by Malcolm Butler
It’s always fun to make history.
And that’s exactly what the Ruston High girls golf team did this week when the Bearcats finished fourth in Region I to qualify for the upcoming state tournament.
Ruston head coach Chris Rathburn said he believes its the first time the Ruston girls program has advanced to the state tournament through qualification.
“To the best of my knowledge this is the first time Ruston girls has qualified for the state tournament,” said Rathburn. “Girls golf was established in 1995 and the first four years everyone played in the state tournament. There was no qualifier back then.
“So I believe this is a first for Ruston High’s girls team.”
Kate Boersma led the Bearcats with a 78, including a one-under-par 35 on the front nine, and tied for third place in the individual standings.
“She was leading the tournament for a while, but some tough winds on the back (nine) led to a few stray shots,” said Rathburn.
Junior Addie Woods shot a 98 while freshman Mary Hammond fired a 105 for Ruston.
“Those two have been going back and forth all season between the two and the three seed,” said Rathburn. “Addie stepped up and shot her best score ever.”
Ruston will compete in the state tournament at Les Vieux Chenes Golf Course in Lafayette Monday and Tuesday of next week.
“We are really looking forward to competing at the state tournament,” said Rathburn.
