Springdale Har-Ber likely won’t win the Class 7A state golf championship this week, but the Lady Wildcats expect to finish strong.
“If we can put together two good days of golf, I think we can be in the top five when it’s over,” Har-Ber golf coach Tim Aynes said.
Har-Ber will get its opportunity today when play begins at the Class 7A State Tournament at the Conway Country Club. About 14 teams are expected to compete and the field will be cut in half on Tuesday for the final 18 holes.
Fayetteville is the defending state champion but the Lady Bulldogs could received a stiff challenge from Conway on its home course. The Lady Wampus Cats are led by 2011 medalist Summar Roachell, who signed with the University of Arkansas.
“Fayetteville is definitely the favorite, but Conway should challenge again after finishing as the state runner-up last year,” Aynes said.
Har-Ber’s chances of doing well in the state meet received a boost when freshman Joanna Keck recovered from a recent bout with the flu. Keck leads the Lady Wildcats with an 88 average.
“That’s good news,” Aynes said. “She’s been our most consistent player and having her back gives us another chance for a low score.”
Har-Ber warmed up for the state meet by defeating Rogers Heritage 5-0 in match play last Thursday at Stonebridge Country Club. Abigail McMoran won her match by a 4-3 score. Molly Luster and Jodie Karsono each defeated Katie Christian and Gina Britton 4-2. Steph Wedding held off Destiney Phillps 3-2 while Hadley Apple went to the final hole leading 1 up before taking the final hole to beat Erin Lundy 2 Up.
The Lady Wildcats shot a practice round at the Conway Country Club on Sunday before beginning play today in the state meet.