Lady ‘Cats relish in team finishes in home tourney, Big 8 tourney

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Cassville girls golf team has wrapped up a season marked by growth across the board and solid results in multiple events, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the Big 8 Conference tournament.

“Overall, as a team, I thought we had a pretty successful season,” said Clayton Bagby, Cassville girls golf coach. “We had multiple top-five finishes as a team, including fifth at Clever, third in our own tournament and 2nd in the Big 8 Conference.”

Bagby said individual results matched the team success.

“Individually in varsity events. we had three medalists in the Big 8 Tournament — Taylor Yarnall, Abbi Yarnall and Anabele Mills — so that was a great accomplishment for them,” he said.

At the Class 2, District 3 Tournament at Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield, Cassville finished ninth as a team. Individually, Gwen Harmon led the Lady Wildcats with a 111, good for 24th place and 3 strokes off qualifying to state.Julie Gregory shot a 114, Taylor Yarnall a 118, and Abbi Yarnall a 150.

Bagby said the team made major strides in a key area of focus from the first week to the district tournament.

“One of the focuses on the season was improving on and around the greens,” Bagby said. “I stated early that if the girls could reduce strokes around the green and limit three or more putts, they would be able to pick up a lot of shots on the field, and I believe we made strides there.”

That growth showed especially for the golfers who played in the district tournament in 2024.

“We returned two girls that played in the district tournament last year, and they both improved double digit shots from the previous year in that tournament, Bagby said. “And, we had multiple girls shoot personal bests on the year throughout the season.”

While pleased with the team’s consistency, Bagby said there is still room to climb even higher on the leaderboard.

“Overall, as a team, we were pretty consistent with team scoring from tournament to tournament and our finishes in the top half of tournaments; individually though, we would like to see a few more of those top 10 finishes and individual medals being earned throughout the year,” Bagby said. “Golf is an extremely hard game, and continuing to learn to work your way around the course and shot selection will help in keeping a 5 from turning into an 8.”

Among the season highlights, Bagby said one result stood above the rest.

“The team second place finish in the Big 8 was a very good showing for the girls and gives the returners something to shoot for next year,” he said.

Cassville’s home tournament also brought a memorable moment.

“Also, any time you can play well at your home course, especially against some bigger schools, and come out with a third-place finish, that is exciting,” Bagby said.

Bagby credited the team’s seniors with helping shape the culture and competitive spirit of the group.

“Gwen Harmon and Julie Gregory both took pride in being a part of the golf team and were welcoming to other girls and wanting to see it succeed throughout the season and into the future, and trying to grow the roster,” Bagby said. “They showed tremendous passion for the game and a genuine desire to see our team succeed. Their determination to create relationships and continue to improve have left a lasting mark on our program.”

Looking ahead, Bagby said returning golfers have the potential to drive the team forward next fall.

“If everyone returns, that would mean bringing back three girls (Abbi, Anabele, and Taylor) that were our top-three scorers in conference, so hopefully, they can pick up where they left off and continue to improve between now and next season to put themselves in positions to help the team and themselves earn some top finishes,” Bagby said.

Bagby also said two newcomers took meaningful steps this year.

“Molly Pickett and Paislee Bolinger were newcomers this year that showed growth throughout the season also and will look to give themselves varsity opportunities next year,” he said.

As the program looks toward 2026, Bagby said the goals include both competitive improvement and growing the sport locally.

“More individual top finishes will definitely be a goal going into the 2026 season, and continuing to work on shot selection to reduce scores,” Bagby said. “Also, as a golf program, we are looking to increase opportunities for the youth next spring and summer to open the opportunity to play for more kids and try and introduce it to some at a younger age.”