Pickersgill prepping for Las Colinas challenge
On Wednesday afternoon at Heritage Springs Country Club in West Pasco County, the seal was broken on Hernando High’s girls golf participation at the state level.
The Lady Leopards didn’t reach their ultimate goal of sending the entire squad to the 65th annual FHSAA Finals in Lake County, finishing in a tie for fourth out of seven squads at the Class 2A, Region V Tournament.
But the Purple and Gold will be represented for the first time in 17 years by junior Maddy Pickersgill, who earned one of the two coveted individual berths to states.
Pickersgill, who carded a 111 total along the same Heritage Springs layout a year ago as a member of Nature Coast Technical, improved to an 18-hole 85 to qualify for the state’s ultimate stage, which begins with Monday’s practice round for the 2A state finals.
After the practice round, the arduous two-day, 36-hole event is set to begin Tuesday (weather permitting) on the Mission Inn Resort and Club’s Las Colinas course in Howey-in-the-Hills.
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The last time HHS achieved states in 1997 was memorable.
Under skipper T.V. Chambers, the Purple and Gold rallied past North Palm Beach Benjamin, 346-347—693 to 344-351—695, for the 4A state crown.
That year at TPC Prestancia in Sarasota, HHS senior Kelly Lagedrost placed in the top 10 for a county-record fourth consecutive season.
As a freshman and sophomore, Lagedrost finished fourth. As a junior at the Venice Golf and Country Club, Lagedrost topped her closest rival, Fort Lauderdale-Cardinal Gibbons’ Ellen Dunne, 72-73—145 to 74-73—147, for state medalist honors.
A year later in Sarasota, Lagedrost was a senior along with Arlene Marrero, joined by sophomores Betsy Pederson, Pam Bechtelheimer, Chrissy Atchison and Alanna McVay.
Though Lagedrost was denied a second individual state title losing to Younga Yang of Wesley Chapel-Saddlebrook Academy, 73-72—145 to 71-75—146, the Lady Leopards returned to Brooksville with the school’s last state championship in any sport.
“I lost, but that’s OK; I’d would’ve rather that we won as a team. And we did,” recalled Lagedrost, a golf professional at Brooksville Country Club. “I saw (current Hernando coach) Casey (Ellis) the other day. It’s great to see them return to states.”
Since 1997, two Hernando County females have reached states, Springstead’s Megan Berube in 2010 (placing 14th out of 96 players with an 83-74—157) and Kylie Van Meter in 2013 (who placed 66th out of 94 players behind a 98-95—193).
Berube is in her second season at Division I Indiana State University. She averaged an 82 per 18 holes as a Sycamore.
Van Meter is not playing collegiate golf, but is a member of the crew squad at the University of Florida.
Pickersgill is following in Van Meter’s footsteps returning to Las Colinas. She outlined how critical it is to reach states.
“This is big,” she said. “I’m so excited. I never thought I’d make it to states mainly because I thought I only put together a few good rounds all season until regionals.”
On difference in Year 2 at Heritage Springs, “This time I came in really relaxed and I got to know the course by playing it on Sunday,” she recalled. “Coach (David) Bailey and Coach Ellis have really helped me improve my chipping and putting, too.”
Pickersgill, who carries a 3.4 grade point average and also plays soccer and tennis, isn’t about to head into states with a deer-in-the-headlights approach.
“I’m going to play my heart out,” she said. “I want to play at states, just like I did in regionals. Even if I have a bad hole, I’ve got to forget about it and move on. When you’re playing 36 holes, the numbers really don’t matter.”
Not only will Coach Ellis be present, but so will the entire team to cheer her on.
“It’s kind of cool having all my teammates there to support me. They were with me all year,” noted Pickersgill. “I don’t know if I could have handle states without them. I appreciate them making the trip.”
Coach Ellis views Pickersgill’s state effort as a huge step forward.
“This is a huge opportunity for our program,” said Ellis, Hernando County’s defending Coach of the Year. “We’ve been laying low for a while. It’s great to start getting some recognition for these girls and for this sport.”
On Pickersgill’s goals, “The key for Maddy is her short game,” detailed Ellis. “She’s been doing a much better job of taking her time on her putting. When you 3-4 putt; those will kill you.”
Ellis isn’t putting any additional pressure on Pickersgill, adding, “I’d like to see her just play her best. I couldn’t tell you if she’ll reach the top 10 or not. It all depends on which girl shows up. Playing three rounds (counting Monday’s practice) – that’s pretty challenging.”
At a Glance
What – 65th annual Girls Golf FHSAA Finals.
Who – Hernando High junior Maddy Pickersgill.
Where – Mission Inn Resort and Club’s Las Colinas course, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills.
When – Oct. 28-29.
At Stake – Team trophies for state runner-up and state champion.
