The Mooreland Lady Bearcats golf team came into this season looking to fill a couple of spots but were ready to make some noise throughout the season and in the Class 2A state golf tournament at the end of the season. And that is what they did.
Mooreland finished third at state. Evelyn Sturgill placed fifth overall in the state and Ella Bouse was named All-State for the west.
As she prepared for this season, head coach Kayla Godwin was prepared to fill in a few gaps on the team after losing two starters to graduation. She says that she knew it would take some work for his team but she never doubted that they could do it.
“I have always had high expectations for this particular group of girls to be great,” the coach said. “We have been working hard together season after season and their scores just kept improving so I knew we could have a great season if they could keep up the momentum. One thing I can say about this squad is they are some of the most dedicated girls I’ve had and have spent many many hours on the course this season to get themselves prepared for the state tournament again. Our three returning starters have really impressed me with how they have stepped up and really showed our new members a good work ethic and how dedicated you have to be successful in this sport. The new members equally impressed me with their eagerness to jump in and keep the tradition going.”
The two seniors that made their final trip to state, Kamdyn Frazier and Ella Bouse have both made a significant impact on the Lady Bearcat golf program.
“Kamdyn has consistently played our three bag all season long and is probably our most improved player,” coach Godwin said. “Over the years she has placed in the top five at the majority of our tournaments and is one of the best chippers we have. Ella has been a team leader for us since she was a sophomore. She is a powerhouse hitter and that is definitely an advantage we have on our team. She has won one tournament this year and has placed runner up at several tournaments and was the individual runner up at regionals.”
With these two being gone, Godwin says that they are leaving the team in good hands.
“I really want to brag on my junior, Evelyn Sturgill,” she said. “She has played our number 1 bag all season long. Evelyn individually won every single tournament, besides one that she was runner-up at, that we have been to this year. She has shot in the low 80s/high 70s all year and is still getting better. Our new players to our varsity squad this year were Neely Norman and Baily Lawellin who are both just as impressive as brand new golfers and I expect them as well as our JV squad to do great things in the coming years.”
