AGAWAM — John Courtney paused for a moment before handing out the first-place trophy at the Western Massachusetts Girls Golf Championship Wednesday afternoon to share some historical context.
Juli Wightman was the only Western Mass. girls golfer to ever win the regional title four years in a row. Wightman, who graduated from Chicopee in 2004, went on to compete at the Division I level for Brigham Young University. She then toured professionally before taking over as the head coach of the Utah Valley University women’s golf program last fall.
Courtney, who coaches the East Longmeadow golf program, then announced Westfield Lauren Connor as the 2022 champion of the tournament held at the Agawam Municipal Golf Course.
Connor — a freshman — has a chance to join Wightman in the history books.
“That was really cool,” Connor said after receiving her championship plaque. “My biggest dream is to play in college and maybe something further.”
Connor shot a 36 on the front nine, finishing the day with a 79 for first place. Pope Francis’ Lily Frost and Longmeadow’s Cecily Henshon tied for second, each finishing their day with an 86.
Longmeadow overall had a strong day on the course as Olivia Foard finished also finished in the top 5, placing fourth with an 88.
Connor went into the championship hoping for a good day on the course.
“I know there’s a lot of girls who are really good,” Connor said. “So I wanted to play good and see what I could shoot.”
The freshman had some nerves and didn’t drive the ball well on the first hole. By the third, though, she moved into a rhythm.
Connor shot a birdie on the third hole — a par three — en route to an even par on the front nine.
“I hit it on the hill, but I got a good bounce and made the putt,” Connor said.
The back nine challenged most of the golfers, as the majority came away with higher scores over the final nine holes.
Connor’s interest in golf began six years as go as she began heading to the course with her father.
“When I was 10, I really started loving it,” Connor said. “When I was 12, I started going to the golf course every day and my dad has really helped me.”
Connor’s performance Wednesday continued a successful start to her freshman season. She has averaged a 41 over her first eight matches, with an even par 35 in her first match.
“I love it,” Connor said of her first season. “All the kids on the team are really nice and it’s just been a lot of fun.”
Results
1. Lauren Connor, Westfield — 79
2. Lily Frost, Pope Francis & Cecily Henshon, Longmeadow — 86
4. Olivia Foard, Longmeadow — 88
5. Lily White, Palmer — 90
6. Julia Pace, West Springfield — 91
7. Isabella Fleury, Agawam — 95
8. Taylor Barry, Hopkins — 96
9. Khruanha Naiyanan, Ludlow — 102
10. Olivia Pace, West Springfield & Amelia Gruber, Easthampton — 105
12. Kate Markowski, East Longmeadow — 110
13. Danica Shea, Longmeadow — 112
14. Bella Ronzoni, Southwick — 113
15. Hannah Hoang, Palmer — 115
16. Katie Sweeney, St. Mary — 124
17. Emma Casella, Pope Francis — 126
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