The Salem Lady Wildcats have made a little history in their first season competing in the River to River Conference.
Salem captured the girls golf conference championship Tuesday, edging defending champion Massac County 327-328 to claim the first River to River title by any Salem team.
Massac County had dominated the conference tournament for more than a decade, but the Lady Wildcats ended that run by putting together a strong performance from top to bottom. Carterville finished a distant third with a team score of 370.
Salem’s depth was a major factor in the championship, with five Lady Wildcats finishing among the top 10 individually and earning All-Conference honors.
Mya Russell led the way for Salem, shooting a 73 to finish second overall. Regan Shuler placed fifth with a 78, while Brynn Kessler was seventh with an 87. Brenna Hays finished eighth with an 89, and Kinsley Gansauer rounded out Salem’s top five in ninth place with a 93.
Addy Lever also competed for the Lady Wildcats, finishing 21st with a 107.
For head coach Connor Brooks, the championship is a reflection of the competitive mindset his program has developed over the past several seasons.
“We’ve set a precedent with the past few seasons that we are always going to compete,” Brooks told WJBD/WSIQ Sports. “We were aware Massac knew going into the conference tournament that we would compete. And for the girls to know that and compete hole after hole shows the group we have this year.”
Brooks hopes the historic championship is just the beginning.
“Being the first conference title hopefully starts a trend,” Brooks said. “I don’t want it to be a one and done and neither do the girls. That goes for all sports at Salem.”
Brooks believes this year’s team has the talent and determination to make a postseason run.
“This is the most competitive and talented team I’ve ever had,” Brooks said. “The girls are ready to put every effort forth when it comes to making a postseason run.”
The Lady Wildcats won’t have much time to celebrate their conference championship. Salem returns to the course this afternoon at Salem Country Club, where the Lady Cats will host Centralia.
