Staff report
SOUTHERN PINES — Salisbury carried a 20-shot lead after the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A/2A girls golf state championship Monday.
The Hornets battled through rainy and cold conditions at Longleaf Golf & Country Club to shoot a 242 after 18 holes. The stellar opening round puts Salisbury at the doorstep of its first state title since 2006.
“Shooting a 242 is pretty outstanding,” Salisbury coach Dale Snyder said. “We shot 250 two years ago here and I thought that was good.”
Freshman Isabella Rusher was the leader again for the Hornets. Rusher shot a 74 for the day’s top score with two birdies and made par 12 times.
“I was very happy with that,” Rusher said. “My short game is what helped me to a 74. My chipping and putting was very good today.”
Lily Yatawara finished with an 81, good enough for the fourth-best overall score despite starting out with a triple bogey. Yatawara had a 37 on the back nine after a 44 on the front nine. Sophomore Madeline Hoskins recorded a 87 while Brooke Smith chimed in with a 96. Hoskins is also part of the tennis team that defeated Bunker Hill 9-0 Monday.
Currently in second is East Surry with a 262. Pittsboro Northwood is the east’s top challenger with a 269. Elkin (283) and North Surry (288) round out the top five.. Salisbury finished runner up the last two season in the 1A/2A/3A format.
“We had a fantastic day,” Snyder said. “Isabella played fantastic all day long.”
The Hornets played alongside Northwood and Hendersonville Monday and will tee off with East and Northwood tomorrow. Hendersonville’s Allea Hoskins shot 77 with Northwood’s Emily Brooks carding a 79.
Rusher will tee off at 11 a.m. tomorrow behind Yatawara (10:50) and Hoskins (10:40). Smith will start at 9:30.
“I’m just thrilled with every one of them,” Snyder said.