St. James girls golf team closing in on second straight state title

One day down, one more to go.

The St. James girls golf team moved closer to earning a second consecutive state title on Monday, shooting a combined 26-over 314 to lead after the first day at the Class 4A girls golf state tournament.

Sophomore phenom Smith Knaffle tore through The Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina University, doing so en route to an opening round 69, tops among all individual golfers.

Five strokes behind Knaffle was Lancaster’s Baylee Evans, who shot a 74 for the day. Several others were tied for third with an opening round 75.

D.W. Daniel sits in second after the first day, with a 43-over 331. Greenville claimed third for the day with a 46-over 334.

Myrtle Beach finished the first day of the state tournament in 13th, shooting a 95-over 383. North Myrtle Beach shot a 169-over 457, good for 16th on the day.

Facing stiff competition at the Class 5A girls golf state tournament, Carolina Forest and Socastee finished 12th and 14th, respectively.

Sami Spencer led the way for the Panthers, shooting a 19-over 91 at The Members Club at Wildewood course in Columbia. Socastee was led by the tandem of Ashelyn Nicoulin and Molly Teal, who combined to shoot a 24-over 96 on the afternoon.

Aynor and Georgetown find themselves in a similar situation as their Class 5A counterparts, the teams finding themselves in 12th and tied for 14th, respectively at the Class 2A girls golf state tournament at Fountain Inn’s Carolina Springs Golf Club.

Region VI-3A Player of the Year Mary Kate Richardson led the way for the Blue Jackets with an 82 for the day. Taylor Strickland shot a 102 Monday to pace the Bulldogs.

This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 8:05 PM with the headline "St. James girls golf team closing in on second straight state title."