After a season with only one loss, neither coach John Brainard nor the girls’ golf team were surprised coming out on top at the state competition for the second year in a row.

"Last year, we went into day two with a one-stroke lead," coach Brainard said. "Even though nothing is guaranteed, going into day two with a seven-stroke lead this year made us more confident, and we came ready to play."

Shores turned that seven-stroke lead into a 26-stroke victory at Forest Akers West at Michigan State University on Oct. 15-16. The Sailors finished with a 699 while Traverse City Central placed second.

Sophomore Hailey Hrynewich, who shot back-to-back rounds of 82 to lead the Sailors with a 164, was second overall.

"It felt amazing to have the best score on the team," Hrynewich said. "I play better under pressure, so this just means that in the next two years, I can practice and get better."

Sophomore Morgan Smith had rounds of 86 and 83 for a 169 total, good for fourth overall. Other scores for Shores were sophomore Britni Gielow (93-83: 176), Junior Rachel Swartz (95-96: 191) and sophomore Kelsey McKinley (106-90: 196).

"It was sweet to win state," Smith said. "Winning state once is an honor; winning state for a second year in a row is just absolutely amazing."

Even though this year is just ending, the girls and coach Brainard are already looking forward to next year.

"We feel wonderful right now," coach Brainard said. "It is a weight lifted off our shoulders winning the title, but people are already questioning whether or not we can go for a three-peat."

Coach Brainard and the girls are already looking forward to next year and already know what they need to do to prepare.

"Next year, we are going back to the basics," coach Brainard said. " We are taking matches one day at a time. We will start with City, conference, and regionals: then, we will worry about state."