MANCHESTER, Tenn. - If Walker Valley's girls or boys are to make a run at a TSSAA Class AAA golf title, they've got some work to do today at Willowbrook Golf Club.
After the first round of play Tuesday, the Lady Mustangs sit in third place, seven shots behind leader Clarksville's 152. Sullivan South is second at 156.
The fourth-place Walker Valley boys are 15 strokes in back of leader Hendersonville, which with 292 has an eight-shot lead over Brentwood High and Houston.
Clark Melton paced the Mustangs on Tuesday with a 70, which leaves him tied for fifth individually. Rossview's Tyler Guy leads at 67.
Walker Valley's best girls' score was a 76 by Avery George, who made bogeys on her last two holes and wound up in a tie for fourth. Lawrence County's Emily Williams leads with a 71.
Today's final round is set to begin at 9 a.m EDT.
Walker Valley coach Bob Williams said a golfer couldn't ask for better weather conditions than what the teams had Tuesday, and the forecast today is similar. He said his teams could've played a little better, but he's pleased where they are.
"First place is going to be tough," he said about his boys' chances. "We'll just go out and there and let the chips fall where they fall. We left some strokes out there. They think they can play better. The girls feel like they can do better, too.
"Golf is so unpredictable. We'll try not to make mistakes; when there's opportunities for birdies, make birdies; and try to avoid the big number."
Melton's closest teammate's score is a 74 by Corey Evans. He and Soddy-Daisy's Zach Hester are among seven tied for 15th.
"Corey Evans made the turn in 2 under," Williams said. "Then he had a couple of double-bogeys on the back on a couple of bad breaks. He's been steady for us all year. A 74 is the highest 18-hole score he's had all year. He's capable of bouncing back with a lower score, too."
The Lady Mustangs' second-best score was Katie Bishop's 83. Soddy-Daisy's Jessica Cathey is in a three-way tie for 11th at 80.