The proof is in the numbers for the Siloam Springs girls golf team.
The Lady Panthers are playing their best golf of the season as they head into the Class 6A State Girls Tournament, which is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at Jonesboro Country Club.
Siloam Springs is shooting nearly nine strokes better this season over a three-score average than last year, but the improvement is even better recently.
The Lady Panthers, who averaged a team score of 307.9 last year, have a team average of 299 this season. But for the month of September, that number is down to 282.8.
"We've come on strong the last month. Obviously we're really proud of that," said Siloam Springs golf coach Michael Robertson. "That gives us hope, gives us a chance. I thought coming into the year that we might still be a year away (from being a contender). You know, obviously when we go down there, (defending 6A champion) Jonesboro's the favorite at their place and they're playing really well. But I'm really excited how each one of our girls has improved and I think because of that we've got a chance to go down there and play really well the first day. We just want to go down there, play well and be within striking distance for day two and see what happens."
A practice round will be held today at Jonesboro Country Club, and the tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on Monday. Monday's rounds will determine conference championships and all-conference performers.
The top half of the teams and best eight individuals from Monday will advance to Tuesday's round, which begins at 8 a.m.
Siloam Springs junior Brinkley Beever, who holds an 18-hole average of around 85, leads the Lady Panthers into the tournament.
"Obviously the recipe starts with Brinkley," Robertson said. "She's got to play really well at the top and give us a really good low No. 1 score. If we can find a couple other girls out of the other four that can break that 100- to 95-range, then we're going to be right there in contention after day one."
Sophomores McKenzie Blanchard, Kaitlyn Robinson, Jaelee Snyder and senior Bailey Turner will be the other four Lady Panthers that make up the team.
Senior Halle Hevener is expected to be the team's alternate and will also make the trip.
Bentonville-Siloam Springs
BELLA VISTA -- The Siloam Springs golf teams played Bentonville on Thursday in the final match of the regular season at Berksdale Golf Course in Bella Vista.
The Lady Panthers shot 129, but Bentonville had a 110 to win the nine-hole match. The Panthers carded a team score of 161 to fall short of Bentonville's 148.
In the girls match, Kate Robertson shot 31 and Maddie Weston added a 38 for Bentonville, while Chloe Ellis shot 41, Abby Roberts 43 and Kinslee Miller 45.
Beever led Siloam Springs with a 37, while Robinson and Blanchard each shot 46, Snyder 54 and Turner 62.
In the boys match, Bruno Mariscotti led the Tigers with a 34, while Nate Morey, Mickey Zeher and Jonathan Sanchez each shot 38 and Will Remerscheid 42.
Noah Karp led the Panthers with a 35, while Cody Beyer shot 39, Karson Clement 42, Will Gamble 45 and Chase Beyer 46.
The Panthers will return to action Oct. 3-4 in the 6A State Boys Golf Tournament at Big Creek Country Club in Mountain Home.
Sports on 09/25/2016