“Mission Accomplished”

After a runner-up finish last year, the Ada girls golf team shouldered the expectation for gold all season as the number one ranked team in Class 4A. After posting a six-stroke advantage on day one at the 2023 state tournament with a team score of 327, the Cougars had to wait for the final scores to be posted at Prairie West Golf Course in Weatherford.

Proving that coach Ron Anderson’s words of advice that “every stroke counts” the Cougars could only watch and wait after a second round team score of 342 went on the board. At the end of the day, the rally of Bishop McGuiness fell short by two swings and Ada girls golf had its first state championship trophy in school history.

“At the end of the final round, every single player had contributed, everyone’s score counted and two strokes was all that we needed,” said Anderson in a voice filled with emotion.

“I’m so proud of this team and happy to see them celebrate this victory.”

Sophomore Beans Factor and junior London Wilson finished tied for third on the individual totals while teammates Ava Patterson, Ava Manwell and Brooklyn Black managed their play during the 36 holes of play to help Ada claim the title.

It may not be the last girls golf title for the Lady Cougars as all five golfers return next season along with teammates Macy McQuiston, Kenzie Qualls, Kate McCortney, Bella Stowers, Natalie Jussely while senior Emily Kemp ends her career with the gold medal.