By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Joplin co-captains Pam Borland and Sue Browning were all smiles several minutes before their last players came off the Twin Hills course on Tuesday.
“This is a strong win,” Browning, counting up the victories, said. “We really are excited.”
How excited?
Well, an estimated dozen of the champions, including Borland and Browning, celebrated the return of the trophy with an impromptu dive into the pool.
Joplin beat Springfield 17-7 in singles and, coupled with an 81/2-31/2 doubles victory at Carthage Golf Course on Monday, came away with an impressive 251/2-101/2 triumph — and a firm grip on the trophy — in the annual Women’s Horton Smith Cup Matches.
Springfield had been seeking a third straight win since consolidation of the regulars and seniors. The Joplin seniors had won in 2003. The Joplin regulars, who tied in 2003, last won in 1999, Browning said.
“I’m proud of the whole team for pulling it off,” Browning said. “I was especially proud of Kristie (Crossland), Anne (Ranz) and Phyliss (Sanders). Maybe it isn’t a surprise they won. But they just haven’t had that much competitive experience.”
Sanders trimmed Sharon Matti 7 and 6, Ranz beat Geri Schlegel 4 and 3 and Crossland nipped Diane Peterson 2 and 1.
Crossland, who belongs to Twin Hills, said she was an alternate last season and was playing in her first competitive tournament.
“I was able to rally over the last few holes to pull out the victory,” Crossland said of beating Peterson. “We played the front last and we were back and forth.
“Mentally, I wanted to stay focused and strong to bring in a win for the team,” Crossland said. “I’d heard the second day had been our toughest.
“I’ve been playing for about three years,” Crossland said. “I received some serious lessons last year.”
Joplin, which logged several lopsided wins, received a 9 and 7 victory from Gingy Laas over Linda Hyde.
Also, Deb McFarland beat Flora Mitchell 7 and 6, Jennifer Fagan beat Nancy Luxton 7 and 5 and Beth Parmley handled Stephanie Henderson by an identical margin. Jill West hurdled Mary Skiles 6 and 5 and Borland stopped Myrna White 5 and 4.
However, Browning and Leigh Ann Hackney lost 5 and 4 decisions to Vicki Franks and Charlotte Ashcraft, respectively.
Joplin wins also were claimed by Missy Little, 2 and 1 over Heidi Rice; Nancy Isaac, 3 and 2 over Connie Thiede; Rose Mary Grant, 2-up over Carla Chaney; Jo Poyzer, 4 and 3 over Pat Myers; Judy Magner, 2 and 1 over Ann Fuchs; Tammy Thomas, 2 and 1 over Katie McCroskey; Rhonda Hartley, 3 and 1 over Nancy White, and Billie Dahnke, 2-up over Laura Pendergraft.,
Other Springfield wins were by Tara Fuchs, 2-up against Natalie Bird; Margaret Alumno, 4 and 3 against Raine Lounis; Jessica Dillard, 2-up against Peggy Hinde; Kathy Dake, 3 and 2 against Sue Taylor, and Sharon Barefield, 1-up against Esther Alumbaugh.
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