The Dekalb County girl’s golf team headed to the state tournament for the second year in a row and head coach John Pryor said he is confident in a better result.
The Tigers posted regional scores of 71 and 73, with a victory by 26 strokes. Pryor said golfers Emily Anderson, Chloe Boyd and Alison Poss are playing great golf when it really matters.
“I’m really excited for them,” Pryor said. “Dekalb County has had some good golfers, we’ve had some state champion golfers. But, this team is really special to me, so I’m hoping for big things.”
Last year the same group of golfers advanced to the state tournament and placed last in a field of eight teams. Pryor said he made a change to this year’s schedule, adding more 18-hole matches to get his team physically ready for Sevierville Golf Club’s treacherous terrain.
“We walked it three days and I think the girls were not prepared for the physical nature,” Pryor said. “I think they got tired to be honest and so we know a little bit better about how to handle it. And so I think that is one of the new things that we’re using to approach this.”
Senior Poss and sophomore and district player of the year Boyd led the Tigers this season. Pryor said Boyd is a “range rat,” always working on her swing. Poss practices sparingly and Pryor said she would not be as good if she practiced like her teammate Boyd.
“And so they have different approaches to what makes them feel like they’re mentally prepared to give their best,” Pryor said. “And I know Alison has the added thing that it’s her last go-around. But, Chloe I know she came in second at the region and one of her goals is to come in top 10 in the state.”
The Lady Tigers will compete in the state tournament next week at Sevierville Golf Club.