined the Lyons Township girls flag football varsity roster this season, but she switched from wide receiver to cornerback. Smith leads the Lions (14-2) with 12 interceptions and 72 flag pulls as part of a stingy defense that also includes Meg Robinson (9 interceptions), Mary Karam (59 flag pulls), Margeaux Dvorak (17 sacks), Isla Riboul (38 flag pulls) and Leah Monohan (37 flag pulls). 

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot and being wide receiver (before) really helps,” Smith said. “You really have to follow that receiver and you kind of know what the receiver’s going to do. You’re kind of looking at the quarterback and what they’re doing – and you’ve got to have those hands.”  

Smith collected two more interceptions Saturday as the Lions enjoyed their historic 20-0 victory over Downers Grove North in the LT Sectional semifinals. The Lions played Romeoville Tuesday for the sectional title and a berth in the state quarterfinals Oct. 16 at Willowbrook. In their third year of existence, the Lions have won three regional titles but this was their first sectional victory and seventh shutout this season. LTHS beat Lindblom 14-6 in the LT Regional final Oct. 7. 

“I love our defense. I have a lot of trust in our defense all together,” LTHS coach Meghan Hutchens said. “I’m just proud of our girls all around from where we started and where we are now.”  

Smith had 11 flag pulls Saturday. Raboul turned her interception into a pick-six TD spanning 83 yards. Taylor Hoffenberg and Bianca Taylor also scored TDs and quarterback Evie Riopell was 14 of 25 passing. Robinson (17), Taylor (13) and Hoffenberg (8) lead the Lions in TDs. 

LTHS girls tennis 

Undefeated LTHS freshman Jessie Janiak won the No. 1 singles title at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet Saturday. Janiak’s 7-5, 6-1 title victory was her first meeting against Oak Park and River Forest senior Lucy Stein, who finished fourth in Class 2A state singles last year. Stein was ill for the teams’ dual meeting, Sept. 29. 

“That was probably my best win this season so far,” Janiak said. “I feel very accomplished. It was a tough match. I just really had to work hard. It was long.”  

The Lions finished second in the meet and final overall standings to Hinsdale Central. Elise Novey and Chloe Owens (No. 1 doubles), Abby Sullivan (No. 2 singles), Anna Turnispeed (No. 3 singles) and Abby Cox and Abbi Scouffas (No. 3 doubles) each finished second. Elana Lowery and Ellie Stroka (No. 4 doubles) were third and Sophia Dalgety and Lucy Fletcher (No. 2 doubles) fourth. 

The Lions compete at the Class 2A Hinsdale Central Sectional. Top four singles and doubles finishers advance to state.