Sarah Houle was the only golfer among 104 competitors to finish under par in the girls' golf state championships, at wet Tashua Knolls Golf Course in Trumbull, on June 6. Houle, a Newtown High School junior, shot a 71, one under par, to take home the championship. Houle was four strokes better than her nearest competitor, Mercy High of Middletown's Praewa Treekul.

"What a huge accomplishment. It was incredible to watch her be so mentally tough throughout the day in difficult conditions. She was disappointed in her score last year and did everything imaginable the entire year to give herself an opportunity to be successful," Newtown Coach Jeremy O'Connell said. "I am so proud and excited for her."

Houle tied for seventh with a nine-over score of 81 at last year's championship match, also held at Tashua Knolls.

New Canaan with a 348, was this year's overall team champion. The Nighthawks, with their top-four golfer score tally of 390, tied for tenth along with Daniel Hand of Madison and Staples of Westport. There were 20 schools in the tournament.

Newtown's Casey Muckell tied for 68th place with a 105, Kira Kelly tied for 70th with a 106, Sydney Marino tied for 75th with a 108, and Camryn Findley tied for 85th with a 111.