Reeths-Puffer star players Sophia McCollum and Olivia Ambler, who
both are aiming to be part of the Division 2 state finals, each served
notice of the force they can be on the championship course Wednesday at
the Gull Lake Invitational.
McCollum earned a tie for medalist
honors in the meet by shooting a 75, and Ambler set a new 18-hole
personal best score of 85. The event was played on the same Bedford
Valley course that will host the finals.
McCollum was three
over par and made four birdies, two of which in particular showcased her
skills. Coach Matt Pallett said McCollum's birdie on the 13th hole was
preceded by a great shot out of a sand trap, and her second capped her
round with a 20-foot putt.
"Sophia showed some real mental toughness down the stretch," Pallett said. "She had a bad
break that led to a bogey on her 2nd to last hole. She actually drained
a clutch 15-foot putt to salvage the bogey. She turned right around and sank
a tremendous birdie putt on her last hole. She has hit some big time
shots when she has needed them."
Ambler was no slouch either, scoring a birdie during her round and finishing in 10th place overall.
“Olivia is playing well," Pallett said. "She has now shot back-to-back personal bests.
She had some bad breaks today as well and persevered through them. Her
round could have been even better.”
