COLUMBUS, OH (October 22, 2022) – The Centerville High School Girls Golf Team claimed the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division l Girls Golf State Championship at the Ohio State University Golf Club Gray Course. 

The Centerville Lady Elks, made up of five current and former SOPGA Junior Tour Members, made their return to the OHSAA Division I Girls Golf State Championship this season.

Last season, the team finished in fourth place and saw New Albany High School win their fourth consecutive. This year the Lady Elks were determined to improve upon last year’s solid result, returning four seniors for their final year. Tied in first place after an opening round of 312, the girls played exceptional golf during the final round to edge out Dublin Jerome by one shot and New Albany by eight shots.

“Having people behind you that support you directly really makes a big difference for us,” noted Senior Morgan Rodgers. “Knowing that you have teammates out there that are able to pick you up if you don’t have your best day is such a comforting feeling and really allows us to feel a lot less pressure when we are playing.”

In addition to a team victory, Rodgers finished the week as a member of the Second Team All-Ohio with a two day total of 151 (77-74) finishing in a tie for eighth place in the 72 player field in her final high school event.

“We have all of our girls play in summer tournaments, mainly SOPGA events to get ready for this moment,” noted Coach Mike Dalton. “I tell them every year that to be able to compete with schools like New Albany and Dublin Jerome you have to get lessons from a PGA Professional and you have to play summer tournaments to get yourself ready to compete.” 

“I learned a lot from these girls, they’re like sisters to me,” noted Sophomore Brigid Nickell when asked what she will be taking into next year as the only player to return from the 2022 State Champion team. Four players will graduate in the Spring and look forward to competing at the next level on NCAA Varsity teams and University Club Golf Teams. 

Congratulations to the Centerville High School Lady Elks Girls Golf Team on bringing home the 2022 OHSAA Division l State Golf Championship!

SOPGA Jr. Tour Members Earning All-Ohio Team Honors:

Audrey Ryu – Dublin Jerome

Mia Hammond – New Albany

Ellie Ryu – Dublin Jerome

Emerson Purcell – New Albany

Morgan Rodgers – Centerville

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