Lady Knights, Lady Hawks and Jenna Lynch, Lady Panther Advance to OHSAA District

PHOTOS AND STORY BY SHEILA BROWN

WARREN COUNTY, OH --A member of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association wrote to Kings Varsity Coach “Bip” Parkhurst, “On behalf of the Ohio State Athletic Association (OHSAA) and The Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, I would like to congratulate you and your team for finishing in the top 4 places in yesterday’s event.”

“Yesterday’s event” refers to the OHSAA Sectional Tournament held at Walden Ponds Golf Club, Hamilton, Ohio, on Tuesday, September 24, where Lady Knights qualified for the OHSAA District Tournament in an 18-hole match.

Further, the OHSAA member wrote, “We hope that your team plays well and enjoys the event.” The upcoming District Tournament plays on Tuesday, October 8.

Also on  Tuesday (9/24) at Hamilton Elks Golf Club: 

• Lakota East Lady Hawks advanced to the upcoming District as a team, finishing 4th qualifying with high hopes for a possible state tournament bid, coached by Brady Webb.

• Jenna Lynch of Little Miami made history as the first Lady Panther to qualify for the OHSAA District Championship, finishing the 18-hole Sectional with a score of 78, coached by Chris Lynch.Little Miami Lady Panther (Senior) Jenna Lynch at the OHSAA Sectional Tournament - Jenna shot a 78 to qualify for OHSAA District. In the Tri-Match Competition, she shot 37, (+2). Jenna is 3rd in ECC in average 9-hole score with a 39.5, reported Coach Chris Lynch. Photo by Chris Lynch.

Preparing for the District Tournament, Sectional winners have two weeks of short game practice with chipping and putting, and a few non-conferences 9-hole matches.

Tri-Match putting practice with Lady Knights Reese Hancock (left) and Marlee Combs (right). Little Miami Lady Panther Bristol Taylor (middle).

Yesterday, Monday, September 30, rains from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s 500-mile path did not deter a Tri-Match competition between Kings, Lakota East and Little Miami at Bel-Wood Country Club in Morrow. It rained most of the day, a sprinkling mist off and on, but 2 hours before the competition, the rain was heavy, soaking the fairways and greens. 

Tri-Match with Little Miami Lady Panther Aubrey Wyatt, Kings Lady Knight Marlee Combs, and Lakota East Lady Hawk Tyler Loving putting on Bel-Wood’s Hole # 4.

Then, during the match, rain slowed again to a mist, and at one point, the sun came out for a few minutes. The course and players with non-waterproof clothing, gloves, and clubs were wet. Worsening the play, soggy conditions affected the golf ball as it did not run fast on wet grass. The ball stayed where it landed.

Lakota East Lady Hawk, Tyler Loving, Sophomore, heads to Bel-Woods #8 Hole with confidence in the Tri-Match Competition.

Three cheers for Bel-wood’s greenskeepers as they opened the golf course for play, clearing debris left by Helene’s powerful 67 miles per hour sweeping winds. Golfers, coaches, and spectators were all compatible with the machinery noise; no one complained.

To those Lady Knights, Lady Hawks, and Lady Panthers golfing in the Monday’s match, your confidence inspired each other.

Congratulations to those advancing to the OHSAA District Tournament.

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