Showdown at the Emerald

The New Bern girls golf team continues to extend its lead in the Coastal Conference, even despite what coach Dutch Overton describes as a "slump."

The Bears shot a 263 to earn first place at a conference match at the Emerald on Monday. J.H. Rose followed with a 278, notching a second-place result.

"It is important for us to continue to extend the lead," Overton said. "We are continuing to do that a little bit. We are slumping a little bit in the middle of the season, but we are going to have to get it back together quickly."

With a Thursday match at Wilmington Ashley around the corner, Overton is hoping for his top two girls to play well on the same day. Last season, Ashley placed fourth in the state in Class 4-A.

On Monday, New Bern's Caroline Ellington claimed medalist honors with a 77. She made an eagle putt on No. 8, despite feeling under the weather.

"Caroline did a really good job today considering she is coming down with a cold," Overton said. "She gutted it out and came in with a good score. She was able to salvage a lot of pars. She killed her driver today."

Tatum Briele placed second with a score of 79. Teammate Brandy Stout shot a 107, adding to New Bern's tally.

"When I was with her today, Tatum played very well," Overton said. "She hit the ball well. I don't think she started very well, but she got it back together at the end."

West Carteret (293) placed third, while Havelock (325) finished fourth.

Despite losing two seniors since the beginning of the season, Jennifer Crow has taken over the leadership role for Havelock.

"She does real well with that," said Havelock coach Phil Buzzelli. "She is a good team captain. She calls them, she motivates them, she is not selfish. She tries to make them feel good."

Playing alongside Ellington and Briele, Crow carded an 85 on Monday. Crow had four double bogies on the day, but Buzzelli said she is becoming the competitor that the Rams need.

"It just eats away at her when she doesn't do well, because she knows she has the ability to play better," Buzzelli said. "Playing with Tatum and Caroline every match is great for her because they are such great players and competitors. It makes her try harder and elevates her competitive spirit."

Freshman Christina Rudd shot a 119 for Havelock, while freshman Emily Snell scored a 119.

"I was really pleased with Emily Snell today," Buzzelli said. "She had some great tee shots and hit three greens out there. When she connects, she really hits it well."

West Craven shot a 402 as a team, led by Emily Pate's 127. Jessica Roadman and Tiffani Fairburn tallied a 136 and 139, respectively.

The next conference match will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Ironwood Country Club in Greenville.

Adam Thompson can be reached at (252) 635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com.