CANDOR - The Coyotes and Panthers were a combined unit last year, but this season in their first head to head match-up, Candor earned the win 226-259 on a beautiful day at Catatonk Golf Club.

For the Coyotes, Gwen Shaw carded a 53 to lead her team, while Kaedyn Everhart added a 56 and Emma Veasey shot a 57.

Candor's Tessa White and Emma Fey each carded 60's and Lydia Kunte shot a 61.

"It was nice to see the team continuing to progress from match to match. We had three golfers Emma Veasey, Gwen Shaw and Kaedyn Everhart shoot in the 50's that really helped our team score," said Candor coach Jason Banks.

For the Panthers, Lauren Gillette was the low medalist in Thursday's match. Gillette shot a season best, 41, with an eagle and a birdie during her round.

Delilah Alpert carded a 67 for S-VE and Hannah Smith shot a 72. Kelci Wright scored 79 for the Panthers, while Lily Alison recorded an 86.

"I am always proud of my athletes. They took on former teammates tonight and it is a little bittersweet to not be together anymore, but so exciting to see our programs grow," said S-VE coach Nicole Ramos.

"Lauren looked settled and confident and it showed on the scorecard with a personal best for the season," said Ramos. 

"Congratulations to Lauren on a great round of 41 that included a birdie and an eagle on the two par fives," added coach Banks.

Despite the two schools no longer being a merged program for girls' golf, coach Ramos emphasized what really counts at the end of the day.

"I want these athletes to love golf and it is fun seeing them grow, no matter what color our jerseys are."

S-VE takes the course again on April 30th, while the next time Candor is in action is on May 2nd.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DANIELLE BANKS