DISTRICT CHAMPS-The Clay County High School Lady Bulldog Golf Team won their District Tournament for the second year in a row last week advancing to this week’s Region Tournament. Pictured, left to right, are Coach Amy Dodson, Baleigh McLerran, Savanna Strode, Madison Baijo, Alayshia Brannon, coach Betty Jo White, and coach Doug Strong. (photo submitted)

COOKEVILLE-The Clay County High School Lady Bulldog Golf Team brought home the district championship trophy from the links here at Ironwood Golf Course for the second year in a row last week.

Behind a team score of 181, the team edged out Chattanooga Christian (185) and defending state champion Signal Mountain (186) to claim the 2013 7A-AA championship and qualify for this week’s Region 4A-AA Tournament here at White Plains Golf Course.

Senior Savanna Strode–who finished just out of the top 20 in the state tournament last year as an individual–led the team with an 83, the second lowest individual score of the day.

The mark was enough for her to tie for second-place in the district and qualify as an individual for the region competition, where she will have a shot at another individual state appearance.

Despite her individual success, Strode is a team player and explained she would like nothing better than to be joined at the state tournament by her teammates.

“I would really like to end my senior year by going to state as a pack,” Strode said.

Besides Strode, Madison Baijo completed the round with a 98, Alayshia Brannon shot 111, and Baleigh McLerran served as the team’s alternate–all helping to secure the district title.

“Since I was familiar with the other players from regionals last year, I felt confident that our team would do well,” Baijo said.

Region play was set to begin here last Monday and coaches offered their gratitude to those who have supported the team along the way.

“We would really like to thank everyone who has supported the team this year,” assistant coach Betty Jo White said.  “We have been able to supply everything the kids have needed and have had a great deal of support from Wilson Sporting Goods and Richard Turner of Modern Woodmen of America Chapter 12307, along with many businesses and personal contributors from Clay and surrounding counties.”