Elder 5th for Eagles in golf season opener

CANEY -- Uniontown High School's golf team opened its season here Thursday at the Caney Valley Invitational.

The Eagles sent just two members of their team here but Kiersten Elder finished in fifth place individually in the 18-hole affair with her score of 105. Elder shot a 59 on the front nine and a 46 on the back.

"Kiersten's score was 17 strokes better than last year and her best ever for 18 holes," Uniontown head coach Alan Shinn said. "The only thing that kept her from having an excellent score was her front nine. Several factors contributed to that 59. She was rushing her shots from ever place -- the tee, the fairways, her approach shots and putting. After she calmed down, she was able to post a very good score on the back nine.

"Kiersten broke the 40 barrier at the end of last season and I think she will be able to score in the low 40's this season -- possibly even below 40."

Taylor Hansen finished 29th among the 40 individuals with her score of 65-64--129. This was the first time Hansen had played here, Shinn said, and it was hers best score for 18 holes by one stroke.

The Eagles host a JV tournament today at Fort Scott in which the other two members of the squad -- Raven Hixon and Emily Pulliam -- will each compete. Uniontown will also send its varsity to Fort Scott Tuesday.