Eftink’s series of pars, Knuffman’s steady play key to making cut at state golf tourney

DECATUR, Ill. — Blair Eftink’s double bogey on the first hole after making the turn Friday put her chances of surviving to play the second round of the Class 1A state golf tournament in limbo.

A series of pars changed everything.

Eftink rolled in par putts on six of her final eight holes, including four in a row, to shoot a 4-over 40 on the front nine at Red Tail Run Golf Course and carded a 15-over 87, climbing into a tie for 49th and making the cut to play Saturday. The Quincy Notre Dame junior will be joined by teammate Hana Knuffman, who also shot an 87 with a 43 on the front nine and a 44 on the back, although the Raiders weren’t able to advance as a team.

QND posted a 367 team total — eight shots better than its sectional score — to finish 11th in the 12-team field. Only the top eight teams make the cut, but the Raiders had four scores in double digits and continued to show the progress they’ve made all season.

Senior Olivia Hummel shot a 95, while freshman Meredith Eversman posted a 98 as the Raiders finished 17 strokes out of the top eight. Mt. Carmel leads the field with a 302, while Alton Marquette is second at 309.