The Delavan Panthers varsity boys golf team punched its ticket to the next round of postseason play Tuesday, finishing second at the IHSA Class 1A Regional Tournament held at Shambolee Golf Course in Petersburg and securing a spot in next week’s sectional competition.

Leading the charge for Delavan was junior standout Grady Burrell, who continued his stellar season with a round of 71. Burrell’s score earned him second place individually in the tournament, just two strokes behind the regional champion.

Despite another impressive performance, Burrell kept the result in perspective.

“I’m happy with it,” he said.

More importantly, Burrell was focused on the team’s accomplishment.

“We’re moving on. That’s all that matters,” he added.

Delavan’s depth proved critical in earning the runner-up finish. Junior Trace Kight-Garlish turned in an 81, while senior Caden Rassi followed closely with an 82. Freshman Izayah Sipka delivered one of the most memorable performances of the day, carding an 85 in his first-ever regional tournament and recording his season-best score.

Sipka highlighted the seventh hole as his best of the day.

“I birdied it and I hit a putt from about 25-30 feet out,” he said.

Like every golfer, Sipka also battled adversity during the round. His toughest moment came on the 14th hole.

“I smoked a tree, and it went out of bounds. I had to take a drop,” he said.

Still, the freshman refused to let the setback derail his round.

“It happens,” Sipka said.

His resilience paid off as he finished with a personal season best on one of the biggest stages of the year.

Rounding out Delavan’s scoring were junior Drake Neuendorf with an 89 and junior Hudson Briggs with a 98.

The strong team effort ensured the Panthers would continue their postseason journey, a goal that has remained at the forefront of the team’s season.

The Panthers will compete in the IHSA Class 1A Sectional at Kellogg Golf Course in Peoria beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, with hopes of extending their season even further.