Free State High golfer Tori Hoopingarner drives from the first tee on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 during the Free State Invitational at Lawrence Country Club.

When Lawrence High junior Olivia Wallen started the season, she never thought she would find a way to the Class 6A girls golf state tournament.

About two months after making the varsity roster for the first time, Wallen posted her lowest score of the year at regionals, qualifying for state as an individual.

“It was definitely a surprise,” she said.

Wallen will be one of the 90 golfers at the 6A tournament, teeing off at 9:30 a.m. today on hole No. 10 at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City. Free State qualified three golfers: senior Tori Hoopingarner, sophomore Kennedy Birk and sophomore Kate Lawrence.

During practice this week, Wallen focused on her chipping. At regionals, she noticed how much she was hitting the ball over the green.

“It’s nice to see kids who really put in the time and effort and really get after it during the year,” Lawrence coach John Moos said. “Her scores got better as the year went on and she really put it together last week at regionals.”

After a practice round on Sunday at Mariah Hills, Wallen said her goal is to stay positive when she returns to the course.

“It didn’t seem too bad or too hard or anything like that. I’m just excited to really get out there, focus and play well hopefully,” Wallen said. “No matter what the outcome is, I’ll still be happy that I was able to qualify and I was able to come and play.”

Hoopingarner, a three-time state qualifier, is the only FSHS golfer with experience at the state tournament. She placed 44th last season.

Playing alongside two teammates who haven’t played a round at state before, Hoopingarner was happy to offer advice.

“I just told them not to take it too seriously and have fun with it because you did make it to state,” Hoopingarner said. “That’s what you’re working for. Just really to have fun and try your best.”

Throughout the season, Hoopingarner has produced the most consistent rounds for the Firebirds. During the week, she practiced on her drives and putts because “as long as you have a good drive and can end each hole well, you’ll do well.”

After Sunday’s practice round, Hoopingarner said Lawrence and Birk have remained calm. They thought Mariah Hills provided an easy course to post low scores. Birk will be the first to tee off at 9:20 a.m.

“It seemed really easy because it’s flat and there’s no trees,” Hoopingarner said. “I mean, I’m pretty excited about the course. It seems like a fun one to end on.”

In her final state tournament, what’s Hoopingarner’s goal?

“I think trying to score under a 100,” the senior said. “But I mean if I don’t, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. Just enjoy it because it’s my last time going to state. I’ll just try to cherish the moment.”

Hedges attempts to defend title

Bishop Seabury sophomore Faith Hedges has competed in three golf tournaments in her high school career and she’s won all of them.

Hedges won a Class 3-2-1A state championship last season and took first place at her regional last week in Topeka by 14 strokes. As the only player in Seabury’s golf program, she spends the fall practicing on her game with her younger brother on Lawrence courses.

Traveling to Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays, Hedges will tee off from hole No. 1 at 10:40 a.m. today.