Nothing can drive a wedge between the girls’ golf team members this year. The Lady Jays golf team went to the state competition on October 10 and 11 in Columbia, Missouri after a successful

season. After practicing two hours

everyday after school at Shoal Creek Golf Course and winning sectionals and districts, the girls went into the competition feeling prepared and had a drive to win.

“We have very high expectations for state,” senior Brianna Walker said before the state competition. “We want to be able to place, not just celebrate and have fun. I think we’re capable of placing against other high schools. I think it will go well.”

Several of the golfers had high expectations before going off to compete.

“We are going there to actually compete and hopefully get the state title,” junior Bailey Kenney said. “I’m not sure if that will happen, but we’re all really hoping so.”

Even those on the team, but not going to state were full of high hopes and encouragement for those competing.

“I think they’re going to do really well,” sophomore Anna Jones said before the state competition. “All of the girls going are really good golfers.”

The girls wound up taking fourth in state out of eight teams during a vigorous two days. It was a great way to end their victorious season, but it wasn’t what everyone was hoping for.

“We were somewhat disappointed that we didn’t win the championship, but getting top four in the state is definitely something to be proud of,” said golf coach Forrest Bertoldie. “Our senior girls had such high hopes going into thecompetition so it was hard seeing the season come to an end because I wasn’t ready for it and some of the players certainly weren’t ready for it.”

The Lady Jays golf team is a tight knit group of girls who are all there for each other, win or lose. With a mix of beginners and veterans to the golf team, all of them have formed special bonds with their teammates which helped carry them to their victory

“We’re always working together and helping each other out,” freshman Abby Howard said. “I really enjoy just hanging out with all the girls as well. We do a lot together. It was a little nerve wracking joining the team at first as a freshman because you’re looking up to all of these girls that are a lot better than you, but they’re all really nice.” Kenney agreed.

“I think being apart of the team, especially with the group of girls we have, is really entertaining. It’s a really fun environment, especially when we’re putting in work together. It’s really enjoyable. I definitely am planning to play next year,” said Kenney.

Another thing that adds to the morale of the team are the coaches.

“More than anything the coaches have just been great moral support. They’re the people we talk to about our rounds, they help us with our swing and they’re amazing mentors that we’ve had helping us throughout the season,” said Walker.

LHS will have to wait to see what the girl’s golf team has in store for next season.