Women's Golf | 10/20/2025 7:43:00 AM

In his first season leading the Clinton High School Women's Golf team, Head Coach Cameron Melton and his golfing quartet maintained a standard set by the program's predecessor Clay Norton -- qualifying for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A State Championship.

Clinton's team of Ellyn Burchfield, Laney Mitchell, Kasey Pigg, and Harper Davis, participating in the state tournment on Monday and Tuesday (October 20-21) at the Country Club of Canton, delivered under pressure in the MHSAA Region 2-7A qualifying round last week, securing their place among Mississippi's top high school programs.

"There was a lot of grit on the course that day," Melton said about the team's efforts at the MHSAA Region 2-7A tournament last Tuesday, October 14. "It was a tough round coming off fall break -- we had practiced some, but we were still getting back into rhythm. We got two really good scores from Ellyn and Laney, and the girls showed a lot of selflessness during their individual rounds. When team scoring comes into play, it's easy to let one hole get in your head, but they remembered that every stroke counts for the team."

Clinton beat out Oxford for the third-qualifying spot at Deerfield Golf Course last Thursday in Canton.

BURCHFIELD'S LEADERSHIP SHINES

Burchfield, a junior standout, battled through a tough start to lead Clinton with an 84 -- highlighted by an eagle that sparked her closing holes and inspired the rest of the team.

"Ellyn started on hole 10 and had a tough go early, but then she turned around and eagled a hole," Melton said. "That eagle really sparked her. It was awesome  -- she absolutely mashed her drive, landed on the fringe, and chipped in. You could just feel the momentum shift after that."

Buchfield's leadership has been a steadying force for the team.

"She's just fun to watch," Melton added. "The girls really rally around her. Even though they're all close in age, Ellyn brings great experience and energy, and the rest of the team feeds off that."

DEPTH DEFINES THE LADY ARROWS

Alongside Burchfield, Mitchell and Pigg making her last appearance for Clinton in a dedicated career, posted strong rounds that solidified Clinton's qualifying position, while Davis added valuable consistency throughout the season.

"It's so comforting to know I've got players top to bottom that I can take score from any day," Melton said. "They lean on each other but also trust their own games. If one of them has an off day, someone else steps up. They have really fed off each other's energy."

LOOKING AHEAD TO STATE

As the Lady Arrows gear up for the state championship with a practice round today prior to the two-round tournament, Melton says that the team's chemistry and competitive drive will continue to be its biggest strength.

"This group has fun together, works hard together, and competes for each other," Melton said. "That's what makes them special. I couldn't be prouder of how far they've come."