Ooltewah claimed its first girls’ state golf championship on Friday led by, from left, Duck Troxell, Keely Miller, and Alli Troxell
photo by Contributed
The celebration that unfolded Friday afternoon on the 18th green at Sevierville Golf Club was something that the Troxell sisters had dreamed about for years. The fact they were able to share the moment together in leading Ooltewah to its first state golf championship made the experience even sweeter.
Alli, a sophomore, joined her sister, Duck, for her senior year after transferring from Boyd Buchanan. The duo combined to shoot 12-over 292 to guide Ooltewah to the victory with a nine-shot cushion over runner-up Page in the TSSAA Class AA Girls Golf Championship.
“It was very emotional,” Duck said. “I was just kind of in shock that we had won. It has definitely been a dream, but we just haven’t been on the same team at the same time until this season. Finally, this year we got our chance, and we definitely took that and ran with it.”
Alli also finished second in the individual competition with a two-day total of 1-over 141 after carding a round of 74 on Friday, two shots behind champion Poppy Pewitt of Dickson Country. Duck placed seventh overall at 11-over 151 following a round of 77.
The Owls entered the day owning an 11-shot margin, and the Troxell girls methodically worked their way through the round avoiding any big mistakes that would open the door to their pursuers. Duck birdied the first hole to set the tone early, and Alli picked up a pair of birdies on her final nine to help maintain their advantage.
“There were some nerves probably starting with hole No. 1,” Duck said. “I knew we needed to stay super focused trying to keep that lead and every hole mattered.”
Duck was kept abreast of where they stood as she entered the scores for her group throughout the round. Alli, on the other hand, was oblivious of their position playing in the group ahead of her sister.
“When I saw where Alli made a birdie at 17, it definitely gave me some peace of mind,” said Duck, who will compete at Lee University next year. “I was like, ‘OK, we’ve got this.’”
Keely Miller was the other member of the championship squad for Ooltewah, improving by 12 shots on Friday to finish at 70-over.
“I am so grateful we got to play on the same team,” Duck said. “I think this was the most fun I’ve ever had in a season, especially with Alli and our teammate Keely. We’re all just so close and best friends. I couldn’t have had a better season as my last one. It was definitely God’s plan.”
Avery Chastain of Bradley Central finished tied for 10th competing as an individual at 17-over, while Addison Ryland of Soddy Daisy placed 20th at 20-over.
Class AA Boys
Page High School won its first state championship by shooting 11-under 565 for the tournament to earn a dominant 41-shot victory. Walker Valley finished fourth with a final score of 38-over (614).
Page’s Reid Bostelman carded a final round 66 to pull even with teammate Jake Eickhoff for the individual laurels at 5-under 139, but Eickhoff prevailed as champion on the second playoff hole.
Cody Walter led Walker Valley at 5-over 149 (T18). Other Mustangs performers included Drew Thompson at 9-over (T28), Harrison Yost at 12-over (T39), Luke Finnell at 13-over (T41), and Hayden Nall at 15-over (47).
Cleveland’s Dalton Franklin tied for 22nd as an individual at 7-over, while Blue Raider teammate Matthew Miolen shot 10-over (T30). Bentley Catlett of Bradley Central posted a score of 16-over (T48).
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com