Shuford A Shoe In?

Hernando and Nature Coast will take part in the Class 1A, District 9 Tournament at Saddlebrook Resort tomorrow starting at 10 a.m.

Today Springstead competes in the 2A-6 Tournament starting at 9 a.m. at Pine Oaks of Ocala. Central will not be competing in the state series.

The top three teams and top three individuals not on those teams will advance to regionals. While the local teams may have an uphill battle pulling off that feat, at least one individual should have a strong chance.

Hernando junior Lauren Shuford will try to advance to regionals for a third straight year. As a freshman she went as an individual and last season the entire team moved on.

"For Lauren, Tanvi (Patel) and Hannah (Spencer) I want them to go out and get good experience," Hernando Head Coach Kevin Bittinger said. "I don't think we're a top three team, but you never know.

"But we definitely expect Lauren to do well and attack the golf course because she's got every shot in the book. We expect her to put herself in a position to go to regionals."

The Lady Eagles have had a solid year, but may not have the overall scores to get through. Still, Head Coach Kathleen Long looks forward to her team competing.

"They've come through all year long," Long said. "I don't have any girls who shoot par for 18 holes but they're going to make a valiant effort to do the best they can."