GMC Prep golf sweeps area

Gil Pound, The Union-Recorder, Milledgeville, Ga.
Updated ·3 min read

Apr. 18—A cool, windy morning gave way to a warm, breezy afternoon as GMC Prep hosted the GHSA Area 2 boys and girls golf championships out at The Club at Lake Sinclair Monday.

Teams were hoping to shoot low in bids to win the area title and earn a spot at state next month. Playing on their home course, the GMC boys and girls coached by Logan Cook accomplished both as they swept the area championships, the boys by a comfortable 31-stroke margin while only four shots separated the Lady Bulldogs from second place Portal High School.

"The boys and girls did a great job," said Allen Simmons, who serves as the area coordinator. "They came out and played some great golf in somewhat tough conditions — wet, windy, and cold. They put what they've been working on the whole year to practice and it paid off in the end."

In boys golf, the top four scores are added up to make the team's total. The Bulldogs were led by sophomore Josh Walker, whose 79 earned him low medalist honors for the day. Connor Zecca was low medalist runner-up with his 87 while Tyler Loerzel (96) and Conner Davis (110) rounded out the scoring for the GMC boys, bringing the team's total to 372. Portal came in second at 403 with Emanuel County Institute finishing up the team rankings at third with a 432.

With fewer student-athletes participating, girls golf takes just the team's top two scores. Sophomore Madi Grace Simmons' 90 led the Lady Dogs while junior Coco Rudolph contributed a 107 to the winning effort. Simmons' score was good enough for low medalist runner-up honors as no one was going to catch Portal senior Shelby Clark who fired a 77.

"It was impressive to watch her play," Allen Simmons said. "She's going to have a strong showing at the state tournament as well."

Portal's No. 2 golfer shot a 124, bringing the team score to 201 versus GMC Prep's 197.

All in all, it was a good day out on the course for the home team.

"We can't thank Ted and Joni Smith (Club owners) enough for allowing us to be at The Club at Lake Sinclair, and without David Franklin (club pro) this club wouldn't be the place it is," said Simmons.

The GMC golfers have some time to practice before the GHSA Class A Division 2 state championships. That event is scheduled for May 22-23 at Belle Meade Golf Club in Thomson.

GMC girls soccer falls at Aquinas

The Lady Bulldogs soccer team was knocked out in the second round of the state playoffs Monday, losing 9-0 at still-undefeated Aquinas. The Lady Fightin' Irish of Augusta had won the regular season meeting between the two teams 8-0.

That brings the GMC girls' final record to 3-9-3 on the season after the team won three of its last four heading into the second round matchup.

Aquinas moves on to the quarterfinals where it will face Mt. Zion of Carrollton next week.