Slatton heading to state

The name Lauren Slatton is one Pioneer Nation has gotten used to hearing over the years. The junior has been lighting up golf courses all over the Upper Cumberland since she first stepped into the tee box as a Lady Pioneer.

Slatton is a three-time district champ and now a two time region champ as well. On Monday, the phenomenal Lady Pioneer added to her resume in a big way in Cookeville at the Golden Eagle Golf Club as she won the region again on the individual side with a low score of 1-under, 69.

She was able to defeat Cookeville's Daniella Pryor, who shot 71, and Lexus Julian, another Lady Cavalier who carded a 78. She will see both Lady Cavaliers soon though as they won the team region championship to advance to state.

Slatton's win at region earned her another trip to the TSSAA state tournament, which will be held next week at Sevierville Golf Course. Last year, Slatton played the course and was in contention on the second day before ultimately finishing sixth. She was also a top-15 finisher as a freshman when the tournament was played in Manchester at Willowbrook Golf Course.

Slatton was the only Pioneer to qualify, the next closest was Sawyer Seymour who shot an 82. The boys field was tough as Seymour would have needed a 69 to make the cut. Cookeville's boys team won the region tournament, while Warren County finished fourth. Chase Newby shot an 84 in his last round as a Pioneer, while Isaac Cantrell and Jax King both shot 89.

The WCHS golf team is used to seeing Slatton advance deep into the postseason and win tourneys. She's been doing it since her freshman year. Her coach believes Slatton has everything it takes to succeed when she arrives in Sevierville for a two-day tournament on October 6th and 7th.

“I definitely like her chances this year, '' said WCHS golf coach JW Holt. “She has played against most of the girls that will be in the state tournament.”

Slatton is no stranger to the spotlight; she has been playing at such a high level from the time she got to WCHS. “She knows exactly what it takes to compete at a high level and how to prepare for these events,” said Holt. “Including the region, she had played 90 holes of golf in four days. I think she will be ready to make a run at the state tournament this year.”

Be sure to keep up on Facebook and Twitter as the WCSA will do their best to keep everyone up to date on how Slatton does next week.