Girls golf ends season at state tournament
The girls golf team practices before competing in the state tournament on Monday, Oct. 12.
The Homestead girls golf team’s season came to a close on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the second and final day of the state tournament that took place at University Ridge in Madison. The team finished in sixth place, and sophomore standout Speedy Kent finished seventh overall individually.
The season brought ups and downs for the Highlanders. The team lost its number one performer from last year, Anika Hitt, due to graduation, but the team pushed through adversity to make it to the state championship, something many people doubted they would do this year.
After finishing second at sectionals, the Lady Highlanders were sent on their way to Madison to compete at state. The team created a close bond throughout the season both on and off the golf course. “I really enjoyed being part of the team this year. I had so many great memories with them that I will never forget. We were all glad that we made to it state because no one expected us to,” Kent said.
The team arrived in Madison on Sunday to play in a practice round, and took the course for competition on Monday morning. The tournament carried over into Tuesday where the winners were then crowned.
According to Kent, she did not play the golf that she hoped to play, but will not let that slow her down.
The conclusion was a bittersweet moment for the team’s only senior Bella Barbiere, who played her last game as a Highlander. “To finish up my career at University Ridge, walking down the 18th hole with Coach Krueger and a crowd of people watching, was so surreal. A final group huddle topped it off,” Barbiere said.
The team defied the odds this season and made it to the state tournament where they placed sixth, attesting to the talent that is on the young team. With all but one of the varsity golfers returning, next season should be a good one for the Homestead girls golf team. “We are looking forward to next year and are hoping to be in the contention for the state title,” Kent said.
Gaby Geiger is a sports reporter for Highlander Publications. She is a two sport athlete for Homestead, participating in diving and gymnastics. Often referred...
