EASLEY – A tough two-day state tournament at Smithfields Country Club saw all three local schools finish in the top 12 of the 5A Division II state golf championship.
The par 72 course saw no player shoot even par or better over the two days. The fairways were very narrow, and the course was heavily wooded. Greens were fast and bunkers were deep. Chapin’s Lilly Reed Black won the tournament with a 154 (75-79) over the two days. TL Hanna and Chapin tied after two rounds with a 659 as TL Hanna would win the state championship in a playoff.
Catawba Ridge led the way finishing fifth in their first ever 5A state tournament with a 715 (368-347). All four of the Copperheads played better on day two lowering their scores by 21 shots.
The Copperheads were led over the two days by Ella Rose Hill with a 173 (88-85). Brooke Mehlhouse and Reagan Lynch both shot a 174 as Lynch came in with an 88 on day one and an 86 on day two. Mehlhouse shot a 93 on day one and was 12 strokes better with an 81 on day two. Jordan Lyons finished the scoring for Catawba Ridge with a 194 (99-95).
Fort Mill finished 10th overall with a two-day total of 787 (396-391). Sam Benton led Fort Mill with a 185 (94-91) and was followed by Lauren Venino with a 190 (95-95). Claire Collins shot a 191 (92-99) and Olivia Seifert rounded out the scoring with a 221 (115-106).
Nation Ford finished 11th overall with a 795 (404-391) over the 36-holes. Sara McCaskill led the Falcons with a 175 (90-85) and Piper Sabino shot a 185 (95-90). Katie Griggs fired off a 205 (102-103) and Hadley Mark finished with a 230 (117-113).
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
