Sports

Pearce, Fowler shine at AAA title match

Derek Barichello

ALBANY — Here’s an observation: These girls can play.

Southland junior Kathryn Fowler and Sherwood Christian Academy junior Kelly Pearce — the reigning co-Herald Players of the Year for girls golf — proved once again they were among the elite golfers at the GISA AAA Tournament, regardless of gender.

Both notched scores in the 70s to lead their Region 3 teams at Doublegate Country Club on Monday as each team finished in the middle of the pack, Southland with a 335 and Sherwood Christian with a 405, while Deerfield-Windsor repeated as champions winning a playoff against Stratford.

Fowler fired a 77, which tied for eighth best overall, earned her girls medalist honors, while Pearce’s 79 was one of only 15 scores in the 70s.

And just like the stars they are, neither were satisfied with their scores “It could’ve been better,” Fowler said. “I had one bad hole (No. 10, triple bogey) ruin my score and I could be a lot better in my short game.”

Pearce shared similar thoughts: “I would’ve liked to have gone out on a better note. I think the rain kind of messed me up.”

That drive to get better was on display Monday as both Fowler and Pearce — who play among the boys golfer per GISA rules — fought the conditions to finish in the top of the field.

Fowler’s day was highlighted by a pair of birdies on Par 3s.

“That’s where I did my damage,” Fowler said.

However, it was a bad experience on No. 10 that prevented her from taking her score lower. She hit her second shot off a tree and out of bounds, causing her to settle for a triple bogey.

“It was some bad luck,” Southland coach Rob Ivey said. “If the ball bounces the other way, she’s on the green.”

Fowler was not fazed.

The next two holes she made par to stay on track and receive medalist honors at the end of the day, carding a 40 on the front nine and a 39 on the back nine.

Though Pearce did not record a birdie, she stayed consistent carding pars and bogeys, while avoiding costly double bogeys.

She shot a 40 on the front nine and a 39 on the back nine to record her third score in the 70s of the season.

“She’s carried our team all year,” SCA coach Luke Bowers said.

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