Maize Girls Golf coach Ben Harlow knew it was going to be a battle between his girls and the 18th hole at Rolling Hills Country Club. The hole won.
"The girls are tired and the pin placement was difficult for that hole," Harlow said, sun blasting his eyes Monday afternoon. "We played it the best we could."
Bes they could got the Lady Eagles a second place team finish at 6A State Golf Championship, shooting 348, five shots off winners Shawnee Mission East.
"Second place is a huge accomplishment for Maize High School," Harlow said. "For our girls to come out today ans take second is just so big. We put in a lot of hard work, lot of time and effort over the last six to eight months, so I'm really proud."
Washburn Rural took third place as a team at 350. Audrey Judd from Olathe Northwest took individual honors, parring the 18th for a championship round of 74. Alexa Henderson of Blue Valley West took second with a 77, and Garden City's Abbey Campbell tied for third with Anne Willman from Shawnee Mission East with 78.
The Lady Buffaloes took fifth overall with 361, three shots behind Olathe Northwest at 358. Blue Valley Northwest shot 364, Manhattan 369, Blue Valley West had 392, host Northwest shot 419 and Derby round out the teams with 442.
But essentially playing in their backyard, Maize didn't want a repeat of last season's championship.
"Last year we thought we would finish in the middle of the pack but we wound up with like an eighth place finish - maybe," Harlow said. "A lot of these girls got to play again and they did not want to go home with that type of placing. Getting second is a gratifying day."
