The Noblesville High School girls golf team flirted with a state title before falling just short.

The Millers, who led the opening round by five strokes, finished second to Zionsville Oct. 5 in the IHSAA girls golf state finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Noblesville totaled 632 strokes, five more than Zionsville.

With their top three golfers returning next season, Millers coach Justin Werkley is optimistic about the future.

“We have a very deep and great group of girls returning next year,” Werkley said. “They will all learn from this experience and be better because of it.”

The Millers carded a 310 in the first round and 322 in the second of the two-day finals.

“We played both days with the same approach and game plan,” Werkley said. “The girls were patient and confident and gave it all they had. All credit to Zionsville for playing some great golf in the second round.”

Noblesville won the sectional Sept. 23 at Noblesville’s Harbour Trees Golf Club. Noblesville then captured the regional Sept. 28 at Edgewood Golf Club in Anderson.

“We have tremendous confidence in each one of our players to go out and play great golf,” Werkley said. “I’m never surprised when I see them do amazing things because we see it all the time in practice and throughout the season.”

Junior Josie Kelley led the way in the postseason.

“Josie is a tremendous player and was rock solid for us all year,” Werkley said. “She really peaked at the end of the season winning both the sectional and regional before finishing sixth at the state finals. She is a very hard worker and will be motivated to keep getting better.”

Kelley was the sectional co-medalist with a 74 and was regional medalist with a 68. She shot 75 each day to finish sixth individually in the state finals,

“I think the key to my consistency the past couple of days was my mentality,” Kelley said. “Throughout the tournament, I was able to remain focused and steady, and that ultimately caused me to be able to perform well both days with confidence.”

In the state finals, Millers junior Olivia Fowler was tied for 20th with a 159. Other Noblesville scores were senior Karis Shields, 161; junior Presley White, 165; and senior Olivia Anderson, 175.

“Our senior leadership from Karis Shields and Olivia Anderson was a steadying influence throughout the season,” Werkley said, “They will be missed.”

Shields and Anderson earned Academic All-State honors.