Mercy golf atop Division Two, wins state championship by 27 strokes

FARMINGTON HILLS — It’s been 21 years since Farmington Hills Mercy golf won a Michigan High School Athletic Association State Championship, but the trophy is finally back in their hands.

Mercy, who finished fourth last season, came into the state finals after finishing in second at regionals behind South Lyon and would have to face them once more.

“I actually felt like if we could shoot in the 340s, we would be in contention,” Mercy coach Vicky Kowalski said. “I think we just played steady and within our capabilities.”

On Oct. 15 at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers West, Mercy took first place at the MHSAA Division Two State Championship, beating the field by 27 strokes.

Led by sophomore Maeve Casey, who finished fourth in the individual placement, and senior Chloe Vig, Mercy dominated the first round of play.

“We were definitely surprised to be up by 10 strokes after day one,” Kowalski said. “We felt like we could compete with them, but it was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we’re up by 10 strokes.”’

Casey (79) and Vig (78) each shot under 80 in the first round. Casey said her familiarity with the course was a key contributor to her success.

“The course had some hard pin positions, and it definitely helped knowing I’d played the course before,” Casey said.

Vig, who has been on the varsity team all four years, shot an 88 in her final round to finish ninth in the individual placement.

“She’s just been a steady part of this team; she’s been on the varsity team since freshman year, and she’s just been getting better each year,” Kowalski said.

Her senior leadership played a pivotal role in Mercy finally claiming the top spot, and specifically over rival South Lyon, who got the better end of Mercy and Vig during her four years.

Vig said as special as it was ending her senior year on a title, it meant a little more to her because of something else.

“I think it felt extra good for me because we lost to South Lyon all four years we played,” Vig said.

Junior Abby Slankster (181), senior Mia Juday (202) and sophomore Lila Polakowski (178) all contributed efficient two-round scores for Mercy.

In Kowalski’s 45 years at Mercy, this season was the first year where she returned all of her starters from 2021.

While Vig and Juday are both graduating this year and won’t continue that trend, Mercy will return an array of talent next season with Casey, Slankster, and Polakowski forefronting the 2023 group.

“I got some sophomores champing at the bit, who shoot well at some tournaments,” Kowalski said. “They’re gonna be ready to take those spots.”