Saints earn ECC golf crown

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 16, 2008 1:46 PM

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WILSON -- It was just one of those days.

Southern Wayne played its best golf of recent weeks and claimed the 2008 Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference women's golf championship at Willow Springs Country Club on Wednesday.

The Saints finished with a season score of 1029 strokes, 13 lower than runner-up Wilson Hunt. Before the meet began, the Saints held a slim four-stroke advantage.

"We played consistently today, and that's what we have been looking for all season," said Saints head coach Michael Wiggs. "Fortunately for us Hunt did not have their best day, but that's how it goes in this game. Some days you are up and some days you are down."

Taylor Scott paced the Southern Wayne effort with a round of 94. Taylor Reaves added a 97, Darian Edwards fired a 101 and Mallory Gray carded a 117.

"It is really good for our team to play like we did today going into regionals," said Wiggs. "We would love to play well, and qualify for states."

Eastern Wayne's Jasmine Reeves captured medalist honors for the sixth consecutive conference match by firing a steady 79. The junior earned ECC player-of-the-year honors with an aggregate score of 236.

"I was hitting my irons really well today, better than I have been," said Reeves. "Even when my driver started to tail off a little late in the round, I was pretty confident in my ability to make shots."

Despite a dominating performance in the season's final match, Reeves is quick to point out the things she can work on before Monday's eastern regional at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course.

"Right now I know I need to work on my mental game," said Reeves. "Before today I would hit one bad shot and take a bogey, and I would let that effect the next few holes.

"I also want to improve with my wedges."

The Warriors, as a team, carded a 309. Sidney Stocks and Hannah Grantham turned in 18-hole efforts of 114 and 116, respectively.

Reeves has taken a leadership role during her junior season, and has almost become a player-coach for Warriors head coach Scott Waller.

"I like to work with the other girls, help them improve and help the team," said Reeves. "The key is to work hard to help my teammates while keeping my game in line. I have to remember not to let their swings effect what I am working on."

Southern Wayne's Reaves will also be ready to play on Monday. Reaves finished second in the conference with a season total of 277.

"I wasn't happy with how I played today," said Reaves. "I will definitely be practicing between now and the regional. It's nice to play there, because I know what to expect on every hole.

"I am not going to blame my score today on the golf course. It was in great shape, but I know I can play better at Goldsboro."

Lauren Larison and Jessie Stewart led Charles B. Aycock with scores of 108 and 127, respectively.