Dynamic Duals

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Savanna States

North Platte’s top two golfers looking fashionable before the meet on September 22.

Senior Morgan Lashley and sophomore Riley Smith are so in sync they they can read each other’s minds. “I like golf tourneys like I like my eggs; scrambled,” the girls said in unison. Lashley and Smith got first place on Sept. 22 at the Gothenburg Dual at Iron Eagle Golf Course. This dual was a scramble, which means instead of hitting your own individual ball, you and your partner both tee off, choose the best shot, then you both hit the ball from there. The steps are repeated until the end of the hole when they post the combined score.

Morgan Lashley and Riley Smith strolling around the course.
Morgan Lashley and Riley Smith strolling around the course.

To prepare for meets, Smith likes to get loose and make sure her attitude is good for the day. Lashley likes to putt and then hit balls on the driving range. Before the meets start,“Not a lot is going on in my head, I just hope I don’t embarrass myself” said Smith. For duals, the girls agree the main goal is to have fun.
Both players owe their fathers for getting them interested in this sport. Smith says she finds her motivation in trying to be better than Lashley, “which will probably never happen,” said Smith. Lashley’s motivation comes from the girls that give her a little friendly competition. Just like every athlete, these girls can get a little down on themselves. “I think I just psych myself out,” said Smith, “I wish I knew how to golf, that’d make this a lot easier.”

Coach Orcutt giving the girls quality advice.
Coach Orcutt giving the girls quality advice.

Lashley is one of the two seniors on the girl’s golf team.“It’s a privilege to play with her because she’s my best friend and the best golfer in the world,” said Smith. Coach Jim Orcutt said, “I am melancholy in regards to Morgan’s [Lashley’s] last season of high school golf. She is a great person, motivator for the team, a friend, and I know that she has an excellent future ahead of her with or without golf in the picture. I have thoroughly enjoyed having her as a student and a member of the team these past four years. Believe me, she will be greatly missed.” On October 3, the varsity girls qualified for State which will be held on October 10 and 11.