Varsity Girls Golf has had a season full of successes: they won their conference tournament, the Rockwood Quad and every match in their yellow pool conference. And now, they’re headed to State.

The varsity squad placed 2nd in the District tournament on Friday, Oct. 7, which advanced them to compete in the State tournament.

As Peyton Cusick, senior, prepares for her fourth and final varsity golf State tournament, she hopes to play her absolute best and to conclude her time on the MHS golf team on a strong note. Cusick said her 9-hole scores have improved from previous years, and she hopes that carries into her play at State.

“I am beyond proud of our team this year,” Cusick said. “I can tell everyone is doing their absolute best and are motivated to improve.”

In order to be successful at State, Cusick said she will prepare with her team but also individually.

“We have a team practice round at the State course,” Cusick said. “But, I will also go to the driving range by myself over the next two weeks to make sure I’m ready.”

The golf team will compete in the state tournament at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Mo. on Monday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Freshman Principal Kyle Devine, who previously coached the girls golf team up until this year, said he is proud of all the team has accomplished this season.

“They were my first group as a varsity coach,” Devine said. “Seeing them continue to be this successful without me there lets me know that me and Coach McAteer were doing a good job with them.”

Devine credits much of the team’s triumphs to the seniors. He said the senior girls have been on the team for a long time and have been through some difficult situations because of COVID-19, but they continue to persevere which motivates the rest of the team.

“They are continuously picking up the younger girls,” Devine said. “I really like to see that.”

Golf is difficult, Devine said, and he hopes the State tournament coming up doesn’t overwhelm the team too much.

“If they can keep a level head and just go out and play their game, they will be perfectly fine,” Devine said.

When Devine became an administrator, he referred Gaylen Laster to replace him as head coach.

Laster coached the Lafayette High School girls golf team from 2003-2015, but this is his first year at MHS.

Laster said coaching the team has been a great experience for him, and he appreciates how hard they work and how well they listen.

“They know how to grind when things are not going as well as possible,” Laster said. “This has led to a Conference title and tournament champions.”

Looking ahead to State, Laster said their biggest focus is course management and remembering that their next shot is always the most important.