Eastern Wayne finishes perfect season in ECC

By Rob Craig
Published in Sports on October 16, 2007 1:49 PM

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After struggling with her putting for years, Eastern Wayne golfer Paula Webber sought out some family help from her uncle.

She's glad he helped because all that dedication certainly paid off Monday afternoon at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course. Webber carded a season-low, 7-over par 43 and claimed medalist honors to cap the Warriors' perfect regular-season run against Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference golf opposition.

Eastern Wayne fired a three-player total of 132 and completed a 15-0 league campaign. Southern Wayne finished second at 149, followed by Wilson Hunt (170) and Wilson Beddingfield (188). Charles B. Aycock competed with just two players -- Lauren Larison (59) and Krista Smith (66).

Webber started her strong play on her very first hole. At the par-4 No. 6, she hit a straight drive and followed that with a chip from about 90 yards to set up a birdie attempt.

With her past putting struggles no doubt in her mind, Webber sunk the shot to begin the day under par.

"My putting is so much better," said Webber. "I hadn't putted well for four years, but it finally got better today. I was hitting the ball really good."

Fellow Warrior Jasmine Reeves also spent a lot of time working on her short game. However, Reeves didn't see the results she had wished for.

"That's probably my weakest point right now is chipping," she said. "My dad and I worked on it yesterday for like two or three hours, but it didn't show today. All the other clubs were working for me out there, but chipping and putting is what hurt me."

Reeves was still able to record a 44, but was grateful for the play of her teammates Webber and Erica Freeman who had a 45.

"We're very fortunate to have (Paula)," said Reeves. "For her to come to our team and help us out is a really good thing."

Eastern Wayne's closest competition was from the Saints. Southern Wayne's Taylor Reaves nearly matched Webber's strong afternoon had it not been for one hole.

"No. 8 is what got me," said Reeves. "I lost two balls on the hole and finished with an eight. But my putting and drives were both pretty good."

Even with the tough hole, Reaves still managed to shoot a season-best 48.

Teammates Alyssa Bradshaw (50) and Darian Edwards (51) also contributed to the Saints' runner-up finish.

"We have a pretty good team," said Reaves. "Our top three are pretty good and our fourth is good too. Eastern Wayne is the team we really want to beat, though. We haven't beaten them yet, but hopefully we'll be able to."

Southern Wayne's next shot at the Warriors will come Thursday in the season-ending ECC tournament at Willow Springs Country Club in Wilson. The Saints will be trying to the dethrone a group whose confidence is sky high.

"I'm pretty sure we'll take the conference," said Jasmine Reeves with a smile.

Even with all the success this season, Eastern Wayne coach Scott Waller has been impressed with his girls' ability to avoid complacency.

"They're hungry for it," he said. "They want to get to states. They aren't taking anything for granted."