By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cherryroad.com
Despite temperatures dropping to below 50 on Oct. 17-18, the Cassville girls golf team managed a strong showing at Girls Golf State, with junior Avery Chappell turning in another medal performance.
Chappell, who took 10th last year, finished ninth this year with a two-day 172 (85 and 87), one stroke higher than in 2021. Teammate Maci Barton finished in 78th, shooting a 236 (119 and 117).
Jay Rogers, Cassville golf coach, said Chappell played consistently both days outside of a three-hole stretch on the second day.
“Her short game was solid throughout, but she sometimes struggled to be on the green in regulation,” he said. “Maci struggled off the tee day one, probably mostly due to nerves and the magnitude of the tournament. She also had a pretty good short game both days.”
Rogers said the lower temperatures, as well as the wind, was a factor for everyone at the tournament.
“Not only was it physically uncomfortable to be in the elements, those factors changed the distance that the ball would travel,” he said. “Club selection was important, but difficult to determine due to the conditions. I was actually impressed that some of the scores from the field were as good as they were in those conditions.”
While Chappell has another year ahead of her, Barton’s senior season came to an end on day two.
“For Maci, being a senior, I hope this will be a great lifetime memory for her,” Rogers said. “For Avery, I think it validates her as one of the better golfers in our area. I also hope that it is a great motivator to her and the rest of the team to improve for next season.”
From a team perspective, Rogers said he believes the successes will be beneficial to the program.
“This will generate continued interest in golf with other girls in the community who otherwise might not have considered playing,” he said. “This was a special season with a special group of girls. The results at the state tournament just added to an already great season.”
Looking ahead, Rogers said next year’s goals will be much the same as this year.
“We want to see improvement from each player, whatever that looks like for the individual,” he said. “We want to compete well individually and as a team in each tournament. We want to qualify as many golfers as we can for postseason play. Equally important, we want the girls to learn the game, fall in love with it, and enjoy playing it for years.”
Chappell’s success, Rogers said, is partially due to her love of the game.
“Avery’s consistency is a by-product of the work she puts in once the season ends,” he said. “On most days when the weather is decent, she is at the range or playing the course to some extent. She also participates in MJGA events in the summer, which help acclimate her to tournament golf against quality opponents. She has a healthy desire to be a good player but keeps things in the proper perspective. I look for her to make big strides next year.”
