Bot tamed a windy Lee Park Golf Course on Monday by shooting an 85 to win her school's 18-hole invitational by 10 shots. As the meet progressed, so did the winds, reaching nearly 20 mph with even higher gusts.
"I was able to hit some nice irons, and then my chipping also came around," she said. "I was able to get some chips that were really close and then make some one putts."
South Dakota high school golfers got a very late start on their seasons - some have yet to start - due to the snowy April weather.
"Since the season is going to be so short this year, you have to get out and play on your own time," Bot said. "You can't rely on just practices and meets. You really have to make an effort to get out on your own at nights and on the weekends."
It is that kind of attitude that is propelling Bot to be successful, said Roncalli coach Kerry Brandenburger. "She is a very consistent golfer who is very focused. I am proud of her for doing as well as she did today."
Most regional tournaments are in 13 days, some as soon as 10 days.
"It has been hard, especially on the younger girls," Bot said. "This was our second time being outside and our second meet. It is fun to just play again and get in some competitive play."
Milbank won the team portion of the meet, led by a second-place finish by Jessica Dornbusch. She shot a 95. All four of her teammates finished in the top 10.
Groton had three top 10 finishers. Kasey Waage was fourth (104), Nikki Koehler fifth (106) and Rachel Blackmun ninth (110). Sisseton also had a top finisher in Laci LaFromboise with a 111 to round out the top 10.
"I am pretty happy with everything," said Brandenburger. "It was a nice day, and we got to play outside. Plus, our scores improved and we are going in the right direction. So there was a lot to be happy about."
Almost all of the Roncalli golfers improved their scores from last weekend's season opener, including Brianna Weber, Madison Brandenburger and Brooke Olson. Coach Brandenburger said her players are focused on eliminating any third or fourth putts on holes to improve their individual and team scores.
Roncalli will be in action at the Poet Invitational Saturday at the Pine Hills Golf Course in Milbank, where the State A meet will be played May 20-21. The Cavaliers were scheduled to play at the Sisseton meet on Thursday, but those plans changed because that course is still plagued by moisture problems.
Sisseton is scheduled to host the Region 1A meet May 13.
TEAM SCORES
Milbank 412; Aberdeen Roncalli 434, Groton 439.
TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL
Samantha Bot, Roncalli, 85; Jessica Dornbusch, Milbank, 95; Morgan Jones, Milbank, 103; Kasey Waage, Groton, 104; Nikki Koehler, Groton, 106; Megan Schliesman, Milbank, 107; Audrey Sauza, Milbank, 107; Amber Schuelke, Milbank, 109; Rachel Blackmun, Groton, 110; Laci LaFromboise, Sisseton 111.
OTHERS
Redfield-Doland: Savannah Suchor 124, Josie Whitley 125, Bailey Miles 154.
Roncalli: Brianna Weber 113, Madison Brandenburger 113, Brooke Olson 123, Hailey Thares 142.
Aberdeen Central JV: Mikinze Jones 115, Allison Kuckelburg 126, Brittian Roberts 136.
Sisseton: Jacinda Carlson 129.
Groton: Katie Koehler 119, Allison Weber 124.
Top score in JV division: Skya Jandt, Roncalli, 118.