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By Dan Hilen, Mason Sports Information Director
Expectations and anticipations are sometimes difficult to live up to, but the Mason Girls’ Golf team proved they are Ohio’s best this past weekend in Columbus. After going unbeaten in every match, invitational and tournament in the 2008 campaign, the talented and highly favorite Comets didn’t disappoint. Mason not only claimed the program’s first golf state championship, but did so in record fashion. Their 307 team score on Friday (one day state tourney record) combined with Saturday’s 323 total tied the overall state tournament record of 630 held by Dublin Jerome in 2000.
Weather conditions were not ideal on Saturday, but the Comets still managed to add to their Friday total, outdistancing second place and defending state champion, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, by an amazing total of 26 strokes. Finishing third at 656 was Columbus Bishop Watterson, who lost the tiebreaker for second place. In fourth place was Cincinnati St. Ursula. All results can be found on the OHSAA website: www.ohsaa.org.
"After last season's state runner-up performance, our team decided second place just wasn't acceptable,” said head coach Fred Reeder. “They worked hard and bonded. These girls never lost focus on their ultimate goal: winning the state title."
Mason sophomore Erin Michel, with her two-day scores of 78-75 (153), finished on the state's first team. Three Comets made second-team All-State: senior Alexis Nelson, 76-82 (158); sophomore Jessica Zhang, 75-84 (159); and sophomore Emily Wright, 78-82 (160). Senior Elizabeth Nebraski rounded out the Comets’ scoring with a 170.
"We have such a deep team, which is a huge advantage,” said Reeder. “With our 10 varsity golfers, I was able to mix around the lineups at every invitational and we still won every tournament. I can't imagine any coach in Ohio history who has ever had that luxury."
The future looks hopeful for a Comet repeat next year with an experienced and talented group of underclassman returning. "The exciting thing about this season - and this is news other teams may not want to hear - is the returning players believe we can even be better next year,” said Reeder.
“We have a chance for a dynasty."
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