Terrapins secure berth for Class A state

By DOUG KATES
Published October 17, 2006

PALM HARBOR - When Alexis Kreplick finished the 18th hole and walked into the clubhouse, her Tampa Prep teammates charged her.

At the Class A, Region 5 tournament Monday at Tarpon Woods Country Club, only two teams were going to qualify for the state tournament. Northside Christian was a lock at 333, and Tampa Prep was battling Newsome for the second spot.

Newsome's team score (358) was already calculated before Kreplick finished, so her coach, Richard Veghte, knew his senior had break 100 to send the team on. Veghte watched from the 18th green. The rest of the Terrapins were too nervous and waited Kreplick's arrival in the clubhouse.

"I knew she had shot a 45 on the front nine, so I knew she was going to be between 90 and 95," Veghte said.

After eight on the final hole, Kreplick finished at 95.

Kreplick said she was "pretty shocked" to learn the importance of her score, but pointed out that her coach always says every score is important.

"He has told me all along I was a key player," she said.

Tampa Prep secured second place at 352. The Terrapins were led by Christina Gray at 85, and Kelsey Gibson and Taylor Richardson at 86.

Northside won with two girls shooting in the 70s. Ryan Ashburn fired a 1-over 73 and Morgan Jackson shot 77.

The low individual round was 68 by Erica Popson of Ridge Community. The sophomore drove into the water on her fourth hole but saved par.

"I made a 6-footer for par on the first hole and it gave me some confidence," she said.

[Last modified October 17, 2006, 10:00:34]