Perry’s girls’ golf team cemented its legacy as the best in school history on Tuesday by becoming the first Pirate team to qualify for the district tournament.
The Pirates placed third in the Division II Punderson sectional with 375 strokes.
Despite the Pirates’ success on the course, head coach Blanche Davidson was a nervous wreck as she contemplated every possible scenario throughout the tournament.
“We watched all day thanks to the OHSAA iWanamaker live scoring app,” Davidson said. “It really came down to the last few holes, it was so very close. Just how many times can you refresh that app? I loved that the players made really good decisions about their shot selections at the end. Our athletic director, T.J. Rockwell, a parent, and I were looking at all the possible outcomes with lots of hope that we could make it as a team.”
Emily Capitosti led the Pirates with an 85, good for seventh place overall. Addy Trefzger shot a 90, Jillian Peters carded a 95, and Lilah Yeager closed out the scoring with a 105. Carissa Hanson also competed and finished with a 113.
“Even though an individual sport in many aspects, these girls approached it as a team, and honestly, they are peaking at just the right time,” Davidson said. “These are mentally tough players. Each player has her own personal style, chatty, supportive, super quiet, but make no mistake, they are focused.”
Perry’s success didn’t happen overnight.
Davidson mapped out their run to the district tournament several years ago and her determination, along with the quick development of her players, paid off on Tuesday.
“I can’t be more proud of how all of the girls have continued to develop and improve in the last three years,” she said. “It shows a dedication and love for the game that they continue to strive to get better. Our only senior and scoring leader, Emily Capitosti, has lowered her 18-hole average score by nearly 14 strokes from last year. She has set the pace. They are unselfish, too. Emily, Jillian, Addy, and Lilah help our newer players during practice. They are sharing their wealth, so to speak.”
On the verge of playing in the biggest tournament of their high school careers, the Pirates aren’t going to change anything heading into next week’s district tournament at Good Park in Akron.
The Pirates have found success focusing on the now.
“We haven’t even talked about going to state,” Davidson said. “Our approach all season has been, ‘Think Well, One shot at a time.’ We will continue to do that. No changes.”
Davidson also recognized the contributions of the people who supported the Pirates throughout the season.
“The team is so much bigger than just the girls,” she said. “We’ve had tremendous support from the parents, our AD T.J. Rockwell, the school, our transportation department, and our home course, Madison Country Club.”
The Pirates will tee off at the district tournament on Monday.
