ROCKFORD — Ingersoll Golf Course presented a shorter layout for players competing in the Guilford Girls Invitational this past Saturday. For Rochelle senior Megan Thiravong, club selection was critical for putting up a good score in a field that featured over 80 local student-athletes.

Thiravong carded 82 over 18 holes on Saturday, opening with 42 through her first nine holes before shooting with 40 on the back end to medal in fifth place out of 84 players. Thiravong, who competed on the Rockford Junior Series and won the Greater Rockford Women’s Classic earlier this summer, utilized her prior course knowledge well over the weekend.

“I’m always excited to represent Rochelle,” Thiravong said. “I thought I could have played better. I was struggling in some aspects of my game, but I know I can improve those aspects in practice and bounce back next time. The course was playing a bit shorter, so my club selection was a bit different than usual and I had to adjust to hitting more long irons and switching to shorter wedges. The small greens and hard ground were presenting challenges for us all.”

Freshman Alivia Henkel also participated in the tournament, carding a 124 that included 59 over her first nine holes. Thiravong was one of four seniors who were honored Monday afternoon during Rochelle’s Senior Night match against the LaSalle-Peru Cavaliers.

“It’s been quite a journey with the team,” Thiravong said. “We’ve had players come and go but I’m happy with the new players who joined this year and it’s been a wonderful experience… I’m proud of the boys and I hope that they keep improving once us seniors are gone.”