Lady Pirates claim second at conference

HARRISONVILLE – The Platte County girls’ golf team had an impressive outing in the Kansas City Suburban Conference White Division Championship, taking second place at Hoots Hollow on Oct. 2.

As expected, Ella Green led the way for Platte County. The junior finished in second place overall with 80 strokes.

Lilly Ricketts claimed fourth place with 91 strokes and Mackenzie Borland was three strokes behind her in fifth place. Grace Handke had a PR with 103 strokes – good for eighth place – and Macie Garland took 16th place with 126 strokes.

“We’re very proud of the team today, they went out and played hard and gave it their best effort,” Platte County head golf coach Trevor Short said after the tournament. “We were hoping to come away with the Conference Championships, but just fell short by a few shots. Now, it is time to focus on districts; this will be the first time that we have had to travel this far and have an overnight for districts. It will be a great experience for our players.”

The postseason has officially begun for Platte County, with districts up next. The Lady Pirates closed out the regular season with a second-place finish in the Smithville Invitational at Paradise Pointe on Sept. 27.

“The team placed well, and the ladies all gained some confidence. We will use this as a good momentum builder going into the conference tournament,” Short said after the tournament.

Platte County finished with a score of 398 on the day as Green, Borland and Ricketts were all medal winners. Before that, the Lady Pirates also took second place in the Highway 92 Showdown at Excelsior Springs Golf Course on Sept. 26.

“This was the first time that most of our players had been to Excelsior Springs Golf Course, and I think we handled it very well. It takes some skill to adjust to new courses and greens every couple of days,” Short said.

After three straight second places, Platte County will head to Jefferson City Country Club for districts on Oct. 6. That meet will decide who will compete at state.