Smith and Maurer advance to Districts
- 02 October 2008
A bad wrist couldn't keep Ephrata sophomore Lauren Smith out of the L-L League tournament held Tuesday at the Lancaster Host.Despite barely touching a club over the last three weeks, the 2007 runner-up gutted it out Tuesday and came away with her second medal in as many years. Smith turned in a round of 87 to finish fourth overall, behind champion and two-timw winner Alli Weaver of Warwick (82), as well as Samantha Peiffer (L-S) and Amber Rohrer (Solanco), who tied for second with rounds of 85.
"Considering she hasn't played, I though she was terrific," Ephrata Coach Ed Gambler said Tuesday night. "She toughed it out. She's really a true competitor and it showed today."
Despite the injury, Gambler said his super sophomore wasn't pleased with her finish, which not only earned her a medal but a spot in the upcoming District Three Tournament as well.
"The way she is, she was disappointed but everyone else, with the injury, we though she played very well," he said.
Smith will be joined at Districts by senior teammate Logan Maurer, who made a late charge Monday in the L0L Boys tourney at the Host to scratch out an 81 and finish 14th overall.
Maurer took the turn at 43, but allowed his short game to take over on the back side. He played the last eight holes at two-over-par to finish with a 38 on the back to clinch his first District appearance.
"Logan has been coming on all season, getting better and better. This was just a culmination of his progress this year. He cam through in a big way," Gambler said.
With the course playing 6,850 yards Monday, Maurer switched to the driver he used last year and had good results off the tee. But the real key to his success was his putting game, which fueled his strong back nine.
"His short game is phenomenal," Gambler said. "He's one of the best putters I've ever had. He has a great short game."
"I'm really excited to see him do well because he is such a nice kid," he continued. "He's finishing his senior year in style."
Ephrata's team finished 10th on Monday with 444 strokes. Manheim Township won the team title with a score of 395, while Lancaster Mennonite took second with 404, followed by Warwick (409) in third.
In addition to Maurer, Willie Helander was next for the Mounts with and 85, followed by former District qualifier Ryan Contres (88), Jonathan Bensing (91) and Dan Slotcavage (99) to round out the top five.
Up next for Smith and Maurer is the District Tournament which will once again be held at Briarwood in York. Action gets underway Friday, Oct. 10.
We here at www.ephratamounts.com are proud sponsors of the Dodgeball for Diabetes tournament.