The King’s Fork High School golf team finished sixth at Class 4 Region A tournament and had one player advance to states.

The Bulldogs recently finished up a strong season. Out of 13 teams, they placed sixth at regionals. Although only the top four teams advance, it was still a positive day for King’s Fork. King’s Fork was able to have two players qualify for the second day. Rebecca Hutchings and Austin Aydlett played well enough on the first day to advance.

“I think overall, the experience was good,” Coach Robert Casteen said. “We had a couple advance. It’s progress, because that is more than what we had advance last year.”

Casteen felt good about this season and the progress his players were able to make over the course of the season. A lot of players that came out this season were playing for the first time. Aydlett was one of the first-year players. For the first time in school history, King’s Fork also won the annual city golf title.

“It’s fulfilling to see the progression from where we started to where we finished,” Casteen said. “We want to keep improving. Even though we got better, we don’t want just to stay where we are. The city title and everything is great, but we want to make sure we are striving for more.”

Even though the team’s season is over, King’s Fork did have Hutchings advance to states on the girls’ side. She has been a centerpiece for King’s Fork this season. As a freshman this year, she came in and played extremely well. She ended up placing fifth at regionals and making her way to the Girls’ Open Championship.

“It’s awesome for her to be able to do that,” Casteen said. “It’s some tough girl competition out there and for her to advance only as a freshman, it’s only going to go up from there. I think she is going to continue to improve and raise her game each year. Her future is bright.”

“I felt like I could have played better on the second day, but I am glad I was able to qualify,” Hutchings said. “I’m just excited and grateful to be able to advance to states.”

Hutchings will be back on the course in a couple of weeks. The state meet will be held Oct. 22-23 at Springfield Golf Club in Springfield.