The Reeths-Puffer girls golf team kicked off its season - and a very busy first week - by finishing 18th out of 32 teams at the Lober Classic at Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County, hosted by Traverse City Central High School.
The unique two-day tournament was split between two courses. The teams played 18 holes on Monday on the Mountain Course and another 18 on Tuesday on the Betsie Valley Course.
R-P senior standout Paige Anderson, a returning All-Stater, had the best day among the Rockets, shooting a two-day score of 156 and tying for eighth place in the individual standings. She shot a 76 on Monday with four birdies and an 80 on Tuesday with two birdies.
Anderson earned “All Tournament” status for her efforts.
R-P's Paige Anderson, who tied for eighth place in the individual tournament standings.
“I am happy for Paige,” said R-P Coach Matt Pallett. ”She started her senior year with a great showing against tough competition. The courses were not easy and challenged her mental toughness at times. She prevailed through a few adversities.”
Freshman Sophia McCollom had a great varsity debut for R-P, shooting a two-day score of 207 and finishing second on the team.
Junior Rowan Bluhm shot a 212 and junior Avery Luna came in at 222.
Luna’s first round was highlighted by the first birdie of her varsity career, which came when she rolled in a putt from about 20 feet out. Her second-round score of 102 was a personal best for 18 holes.
R-P's Avery Luna, who got her first birdie and shot a personal best score for 18 holes.
“Her smile after accomplishing both makes it all worth it,” Pallet said about Luna. “I couldn’t be more happy and proud of her.”
Abby Haak shot a 233 for Reeths-Puffer.
The Rockets finished with a combined score of 797, including a 403 on the first day and a 394 on the second.
“I purposefully put us in a tough and fun tournament to see where we are at,” Pallett said. “I am pleased with how the girls played on two tough courses. It challenged our mental toughness. This tournament will make us better.”.
There will be no rest for the Rockets, who will compete in the Mona Shores Invitational on Wednesday at Chase Hammond golf course.
