Women's Golf | 10/15/2025 8:09:00 AM

CANTON -- The Clinton High School Women's Golf team knew it was a tall task in its efforts to qualify for the state tournament.

Under new qualifying standards set by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) this season, the Lady Arrows showed determination and composure as they punched their state-tournament ticket on Tuesday.

Clinton finished in third place on the team leader board and were led by Ellyn Burchfield's score of 84 strokes at the MHSAA Class 2-7A Region tournament at Deerfield Golf Course. All four Clinton golfers -- Harper Davis, Laney Mitchell, Kasey Pigg, and Burchfield -- finished in the top 13 of the individual leader board.

Last year's qualifying standards, which stated teams must shoot below 200 strokes at their respective region tournaments, were no longer in play. Instead, only the top three teams out of Class 7A's four region tournaments could qualify for state. The Lady Arrows edged out Oxford by 10 strokes, 182-192, securing their eighth straight state qualification. It will be the first state tournament appearance for first-year Head Women's Golf Coach Cameron Melton.

"We knew it was going to be a challenge to even make it to the state tournament as a team due to the new rules, but we worked hard and got the job done," Burchfield said. "We are all very excited to continue the tradition of going to state as a team."

The Lady Arrows will compete in the MHSAA Class 7A State tournament next Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 21-22) at the Country Club of Canton.

Burchfield helped secure her team's berth with an outstanding round. Starting on Deerfield's back nine, Burchfield fired three pars for a 9-over score, but it was the sophomore's front nine that propelled her to a second-place spot on the individual leader board. On hole 4, a par-5, Burchfield scorched a 270-yard drive down the fairway's hill and followed that opening shot up with a 140-yard approach that landed 10 feet off the green. Then, magic happened as she chipped in the next shot straight into the hole for eagle. She would finish her next five holes 2-over, finishing with an 84.

"I am very proud of the round my teammates and I put up (at Deerfield)," Burchfield added.

Mitchell provided the other scoring round as she shot a 98, helping the Lady Arrows with their 10-stroke lead. Mitchell used three pars and consistent golf to help the state-qualifying efforts, finishing ninth individually. Pigg's 99 strokes was strong enough for 10th place, and Davis added a 107 for the 13th spot.