By Lee Davis
After its last title in 2009, the Spain Park girls golf team had found the state championship trophy to be as elusive as the Academy Award was for Bob Hope.
The drought for the legendary entertainer never ended. But the Lady Jags’ drought came to an end May 17 at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Golf Course in Opelika.
Shooting a two-day round of 445, Spain Park claimed its first title in eight years, narrowly defeating cross-town rival Hoover, which fired a collective 451.
“I’m really proud of our team,” Lady Jag coach Kelly Holland said. “I told them that if they played their best, that would be good enough to win. Everyone had to do their part.”
Spain Park helped itself with a strong first-round score of 218. Senior Jordan Susce had the Lady Jags’ best round that day, firing a two-under-par 70, along with Caroline Waldrop’s even-par 72 total.
“The fact we’ve been just short for four years and finally won the state is really special,” senior Mary Kate Horton said. “Especially since it was the last year for Jordan (Susce) and I. Going out this way is incredible.”
Horton led the way for Spain Park on the second round, shooting a 74. Waldrop followed with a 76. Susce shot a 77 and Marilyn Steed – a freshman – carded an 84.
Hoover senior Julie Baker was the low medalist runner-up with rounds of 73-74. Virginia Green of Fairhope won the low medalist crown with two consecutive scores of 66.
Mychel O’Berry totaled 150 for Hoover, and Carson McKie followed with a 156.
