GCHS makes debut at golf team state finals

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By: Donald Kane
An exciting opportunity awaits the Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles girls golf team as they will be competing at the IHSAA girls golf team state finals this Friday and Saturday. For a program that has consistently gotten better year after year, qualifying for state hopes to become a recurring theme for years to come.
Speaking on the opportunity at hand, head coach Mark Mathews has nothing but positive things to say about his team this year.
“When I reflect on the last few months I can’t help but be extremely proud of my team. They have consistently put forth the effort and posted the results that have afforded them this great opportunity to compete for a State Title.” Mathews said.
Even though this may be Guerin’s first go-round at state, they definitely have the leadership necessary to overcome their lack of experience on this particular stage.
Referring to the team, Mathews said, “This year we knew we would be well represented by our senior and team captain McKayla Tallman, our two returning juniors Angelica Pfefferkorn and Jenna Rust, along with two wonderful freshman additions to the team in Sophie McGinnis and Christina Pfefferkorn.”
The state championship will take place at Prairie View Golf Club. While the team is excited to get to play at the course, they go in knowing not to overlook the challenges the course could present.
Referring to those potential challenges, Mathews said, “The course has a very challenging and abundant group of bunkers and several large lakes to hopefully avoid. The greens are very challenging and well known for there fast speed and great contours.”
From the very beginning of the season, the Golden Eagles built confidence by playing solid golf in their opening tournaments.
Mathews said, “In our case we had our first practice on Friday and hit the ground running with five tournaments in a row. The fifth tournament we played that week was at Prairie View for the State Preview Invitational where we came in ranked 5th in the State and we finished 5th in the tournament that day as well.  What an honor for us to be recognized as a State contender so early on.”
Now, as they enter this weekend, there is reason for the girl’s golf team to have excitement, optimism, and confidence that they can come away victorious. Whether it be performing well at the beginning of the season or having an experienced group that is focused on the same common goal of winning, Coach Mathews enters the event with the utmost confidence in his team’s ability.
“As we enter into State this weekend ranked #6 as a team and attending the finals for the first time in Guerin Catholic history, I’m reminded how lucky I am to coach such a great group of young women. They not only represent Guerin and their families but also the State of Indiana.  They bring a high level of competitive desire to continue to succeed. You never know what might happen in a two-day tournament but what I can tell you is that my team is ready for the challenge.”
Poised and ready to make a statement, this weekend hopes to be one for the Guerin Catholic girls golf program to remember forever.
Follow me on Twitter: @_donaldkane or find more of my articles at The Loop Sports
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