Golf: McCarthy Girls Defend State Title, Win Class 2A Golf Crown

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After rallying from a 10-stroke deficit last year to win its first state title, Archbishop McCarthy's girls golf team was ready for anything at this year's FHSAA Girls Class 2A State Tournament at Mission Inn Resort and Club at Howey-in-the-Hills.

With four returning starters, the Mavericks defended its title with a commanding 11-stroke cushion over longtime rival American Heritage Plantation.

The Mavericks are the only girls team to win two state titles in any sport at the private school.

Archbishop McCarthy won with a two-day total of 628 (324-304). American Heritage finished with 639 (323-316).

The Mavericks' scorers were: senior Julia Matzat, 76-75-151; senior Brooke Benedetto, 83-71-154; senior Christen Simons, 81-81-162; freshman Natalia Jimenez, 85-78-163; and senior Georgette Garcia, 84-80-164. Matzat finished tied for fifth individually.

Trailing American Heritage, which had defeated Archbishop McCarthy in the region tournament, by one stroke going into the final day, the Mavericks attacked the course and lived up to their expectations.

"We didn't worry about regionals, we were just happy to get back to states," said Mavericks coach Carl Phillips, who started the high school's girls golf program 14 years ago and was named 2015 Florida Dairy Farmers 2A Girls Golf Coach of the Year. "We just moved on and didn't worry about it."

The experience of competing in past state tournaments was an advantage for the Mavericks, who graduate eight seniors including four starters.

"With them being so experienced at past state tournaments and from playing in big tournaments, it definitely helped out," Phillips said. "We were just happy getting back and getting the job done.

"It's bittersweet because I love these girls. This team is very special to me. I am going to miss them all. They have been such a big part of the program. It's hard to watch them leave but they have to grow up some time. They can't be here forever.

"I am thrilled for them that they got to where they got in the last few years. They are going to do great in college and in life."

After winning the region title, Heritage was favored to win its' seventh state crown this season. Since 1999, the Patriots have qualified for the state tournament every year except one. Three years ago, American Heritage edged Archbishop McCarthy by two strokes to win its last state title.

"I do know how hard it is to win two years in a row," Phillips said. "I am very proud of the girls winning back-to-back. They will never forget what they accomplished. I will never forget and I am very pleased to be a part of it.

"They were so excited and happy to be able to repeat. They played great that second day. The girls weren't happy after Tuesday when we were a shot back. I knew they could play better and I knew they were resilient. They weren't going to let it slip away."

Any other coach would begin to panic losing eight seniors but not Phillips.

"I am very proud of our girls' program, it's one of the top programs in the country," he said. "I don't mind the target on our backs. It's enjoyable. I am excited about next year, can't wait."

American Heritage scorers were: freshman Jillian Bourdage, 80-72-152; eighth-grader Casey Weidenfeld, 79-77-156; sophomore Alena Lindh, 81-81-162; freshman Ana Maria Lopez, 83-86-169; and senior Ana Sofia Rodriguez, 83-91-174.

In other girls' state tournaments:

Class 3A: Douglas was top Broward finisher placing sixth with a two-day total of 660 (320-340). Scorers were: freshman Taylor Roberts, 146; junior Amanda Okulanis, 158; freshman Makayla Chau, 177; junior Natalie Toops, 181; and sophomore Blythe Schuller, 185. Roberts was top individual finisher tying for third with a 2-over-par, 70-76-146. Palmetto was top Dade team placing 15th with 750 (395-355). Its scorers were junior Alexa Rivas, 152; senior Sofia Guisasola, 193; freshman Katie Burge, 199 and junior Hannah Burge, 206. Rivas tied for 13th among individuals at 8-over-par 76-76-152.

CLASS 1A: North Broward Prep was top Broward finisher placing tenth at 353-352-706. Its' scorers were senior Hannah Leiner, 75-74-149; seventh grader Kelly Shanahan, 81-86-167; senior Jane Goldman, 84-90-174; and junior Emma Rabinowitz, 113-102-215. Ransom-Everglades was Dade's top finisher (359-348-707) with freshman Phoebe Beber-Frankel, 70-74-144; freshman Rachel DeAngulo, 88-82-170; sophomore Megan Houchin, 95-85-180; and junior Katherine Cochran, 106-107-213.