Although the Wapahani girls golf team reached the 2023 Lapel Regional Championship, it was not enough for the Raiders.
“We talked to the girls at the end of the season last year,” Wapahani head coach Brad Miller said. “We knew most of them would be back. It was like, ‘If you like where we ended up this year, let’s stay hungry and see if we can repeat that feat this year.'”
The team took this idea to heart all summer and worked hard to improve their game. Their hunger for success was great.
That attitude and enthusiasm have earned them a record eight straight wins without a loss and the program’s first Delaware County title just weeks into the season.
“We just blew it out of the water,” said Delaney Dodd, the Raiders’ lone senior. “We’ve been a great, solid team this year and it’s just super exciting to see.”
Last season, Dodd was not impressed with her results. For her final season to be successful, many things had to change in her game.
“My mental game kind of ruined my game (last season),” she said. “I got caught up in myself and knew I had to change that this year. I knew no one could help me with that and I had to fix it. So that was my big problem this year, knowing that once I hit the shot, I can’t control it anymore.”
While Dodd focused on her own game, Miller watched her develop into the leader the team needed. Not only was she encouraging, but she also drove results and provided the extra push the program needed.
“(Dodd) has been on the front lines, so to speak,” he said. “She’s done a great job and she’s leading by example.”
Before they teed off at Muncie Elks Golf Course on Saturday, August 17, the Raiders knew what to expect from this county tournament.
“We have a few milestones of the season,” Miller said. “The county tournament was one of our goals this year and we wanted to try to win it.”
After 18 holes, the Raiders’ goal became a reality as the team scored 392 points to claim its first county title in program history. Dodd – who was also the individual champion and earned All-County honors – led Wapahani with 89 points, while junior Kenzi Brannon – who also earned All-County honors – followed with 91 points.
Although the team wanted to win the title, the impact of the win was even more important.
“It definitely gave us a big confidence boost,” Dodd said. “It was something we needed and it’s a good incentive for us to keep going. We know we’re a good, strong team and we can definitely make it to regionals.”
While the Raiders are happy with the success and good play they showed earlier in the season, they have no plans to slow down. Other points the team has achieved include the Mid-Eastern Conference, the Sectionals and a return to the Regionals.
“As long as we all continue to play our game and stand up for ourselves, I think we have a good chance of making it to regionals and having really good results with our games this season,” Dodd said.
The Raiders will next play on Saturday, August 24th in the Monroe Central Invite at Hickory Hills Golf Course. The event begins at 2 p.m.
Contact Zach Carter at [email protected] or on X at @ZachCarter85.
