Girls golf takes fourth at state to conclude their season

Hays High School’s girls golf participated in the 5A State Championship Tournament on Oct. 19-20 at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. The tournament lasted two days, and the teams played 18 holes each day, as the winning teams and individuals were decided by their total scores for both days.

Junior Taleia McCrae shot an 81 her first day and an 85 for her second day, which put her in 18th place with a 166. Sophomore Katie Dinkel took 19th with an 86 on her first day and an 83 on her second day for a total of 169. Senior Sophia Garrison placed 24th with a total of 174 with an 86 on her first day and an 88 on her second day. Senior Sierra Smith shot a sum of 195 for 44th, with a 104 on her first day and a 91 on her second day. Freshman Abbie Norris shot a 101 her first day and a 104 on her second day, for a total of 208, which placed her in 56th.

Their total score for their first day was 354 and the second day was 347; they were the most improved out of all the teams present. The total for both days was 701, and they ended their 2020 golf season with a fourth-place state finish.

Sophomore Katie Dinkel shoots off the tee box on hole 10 at the Smoky Hill Country Club at the Hays High Invitational Golf tournament. (Morgan Engel)