Washington community members will have their first opportunity to see the defending girls’ state golf champions compete on their home turf today. The Demons open the competition week at Washington’s Golf and Country Club, squaring off against Mount Pleasant in a Southeast Conference dual meet. This is the first of four home meets for Washington, who is set to host the conference tournament on May 10.

Entering the week, Washington and Mount Pleasant have carded two of the lowest nine hole averages in Class 4A. The Demons hold the lowest average at 177.5 strokes, nearly 10 shots better than the rest of the Class 4A field, and is the sixth best average in the state regardless of class. The Mount Pleasant Panthers enter the day averaging 192 strokes in their three nine hole meets this spring, the third best median score in Class 4A.

Three players in today’s event rank in the top five in the Southeast Conference in nine hole average. Washington sophomore Sarah Nacos owns the best half round average, completing nine holes in 37 strokes. Demon senior Deanna Peiffer has the third best nine hole average in the league, finishing half a round of golf in 42 strokes. Mount Pleasant senior Haley Booton sits fourth in the Southeast Conference in the category, completing nine holes in 45.33 strokes.

Tee time is set for 4 p.m. and the teams will play into the evening at Washington’s Golf and Country Club. Listen to tomorrow’s sports page for results from the meet.