Ella Green spent two full seasons as a clearly talented top contributor, preparing to take the reins atop the lineup.
Platte County senior Lily Ricketts hits a putt during the Pirate Invitational on Wednesday at Shiloh Springs Golf Course.
Just two weeks into her junior season, Platte County’s No. 1 again rewrote the program’s record book, this time firing a 7-over 78 to place fourth in the Pirate Invitational on Wednesday at Shiloh Springs Golf Course. Green again set the Pirates’ record for lowest round, bettering the 80 she shot as a sophomore at Moila Country Club in St. Joseph.
Green twice shot 9-over last year, including an 81 to capture medalist honors in the Suburban Conference White Division Championships.
Platte County bounced back from a difficult opening 18-hole tournament this season, improving by nearly 40 strokes to a 373 — good enough for third place behind champion Park Hill (327) and St. Michael’s the Archangel (364). Green led the way for the Pirates, but senior Lily Ricketts also medaled with a 13-over 84 that placed her alone in sixth. Green finished just one shot out of third, while Ricketts came up three strokes shy of the top five..
Perhaps most importantly, Platte County received a consistent day from three returning starters. Pirates senior Mackenzie Borland placed 12th with a 94 and missed the top-10 medal cut line by only three shots.
Platte County senior Mackenzie Borland hits a chip shot during the Pirate Invitational on Wednesday at Shiloh Springs Golf Course.
Platte County coach Trevor Short continues to tinker with the lineup’s final two spots and played juniors Izzie Grell (117, 39th) and Macie Garland (120, 45th) in the top five in the home tournament. However, they finished behind sophomore teammates Erin Anderson (114, 36th) and Grace Handke (116, 38th), who were on the Pirates’ second team for this competition. There were 60 players total in the field.
The No. 2 Platte County team finished 10th out of 12 teams in the final standings.
Just two days earlier, Platte County shot a 415 team total at WinterStone Golf Course in the Liberty North Invitational with Green, Ricketts, Borland, Anderson and sophomore Emma Mizell in the top five. Ricketts and Borland were much improved, and the top three’s consistency will be important as the Pirates look to defend the White Division title and earn a fourth straight team berth to the Class 3 Missouri State Golf Championships.
Last fall, Bailey Silcott capped her career by becoming the first all-state player in Platte County’s program history. Ricketts is a three-time state qualifier, while Green has gone each of her first two seasons.
