Cassville girls golf looks to return players to state

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

With the largest roster ever, the Cassville girls golf team is hoping to make history this season with the number of state qualifiers and build the program for years to come.

Jay Rogers, Cassville golf coach, said this year’s squad is led by a trio of seniors, including a two-time state medalist.

“We have seniors Avery Chappell, Chaney Cox and Gracie Harmon, as well as junior Adalee Hendricks, returning as varsity players,” he said. “The one spot is open early in the season, and it looks like juniors Madison Robertshaw and Langston Mitchell will compete for that spot.”

Chappell is the most experienced, having finished 10th in the state as a sophomore and 9th as a junior.

“From Avery, we expect good things again,” Rogers said. “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect the same or a better result from her.”

Rogers said the rest of the starting five have been showing improvement.

“We hope their scores come down a little from last year, and I could see another one or two qualifying for state if all goes right.”

Other team members include sophomores Julie Gregory and Gwen Harmon, as well as freshmen Gracie Maher, Anabele Mills and Taylor Yarnall.

In preparation for the season, Rogers said the team has been focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses.

“We are improving our weaknesses as well as we can, and I’m a big proponent of the short game,” he said. “I preach to chip and putt, be good from 100 yards and in. That’s the best way to lower a score.”

One of the team’s biggest challenges so far has been out of its control — the weather.

“The heat has made practices pretty restrictive,” Rogers said. “We can’t be outside for more than 30 minutes at a time, so we’ve been hitting inside into the nets to be productive. We’ve also been doing a lot of rules review and watching videos on technique.”

Rogers said as the season progresses, he hopes to see more overall team successes this season in tournaments.

“I think with the girls we have and their abilities, they have the chance to place well in tournaments,” he said. “I think e can win one or two as a team, and even in larger tournaments, place in the top five. We also hope to see good individual results behind Avery.

“But, if our scores are better overall this year, I’d say that’s a successful year.”

Rogers said with the team’s numbers, the future looks bright, as well.

“this is the biggest group we’ve ever had out, and with only three seniors, we will be in good shape numbers-wise if we can get a few middle schoolers to join when they get to high school.”

Cassville’s season teed off on Tuesday with a match against Lamar. The Lady Wildcats’ Cassville Invitational Tournament will be on Sept. 21, starting at 9 a.m.