GLENWOOD - Oops, they did it again!
El Dorado’s girls made it two state golf championships in a row Monday. The Lady Wildcats ran away with the 5A State Championship, winning by 17 strokes at Glenwood Country Club.
El Dorado’s balanced team effort turned in a score of 256. Greenwood and Mountain Home tied for a distant second at 273 followed by Russellville (293), Hot Springs Lakeside (299), Searcy (313) and Little Rock Christian (332).
The Lady Wildcats were led by Aubrey Marx, who shot 80 with Hope Walthall and Lani Hammock each shooting 88 and Alexa Hulsey 100.
"We are elated to claim the 5A Girls Golf State Championship for the second year in a row," said Coach Chris Ezell. "The course played extremely different than last week's conference tournament. We had to make some adjustments during the practice round (Sunday) compared to last week and we felt like we still had to survive the round a little bit."
Marx finished third individually. Sheridan’s Emma Hester claimed medalist honors with a 76. Jonesboro’s Caroline Hughes shot 79. Marx, Walthall and Hammock earned All-State honors.
"It's pretty cool. I got top three, so I'm going to Overall. We all pulled it together this year. It just went well," said Marx.
The Lady Wildcats had to wait until all the teams finished before they knew they'd won it again.
"I was actually in the bathroom," Marx said. "Greenwood was talking about how Mountain Home and Greenwood tied and they were going to have to have a playoff for second place. I was like, 'Oh, we just won state.' That's how I figured it out. But I did go outside to see the numbers on the board.
"I think it's awesome. We pulled it together. We have a great team. I can't believe it, right now. It hasn't settled in, yet."
It took a total team effort, which made it even more special.
"I'm so very proud of my girls," said Walthall. "We really came together and played as a team. I'm so proud of them. Even though, I didn't play my best, I'm still so proud of my girls. They are amazing and I love them."
"It was pretty awesome," said Hammock. "It was kind of bittersweet because most of us are seniors. This is our last high school golf match so that made it even better."
When asked if the win was relief or excitement, she answered quickly, "It was excitement because we knew we didn't want to lose after winning last year. So we were all standing watching the scoreboard. It was just as much excitement as it was last year. It was just awesome. It was a good way to end our senior golf year."
"State champion times two," is how Marx described the moment.
"It's crazy that we won it twice in a row," said Hulsey. "It's sad that it has to come to an end but we've had a good run. No other way better to end it."