Fike holds off Union Pines for 3A golf title; Emily Mathews top individual

Eastern Alamance’s Emily Mathews ran through the Gray Course at Foxfire Resort in 3-under, 69, on the final day of competition to card an even-par, 144, for the tournament and claim the 3A Individual State Championship in Women’s Golf. Mathews claimed her second straight individual title after winning the 3A title a year ago at Beacon Ridge.

Mathews carded five birdies against just a pair of bogeys in round two. She finished strong with three birdies in a four hole stretch from the par five 13th through the par five 16th on her way to a 2-under, 34, on the back nine. The strong back nine was a six-stroke improvement for Mathews from her 4-over, 40, in the opening round on her way to carding a 3-over, 75 for the day and a three-shot overnight lead.

Jacksonville’s Sanaa Carter was steady both days, shooting 6-over, 78, on both days of competition to hold off South Brunswick’s Jillian Fatkin by a single shot for second place honors.

The Golden Demons from Fike were the victorious team, holding off Union Pines by just three shots to win the Demons’ first State Championship in Women’s Golf. Fike was led by Bree Council who finished tied for 7th at 24-over, 168. Avery Briley contributed a 42-over, 186, to the Golden Demon effort, placing tied for 23rd overall. The pair was joined by teammate Morgan Harold who finished tied for 54th at 67-over, 211.

The NCHSAA is committed to celebrating outstanding sportsmanship and has partnered with NC Farm Bureau to award two outstanding athletes in each State Championship event with NC Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Awards. The 3A Sportsmanship Award winners in Women’s Golf for 2021 were Morgan Harold from Fike and Carolyn Coffey from Union Pines.