Blue Streaks Enjoy Home-Course Edge

SEBRING -- One step from state.

The Sebring High School girls golf team has had an outstanding season.

The Blue Streaks posted an impressive 42-7 record and won last week's Class 2A-District 9 golf tournament by 13 shots.

But Sebring's goal all season was to qualify for state, and today's nine-team Class 2A-Region 3 tournament at Sebring Golf Club will determine whether the Blue Streaks attain their goal.

"We have as good a chance as any team in the field," said Sebring first-year coach Tom McClurg. "We played well last week in the district tournament, but we can play better and we'll probably have too if we want to make it to state."

Sebring won last Monday's district tournament, which was held at Sebring Golf Club, with a four-person score of 359, with senior Heather Brownell leading the way with an 81.

Senior Kayla Dunn carded an 89, senior Julianne Lind shot a 92 and junior Priscilla Adams rounded out the scoring with a 97.

"The girls did what was necessary to move on," McClurg said. "But all of them could have shaved some shots off of their scores."

At district, the top four teams and top four individuals not on qualifying teams, advanced to regional competition.

Things get harder in today's regional tournament, as only the top two teams and top two individuals move on to next week's two-day state tournament, which will be played at Eaglebrooke Country Club in Lakeland.

Two-time defending Class 2A state champion Lake Howell, which won its district tournament with an impressive 307 total, is in today's field and is almost assured of capturing one of the two available spots.

"Lake Howell is a very talented team and they're going to be hard to beat," McClurg said. "The other teams are similar to us and it just depends which team has the better day."

Sebring has the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings on its home course.

"Everything is in our favor because we don't have to get up early and travel," McClurg said. "The girls have had a good week of practice and we know the course better than anyone.

"The girls have the talent and ability, they just have to stay focused and believe in themselves."