Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
Last season, Richmond Hill’s girls’ golf team finished third at the GHSA Class 6A tournament, missing second place by four strokes. This year, the Wildcats ended the day as the state runner-up, four strokes behind Lambert, to record the best finish in school history at the Bentwater Country Club in Achworth.
Richmond Hill netted a 28-over 485 to Lambert’s 29-over 481 after they began the day in second place with a 25-over 241.
Junior Alexa Mohler paced the team with a two-over 148, and she finished third in the state. Mohler shot a two-over 74 both days.
Freshman Ella Kate Woods had an 11-over 163 for two days; senior Amanda Puchales, 15-over 174; Junior Isabella Romine, 21-over 198, and junior Caroline Kicklighter, 20-over 202.
Head coach Ethan Huff was surprised at how far his club advanced.
“We had a great season, and we capped it off with a state runner-up finish,” said Huff.
“Super proud of the girls for fighting and never giving up. Bentwater was a very tough golf course and was a physical and mental test.”
Mohler was pleased with her outing. Yet, like her team, she anticipated a high finish after she was eighth last year. In her freshman year, Mohler was ninth.
“I was very happy with how I finished because of the difficulty of this course,” beamed Mohler. “I’m so very proud of my team for working as hard as they did to lock in the second place finish. I played to the best of my ability, and I feel very confident in my game going into my next tournament that is this weekend.”
Puchales, a senior, said that she has had her troubles but is confident her team can take the next step. She also cherished the moment.
“I feel as though I tried all I could with what I dealt myself with in both days,” reflected Puchales. “I had good highs and bad lows, but I am still proud to reach second place with my team in my last year.
“It feels amazing being close to that number one spot since second is closest to first. Definitely room to get it next year for these girls, and I’m proud that this year we brought home a trophy.”
During the tournament, Huff, who has led the team to three consecutive appearances in the state tournament in his three years at the helm, always had a good feeling.
“The girls just never quit because they knew that anything could happen,” said Huff. “They stayed focused throughout the tournament and earned the best finish in Richmond Hill girls’ gold history.”
Mohler, who will play in the Peggy Kirk Bell Tour Open Championship at SaponaGolf Club in Lexington, NC this weekend, will continue on her mission for the team.
“I had hoped that I could secure first place, but I’m grateful to have been in the top five,” said Mohler. “Every year I improve, so next year I’m planning to bring home an individual state title.”