Girls head to state

For the second year in a row, Marion County High School will be represented in the KHSAA girls golf state tournament.

Jesse Osbourne

Marion County High School's Amy Brown hits off the fairway at Shawnee Golf Course in Louisville on Tuesday of last week. Brown and the Lady Knights placed second in the region, earning a trip to the state tournament in Bowling Green this week.

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Last year Olivia Carrico qualified as a freshman, this year the team qualified by finishing second in the Third Region.

The Lady Knights survived a tough start at Shawnee Golf Course in Louisville by shooting a team score of 376. Central Hardin took the region title with a team score of 345.

Junior Hayley Abell led the way for the Lady Knights with an 86. She started the day five over par on the first two holes but settled down to shoot well enough to qualify individually.

Sophomore Amy Brown finished with a 90, also overcoming a shaky start. Sophomore Olivia Carrico finished with a 95 while freshman Taylor Howard had a 105. Emma Thompson ended the day with a 136. 

"It was very cold all day during the match and the course was in terrible condition after it had rained the day before with standing water in the sand bunkers," Head Coach Danny McFall said. "My girls were very diligent and a couple of them got off to a rough start but they quickly found their groove and started making good shots. I think it has been a long time since the girls team has been to the state tournament and I am so excited for them. This is a great group of girls who play well together and support each other. Regardless of how we do in the state we have had a great year. With all my girls returning next year and with the experience they have gained this year we should definitely be a region contender next year."

The Lady Knights travel to Bowling Green Country Club for a practice round on Thursday and begin teeing off from around 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Friday.