LOCUST GROVE — After a one year absence, the Gainesville girls golf program is back in familiar territory.
The Lady Red Elephants shot their way into the Class AAAAA championships on Monday, finishing second by a skinny stroke in the state sectional tournament held at Heron Bay Country Club in Locust Grove.
Gainesville's performance of 266 -- which was its lowest team total of the season -- netted its eighth state championship appearance in nine seasons.
Senior Ashley Bishop led the way for the Lady Red Elephants, finishing second individually with a 77. Senior Julianna Towns also carded a 94, while junior Arianna Lunsford recorded a 95.
Ware County won the tournament, which featured 16 teams, with a 265.
Gainesville will play again in the state championships on May 16 at Westlake Country Club in Augusta.
-- HURST MAKES IT AS INDIVIDUAL: Flowery Branch's Macie Hurst also qualified for the state championship tournament as the individual low medalist at sectionals.
Hurst fired an 81 at Heron Bay.
She will compete for individual honors again on May 16 at Westlake Country Club in Augusta.
