Co-captains Lauren Jones & Kathleen Mark Take 1st & 3rd Place at Inter-Ac Golf Championships

Senior Lauren Jones won the Inter-Ac Individual Golf Championship- one under 34 to win the event. Co-captain Kathleen Mark wrapped up her high school playing career with an impressive third-place finish.

"It was a great way for Lauren and Kathleen to finish their high school golf careers for EA," said Coach Kim Farrell '84. "Missing last year, and playing a different format in matches this year, impacted what they hoped to accomplish individually and as a team."

"Winning the individual Inter-Ac Championship was a goal that I wanted to achieve ever since 7th grade," reflected Lauren. "I had placed in the top four since 7th grade, so it was really nice to get the win my senior year. I had been runner-up the last year we played in 2019 and I was very motivated and determined to play my best in my last Inter-Ac Championship representing EA. I played well too which made it an even better win."

"I was thinking the same as any other tournament, just focusing on the next shot," said Kathleen. "But on the last hole, I was thinking about how this would be the last hole for Lauren and me representing EA."

Only three scoring players returned to the EA team this season. "The new format, playing in same school foursomes, also required a lot of our captains to be responsible for two to three other teammates as well as focus on their own game in matches and practices," explained Coach Farrell. "I could not have been more pleased about how they rose to this challenge. Their efforts in both a playing and coaching role- enabled us to finish the season 6-1. It was nice to see the progress our newer players made at the varsity level too."

"I knew I had a two-shot lead against the Baldwin player on the 9th tee," explained Lauren. "She is a very competitive player, so I knew she would do everything in her power to try and make a birdie. Before I hit my final tee shot, I thought to myself 'just par the hole' and that is what I did."

"Lauren ended up shooting one under (34) and beating the Baldwin player by two strokes. Kathleen shot a 39 to place third. She had some really nice putts," said Coach Farrell.

"It has been a long time since Lauren and I began EA golf, and even golfing together. At the end of the tournament, we looked back on a tournament we had won together in 6th grade," shared Kathleen. "I am so glad I got to finish strong at individuals, but what I am most proud of is how far my teammates have come. I really enjoyed playing on the golf team at EA because I got to play with so many new girls that I wouldn't have been able to get to know if it weren't for golf."

"After Kathleen and I finished putting I said to her 'that was our last putt of EA golf.' It was a bittersweet ending to my five years on the EA girl golf team," said Lauren.

The Individual Championship Tournament was played at French Creek Golf Club on May 12.