WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. – The North Tahoe Girls Golf team wrapped up the fall season at Toiyabe Golf Club for the NIAA 2A Girls Golf State Championships, Oct. 14-15.

Despite a disappointing finish for the team at regionals the week prior, finishing 4th by seven strokes (meaning they did not qualify to compete at state as a team), the top two Lakers players both qualified for individual competition at state.

Senior Addison Jones (reigning 2024 state champion) posted an 82, finishing in 2nd place at regionals and Sophomore Leah Homsy came in 4th place with a score of 84.  Both finishes qualified them to compete at State Championships.

The first day of state competition brought cold, rain and wind. Despite the challenging conditions, both Lakers fought through to post respectable scores. Jones carded an 82 for a five stroke lead over the field and Homsy, shooting an 87, put her in a tie for 2nd place after the first 18 holes.

The second day, though windy, was much more enjoyable on the course, and both players took advantage of the better weather. Jones put up an impressive 77 on the day and Homsy posted an 83.

Those scores put them in position for top individual honors. Jones won by an impressive 11 strokes over her teammate, Homsy, in 2nd, finishing eight strokes in front of 3rd place.

“Of course we were sad to not make it to states as a team but could not be happier with how Addison and Leah regrouped after that disappointment and went out there and played their hearts out.  I am so proud of both of them.  They have both worked really hard on their games over the past year and it has definitely paid off,” said Head Coach Kirsten Harris.

The regular season saw many highs for the team, including six 1st place finishes over eight regular season contests between Homsy and Jones, two 2nd place finishes and four additional top five awards.

Jones shot a career low even par in the second tournament of the season at Northstar Golf Course, and Homsy also posted her personal best round of 77 (5 over par) at the Eagle Valley Tournament in September.

A big highlight for the team was the team’s 1st place finish at the Incline Championship course, besting the Incline team on their home territory. Jones led the team and the field, winning the tournament at an impressive one over par. Homsy finished strong as well in 2nd place at eight over par.  

This was a rebuilding year for the Lakers, with half the team made up of relatively novice freshman players.  

Coach Harris says, “We had three brand new freshmen on the team and I am excited to see what the next few seasons will bring as they mature and build their skillsets.”

Jones and other senior, Ellie Jacob, mentored younger players.

“They helped get the younger players through some tough tournaments and built some really strong bonds within the team,” Harris said. “It will be really hard to say goodbye to Addison and Ellie this year. They have been such a big part of this team the last four years, but with the culture we have built here I know we will be in good shape moving forward.”

Harris is optimistic about several young players joining in the next couple of years who are already competing at a high level.

“I am really optimistic about getting the Lakers back to the top as a team and to continue winning individual titles,” Harris said.