Women's Golf | 10/22/2025 8:03:00 AM

CANTON -- The Clinton High School Women's Golf team closed out an impressive 2025 season with a strong showing at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A State Tournament held Monday and Tuesday at the Country Club of Canton.

Under first-year Head Women's Golf Coach Cameron Melton, the Lady Arrows battled tough conditions and top-tier competition to earn a seventh-place team finish, marking the program's fifth consecutive top-10 finish at the state level.

Clinton's team score of 363 was anchored by Ellyn Burchfield and Kasey Pigg. Burchfield grabbed the 10th spot overall on the individual leader board, and Pigg placed 23rd among the state's best golfers.

"It is surreal just being there and just knowing that you punched your ticket to be in the top 10 is really cool," Melton said about the state tournament. "Just to look around and see the competition is not just a regular tournament. These golfers are some heavy hitters that are around you. We got to be paired with some really good golfers to get some great exposure and experience."

Burchfield fired a plus-11 in the opening round on a resplendent Monday, carding a birdie and 10 pars in her trek around the course. At one point, she even had a share of the lead but was tied for fourth at the round's conclusion. In a rain-delayed Tuesday, Burchfield battled wet conditions to post an 87, recording nine pars despite the challenging course.

"Number one, I am very proud of Ellyn. I am proud of how she handled the entire tournament and how she composed herself," Melton said. "She was one of the later tee times to get off. She didn't have as much time on a dry course, which I think the conditions changed the round."

Pigg, a member of the program since eighth grade, capped her high-school career with back-to-back solid rounds, shooting a 98 and 96 to finish inside the top 25 individually. Her final round included five pars as she closed out her time as a Lady Arrow.

"She has stuck with it since eighth grade and that says a whole lot about her dedication," Melton said. "I walked in a few of her last holes and was just making sure she took the time to look around and stay in the moment. It is awesome to have a senior commit like she did from eighth grade, all the way through, and the leadership that she provided with her experience."

Laney Mitchell, a junior, also turned in an outstanding performance, improving from a 102 in the first round to a 95 on the second day, earning 25th place overall. Junior Harper Davis competed, as well, contributing to the team's successful finish.

With a solid state performance and junior core returning in 2026, the future remains bright for the Lady Arrows under Melton's leadership.