Falcons extend league lead
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 22, 2009 1:47 PM
Quiet and efficient is how Tara Simmons attacks a golf course.
And the Charles B. Aycock freshman continues to rise through the ranks.
Simmons birdied the first two holes, did not record a bogey and earned medalist honors with a 2-under 34 at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Club on Monday afternoon. The sun-drenched fairways and receptive greens led to several low scores on the day, but none as low as Simmons who has won all three Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference matches this season.
"I am very proud of Tara today," said Charles B. Aycock head coach Roger Rhodes. "She has a ton of potential and she is starting to realize that she can go a long way if she keeps working hard."
After turning in the lowest round in ECC play this fall, Simmons reflected on the round with Rhodes.
"I could have shot even lower, but I missed a couple chances to make birdie," said Simmons. "I should have made the putt at number six."
After hitting her drive over a line of green-protecting bunkers, Simmons chipped the ball on to the green and within her usual birdie range. She could not find the range and the putt lipped out forcing her to settle for a par. It was the lone blemish on a near-perfect round.
Charles B. Aycock fired a three-player total of 137 in team competition. Lauren Larison collected a 48, while Jesse Stewart recorded a 55.
Darian Edwards fired a 49 and led Southern Wayne to a second-place finish with 158. Teammates Charity Wright and Savanah Morgan ended up with a 50 and 59, respectively. It was Morgan's lowest round of her prep career.
"We are definitely going in the right direction," said Southern Wayne head coach Michael Wiggs. "I think we just need some more playing experience. Our girls showed a lot of improvement today."
Less than one week after breaking the single-match school record, Eastern Wayne's Jasmine Reeves fashioned a 4-over on the GMGC course. The reigning News-Argus Player of the Year, Reeves failed to make a birdie during the nine-hole event.
Emily Deal (58) and Marissa Williams (62) rounded out the Warriors' three-player team score of 160.
The three teams return to action Monday for the fourth ECC match of the season at Southern Wayne Country Club. Tee time is 3 p.m.