Alexis Miestowski is feeling relaxed and focused.

Watch out, golf world.

“I’m really excited,” the Lake Central senior said. “I feel really good about my team and my game.”

Two years ago, Miestowski stunned everyone with a record-breaking year and a 6-stroke victory at the 2015 state tournament.

Last year, she had to deal with a health issue that affected the first half of her season as well as the distraction of selecting a college. She verbally committed to Indiana.

Still, Miestowski was able to make a run at another title even after an opening-round 78 at Prairie View Golf Club. She got hot in the second round, making three early birdies and taking a 1-stroke lead before a triple bogey on the ninth hole cost her the tournament. Miestowski finished tied for third.

Her goal is to enjoy her last year as a high school golfer and compete hard.

Miestowski’s coach, Chris Rossiano, is excited to see how the season unfolds. It started well. She was the medalist at the Lafayette Jefferson Invitational on Tuesday at Battle Ground Golf Club, shooting a 2-under-par 70.

“She had a great summer,” Rossiano said. “She’s committed to IU and happy. I think last year, she felt like she had to impress some coaches and defend her title. She is happy. And her improvement around the greens is insane. The big thing that has improved for her is her short game.”

Always a great ball striker, Miestowski worked almost exclusively on her short game this summer.

Rossiano said she spent hours practicing chipping and putting.

Miestowski said she’s excited to see how her work pays off.

“That’s the most important part of the game,” she said. “If you want to be a solid player, you have to be able to chip and putt. There is always room for improvement with your short game.”

Miestowski spent the summer traveling and playing. Her best showing came at the Junior Girls PGA at the Country Club of St. Albans, just outside of St. Louis. Players from all over the world qualified for the tournament. Miestowski tied for 20th, finishing 3-under after four rounds.

Her goal now is to transition into the high school season without a hitch.

She competes on courses in the summer that are between 6,000 and 6,300 yards. Most high school courses are around 5,000 yards.

Miestowski said her wedge game will have to be sharp.

“You have to play different,” she said. “It will be a wake-up call. Once I get into my zone, I’ll be fine.”

The larger picture for Miestowski revolves around leading her team and winning state again.

With one state trophy on her shelf, she is being real when she says she’s chasing it again.

“That’s definitely the long-term goal when that time comes,” Miestowski said.

mhutton@post-trib.com

Twitter @MikeHuttonPT

Top five teams

1. Lake Central: Alexis Miestowski gives Lake Central the top spot, and has help. Elana Lippe, a sophomore who averaged in the mid 80s, will likely play No.2. Dominique Colantuono, a junior who shot 80 at regionals, is also back. The Indians have three other players competing for the final two spots. Could be a top 10 team in state.

2. Valparaiso: The Vikings are the other team, along with LC, with some depth. Wynne Aldrich, a sophomore, is one of the top three golfers in the area. She shot 82 at regionals. Grace Cusson a junior and Emma Gilliana, a senior, round out their top three. If the Vikings can find a fourth scorer, they could get out of regionals. They finished fifth in regionals last year.

3. Munster: The Mustangs graduated Nicole Howard, a state qualifier. Euna Lee, a sophomore who played varsity is solid. Emma Ladd, a junior, also has varsity experience. Munster coach Bill Smitka has a rotation of about eight players who could see varsity time.

4. LaPorte: The Slicers won their sectional last year and they return three seniors: Bethany Schuster, Hannah Schuster and Emily Wilmsen. Hannah Schuster shot 88 at Battle Ground Golf Club.

5. Chesterton: The Trojans don’t have much depth but they have one of the top players in the area in junior Elyse Stasil. Stasil finished second at state last year. Madi Simms, a sophomore, is the only other player with golf experience. She played JV last season. Chesterton coach Jordan Nelson said the team is in rebuild mode.

Top 10 players

Wynne Aldrich, Valparaiso, sophomore; Dominique Colantuono, Lake Central, junior; Grace Cusson, Valparaiso, junior; Emma Gilliana, Valparaiso, senior; Emma Ladd, Munster, junior; Euna Lee, Munster, sophomore; Alexis Miestowski, Lake Central, senior; Hannah Schuster, LaPorte, senior; Elyse Stasil, Chesterton, senior; Olivia Wood, Portage, junior.

—Mike Hutton