A group of determined high school golfers swung their way to victory, qualifying for both regionals and the NCHSAA 4A state championships.
Sophomore Rachel Manfreda and seniors Skyler Kipp and Alex Vaquez secured a spot in regional competition in New Bern Oct. 24.
The greens at The Emerald Club course proved challenging for the Cougars.
“Probably staying focused. I wasn’t used to the greens, so putting was a challenge there,” Manfreda said.
Manfreda carded a 90 on the day, placing 25th overall and second for the WF team.
Senior Alex Vasquez had similar troubles.
“Putting was my hardest challenge.” Vasquez led the team with her 12th overall 82.
For Kipp adversity took a different form.
“The hardest challenge was this girl that cheated. She messed with my head, even though she was really bad,” Kipp said.
Kipp finished 43rd overall, shooting 99 on the day.
Aside from the challenges, the girls expressed what they liked about the regional course.
“I liked that it was open, but it was also split between a narrow fairway,” Manfreda said.
“It had a lot of water,” Vasquez said.
After regionals, Manfreda and Vaquez moved on to states.
“States was located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It was held on Pinehurst Number Six,” Manfreda said.
Vasquez noted the players for a Wake County school as she mentally prepared for states.
“I was most worried about playing Gibbons at states,” Vasquez said.
Manfreda focused on her fellow competitors in the 4A East Region.
“I was worried about the people that won Regionals. I knew they were going to be really good, and at the top of the pool.”
At the end of the two-day tournament, Manfreda and Vasquez finished 77th and 78th respectively, scoring 184 and 185.
The winner carded a 142 over the two-day event.
The girls learned more about themselves and their personal playing style through the rigorous competition of the 2023 season.
“I’ve learned how much time I need to warm up. I learned there needs to be a specific time for me to warm up, and not to just go with everyone else,” Manfreda said.
