Decatur’s Tori Gardner carded a two-day 153 (79-74) and finished tied for sixth overall at the 4A Region I championships April 17-18 at Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock, claiming the region’s second medalist state berth. SUBMITTED
In her fourth and final season, Decatur senior Tori Gardner will try once again to accomplish her goal of winning a state title.
Gardner finished tied for sixth with Andrews’ Abby Ballou and earned the second medalist state bid with a two-day 153 (79-74) at the 4A Region I championships April 17-18 at Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock, punching her ticket to the state tournament for the second consecutive year.
“I’m really honored to have this opportunity to go back to state and play with against the top golfers in Texas, Gardner said. “It’s my senior year, so it means its the last time out for me and the last time to play for Coach [Andrew] Maxwell. It’s the final chapter to my high school career, but also the start of a new beginning.”
Gardner’s strong finish helped the Lady Eagles finish ninth in the team standings with 798 (400-398). Andrews’ black team won the regional team title with 612 (308-304), while Canyon (314-322 — 636) and Seminole (313-324 — 637) garnered silver and bronze, respectively.
“For our region, the competition is really good — I get to play against some talented golfers,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun, and competing against them really helps to make me a better golfer.”
Also competing for the Lady Eagles at the regional tournament were Lia Jones (T-50th, 103-98 — 201), Arabella Jones (T-63rd, 108-106 — 214) and Brynlee Ripple (T-68th, 110-116 — 226).
After the first round, Gardner sat in a four-way tie for 10th place with Seminole’s Maggie Duncan, Andrews’ Emme Darnold and Canyon’s Chloe Stenberg.
“The first round was a little disappointing for me because all of the nerves were rolling, and I just didn’t play like I should have,” Gardner said.
The two-time state qualifier climbed the leader board in the second round, despite several low-scoring opportunities.
“I was able to bring it back on the second day,” Gardner said. “I had two eagles, but I ended up missing eight birdie putts. That was very interesting round for me.”
Gardner will play her final high school tournament at the 4A state meet May 6-7 at Legends Golf Course in Kingsland.
In her first state appearance last season, Gardner shot a two-day 153 (79-74) to tie for fifth with Corpus Christi Calallen’s Brooke Caldwell.
“Last year, I had a lot of nerves going, but I still had a great time,” Gardner said. “I met a lot of awesome people, and I learned that I needed to be patient and let shots come and go as the rough goes on. I got a good feel for the state course last year, so now I’m ready.”
The veteran Lady Eagle is looking to close out her career on top of the state podium.
“I think I’ll win,” Gardner said. “I have a really great chance of winning. With how I’ve been playing, I should have a good shot. I need to have a clear mind and just make putts. Patience is the most important aspect of my game.”
Bridgeport’s Dylann Hiler finished 43rd with a two-day 194 (92-102) in her first trip to the regional meet.
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