AKRON – Arcanum’s girls golf team closed its season at the Division II state tournament with a stronger second round, improving by 12 strokes Monday at Firestone Country Club.
The Trojans shot 416 in Sunday’s opening round, placing 12th at the end of the day. They followed with a 404 on Monday for a two-round total of 820. Sadie Waldo led Arcanum in both rounds, shooting 89 on Sunday and 88 on Monday.
Ella Warren finished at 106-102, Adalyn Paul at 107-105, Brooklynne Eley at 114-109 and Brynn Byers at 117-129. The team’s scores were 89, 106, 107, and 114 on Sunday, then 88, 102, 105, and 109 on Monday.
The state appearance marked Arcanum’s first tournament trip in 31 years. The Trojans faced a challenging test at Firestone, where the course’s hills, length and fast, sloping greens made it unlike anything they had played during the regular season. Sunday brought overcast skies, mist and a breeze, while Monday started cloudy before the sun came out and temperatures became more comfortable.
Coach Jesse Warner said the team settled in during its practice round, then carried that experience into the two-day tournament. He said the girls were nervous on the first tee, as expected, but used the weekend as a chance to learn and grow.
“Nothing compares to the state tournament,” Warner said. “Every single girl on the first tee was just talking about how nervous they were. It’s like, that’s normal. That’s to be expected.”
Warner said he was proud of how the team battled throughout the weekend and the season. Arcanum’s players also balanced golf with other commitments, including cross country and cheer. Some chose to travel to state instead of attending homecoming, making the trip a particularly meaningful experience for the team and its families.
“You’ve played well enough to get to the state tournament,” Warner told the girls. “That in itself is an accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself for the way you played to get to this point.”
With Paul, the team’s lone senior, 10 players are eligible to return next season. Four of those returning players competed at state and will bring that experience with them. Warner said the team hopes to build on the weekend and find its way back.
“We went to state last year. Let’s build on that,” he said. “Let’s find a way to hit the ground running in June and get ready.”
After a long season and three days of golf, including the practice round, Warner called the tournament a fitting finish.
“It’s been a long season. It’s been a long three days, playing 54 holes for some of these girls, but it was a lot of fun,” he said. “All their families are here, and it’s the culmination of everything we’ve done this season. It’s a fun way to go out.”
