Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

For the Richmond Hill girls’ golf team, finishing third at the state tournament wasn’t that satisfying. In fact, the Lady Wildcats were just five strokes out of second place. Yet, it did serve as a major incentive.

The Lady Wildcats recently won the Area-1 Class 6A tournament at Richmond Hill Country Club. They will return to the state tournament May 18-19 at Bentwater Golf Club in Acworth.

Richmond Hill shot a combined 224 to pace the nine-team field, beating Lowndes (248) by a solid 24 strokes.

Freshman Ella Kate Woods was the region low medalist followed by junior Alexa Mohler 74, senior Amanda Puchales 77, junior Isabella Romine 82, and junior Carigan Kicklighter 83.

Head coach Ethan Huff, who has guided the team for three years overall and has three straight state tournament appearances, was happy with the season. But he knew his team had a lingering effect from last year’s outing.

“This year’s season went well, but the girls were pretty upset about how we finished at the state championship last year,” noted Huff. “We finished third and did not play the last couple of holes great.

“I think losing second place by three strokes really left a bad taste in the program. We put ourselves in position, but really didn’t finish well.”

“They took that motivation into this year and really practiced hard and bought into practicing with a purpose.”

Huff appreciated his team’s consistent work ethic this season.

“We won some tournaments this season and the girls have been able to see the success from all the hard work they have been putting in,” added Huff.

“There wasn’t a particular match or tournament that sparked them.”

Puchales also saw last year’s finish as a major key in several ways to initiate a return trip to the state tournament. Their performances in the last two area tournaments were instrumental.

“I believe losing state last year by very few strokes motivated not only me, but also the team to strive more at practices, tournaments, and even during our own small games we came up with to make practice more fun,” said Puchales. “I believe our area tournament last year and this year was the match that turned the corner for us the most because it gave us this strong motivation that there is a chance we can do this with all the effort put in last year and this year.”

Puchales believes she can take her game to a new level next week.

“I feel as though I am playing OK, but not to my fullest potential,” she said. “I have been working hard to perform at my fullest in each tournament and when state comes soon this upcoming week.”

Mohler saw a similar situation.

“Last year’s loss was definitely a big motivator because it showed our potential as a team,” said Mohler. “ One hole was the only thing that kept us from second place last year.”

Like her teammate, Mohler is confident in her team as well as her own game.

“I believe that this year’s area tournament results gave us the confidence we need as a team to win state,” added Mohler. “Currently I feel the best I’ve ever felt about my game. “

This time around at the state tournament, Huff expects to return home with a different outcome. A winner’s trophy is well within their reach.

“I expect a lot from this group of girls,” said Huff. “Realistically, we set a team goal to compete and win a state championship this year. I think with the hard work they have put in, we have a really good shot to compete for the title.”