Girls SIRR Golf: Lady Panthers First-Time Conference Champs

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[For the first time ever, Pinckneyville Community High School's Girls Golf team wears the crown of River-to-River Conference champions.

Tuesday afternoon at Crab Orchard Golf Club, the Lady Panthers shot 396 to edge past defending Mississippi Division winner by six strokes (402).

Anna-Jonesboro (440) and Sparta (475) completed the team standings.

Du Quoin's lone entry was Blair Hester, who played as an individual and shot 117th to finish in 13th place.

"This is my 12th year and I remember watching all the other teams year after year taking the trophy home," veteran PCHS coach Dennis Kania said. "I always wanted to be in that spot."

The Lady Panthers were led by freshman standout Heather McDaniel's 87 score, which was good enough to earn the second place individual medal.

Kelsey Cicardi (95) tied for third place with Allie Kuhnert (101) in fifth place.

Shelby Hall (113), Olivia Mathis (125) and Alexis Anderson (127) also scored.

"I actually still think we are a year away from being really good," Kania added. "But early this season I began to think why not this year ?' I am so proud of these girls."

McDaniel trailed only Mississippi Division medalist Keeghan May of Nashville (81).

Cicardi's strong showing included her first career eagle on the day's first hole.