By Les Dixon / Sports Editor
The Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets golf team fell short of capturing the Region 9 Golf Tournament at General Burnside Island State Park, but they did manage to send two individuals to the state tournament, as Becky Sharpe shot an 87, while Kalee Akins won a playoff and finished with an 89.
Russell County continued its dominance by finishing first with a 342, while Pulaski County placed second with a 375. Williamsburg finished one stroke behind the Lady Maroons with a 376 and finished in third place.
The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Bethany Hamblin shot a 90, while Julia Higginbothom (110) and Casey Cox (134) followed.
South Laurel shot a 408, as Kelcie Jervis led the way with an 89. Corbin finished with a 468, as Gabbie Sadler finished with a team-best 105.
The Russell County Lady Lakers had the top two individual golfers with Danielle Murray winning the tournament with a 18-hole round of 79, while teammate Jalena Barnes finished second with a 83.
Whitley County turned in an impressive 427, as Courtney Bishop finished with an 87.
Pulaski senior Chelsea Branscum finished fourth overall with a round of 85 to lead the Lady Maroons. Ashley Morris had a 93, Tayler Dick shot a 98, Jessica Acton shot a 99 and Allison Norris shot a 105.
After nine holes, the Lady Maroons held a one-shot lead over Williamsburg, and despite adverse conditions, the Lady Maroons were able to maintain their standing and earn the program’s fourth state tournament appearance.
Pulaski County, along with Russell County and the top four individual players not on a winning team, all qualified for the KHSAA’s Girls State Golf Tournament to be played at Bowling Green Country Club on Oct. 8-10.
Sports Editor’s note - The Commonwealth Journal contributed to the story.
