The Rolla Bulldogs posted a team low 368 to capture this year’s Class 3 District 3 Golf Tournament held at the Whispering Oaks Golf Course in Marshfield on Thursday, Oct. 5.
Led by Audrey Smith’s 79, the Dogs dominated the 13-team field that had gathered in hopes of winning this year’s tournament. Runner0up honors went to the Branson Pirates, who came in at 397, 29 strokes behind the pace set by Rolla.
“We’ve been preparing for our district tournament for some time. We’ve especially been addressing the possibility of having to play in the rain, so we were ready to play today,” said Smith. “Overall, I think our preparation to play and the mental toughness of our team played a big part in our winning this year’s district title. I’m so proud of us all.”
Smith carded a 38 on the front nine and 41 on the back in route to her round of 79. According to the Rolla junior, the district tournament seemed to bring out the best in her.
“I hit my driver really well. I think I missed only one fairway all day. But I also had a good day chipping and putting,” she said. “Besides that, my wedge game was on. So, for most of the day, I enjoyed some of the best golf I’ve played all season.”
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Rounding out the Bulldog scorecard were Alyssa Joyce 44-42-86, Rylie Bales 44-51-95, Alexis Mrozowicz 53-55-108 and Caplyn Gideon 49-62-111. Only the top four scores are figured in when adding up team scores.
“These kids are such a fun group of girls. They’re also one of the hardest working groups I’ve ever had,” said Rolla head coach Zack Nixon. “I’ve always had good kids, but these girls have come together to make this one of our best years ever. They’re a very special group of young girls.”
Branson, as the event’s runner up, also enjoyed a great tournament. Maci Rogers fired an 89 to lead the Pirates effort. Also contributing were Kaylee Umbright 47-49-96, Reese Cornelison 49-51-100, Clara Dean 58-54-112 and Raelee Hollier 71-81-152.
As the Class 3 District 3 champion and runner-up, both Rolla and Branson will move on to compete in the state tournament, as well as 14 All-District players, and three who by qualified by meeting new MSHSAA state standards.
Cameron Collects Individual District Title
Nevada’s Emree Cameron carded a two-under 68 to capture the district’s individual championship. The win made it three straight individual titles for her.
Only a junior, Cameron recorded a 33 on the front nine and 35 on the back on her way to picking up the district’s individual title. On the day she logged 14 pars, one bogey and three birdies.
“My goal was to just go out and play for pars, to stay calm and have fun. I really didn’t want to have to worry about much at all,” she said. “However, I played really well, got the win, and it feels great.”
Nevada head coach Brian Leonard said he wasn’t surprised at all that Cameron captured this year’s individual title.
“Emree is very dedicated to this sport and she’ll do whatever it takes to excel,” said the Nevada coach. “She’s always working hard to improve her game. No doubt, one day she’s going to have a very lucrative college career.”
Marshfield’s Marlene Edgeman, one stroke off the pace set by Cameron, registered a one under par 69 to place second in the meet. The Blue Jay senior recorded rounds of 35-34 with 11 pars, 3 bogeys and 4 birdies.
Team Results
1. Rolla- 368
2. Branson- 397
T3 Camdenton- 402
T3 Carl Junction- 402
5. Central- 407
T6 Marsfield- 426
T6 Willard- 426
8. Bolivar- 454
9. Nevada- 468
10. Webb City- 486
11. West Plains- 492
12. McDonald Co.- 569
13. Hillcrest- DNF
All-District Team
1. Emree Cameron, 33-35-68, Nevada
2. Marlene Edgeman, 35-34-69, Marshfield
3. Audrey Smith, 38-41-79, Rolla
4. Delaney Daniels, 39-41-80, Bolivar
5. Kylee Hopper, 40-41-81, Willard
6. Sydney Righter, 39-43-82, Camdenton
7. Aubrey Foster, 42-42-84, Willard
T8. Camille Lu, 40-46-86, Central
T8. Hampton Richards, 43-43-86, Central
T8. Alyssa Joyce, 44-42-86, Rolla
11. Maci Rogers, 43-46-89, Branson
12. Anna Burch, 44-46-90, Carl Junction
T13. Joy Camerena, 50-45-95, Camdenton
T13. Rylie Bales, 44-51-95, Rolla
OTHER STATE QUALIFIERS
Avry Hodson, 51-47-98, Webb City
Olivia Teeter, 49-55-99, Carl Junction
Paige Hertzberg, 50-51-101, Nevada
