The Bentonville girls golf team took top honors Thursday at the First National Bank Invitational, held at Fort Smith’s Ben Geren Golf Course. The Lady Tigers posted a combined team score of 237, besting the field by 16 strokes over Rogers Heritage, which finished second with a 253.
Bentonville’s strong performance stood out among six teams competing with full squads, including Fayetteville (260), Springdale Har-Ber (265), Bentonville West (287), and Fort Smith Southside (300). Fort Smith Northside and Springdale also participated but did not submit team scores.
The medalist honor went to Solara Jiminian of Rogers Heritage, who shot a 76, the lowest individual round of the day. Bentonville’s Madeleine Stokes and Grace Abbruzzese closely followed, shooting 77 and 78 respectively to secure second and third place individually.
Other Bentonville golfers also contributed to the commanding team victory. Sallie Morris of Springdale Har-Ber carded an 81, while Bentonville’s Aynslee Schmitt and Destin Thomas both shot 82. Fayetteville’s Mary-Kathryn Irby posted an 83, and Bentonville’s Rylee Thomas, along with Har-Ber’s Ava Pianalto, each shot an 86. The competition for the top 10 included Bentonville’s Ella Abbruzzese, Rogers Heritage’s Gemma Smith, and Fayetteville’s Elliot Richards, all tying for 10th place with scores of 88.
The Bentonville team’s depth made the difference in a tournament that drew some of the region’s best prep golf talent. The Tigers’ margin of victory highlighted a well-rounded group effort, not reliant on one standout individual but rather a consistent showing across the board.
Thursday’s invitational is one of the early tests for the Bentonville girls, who look to build momentum as the school golf season moves into September. Bentonville’s golf squads typically practice and compete at local courses around Northwest Arkansas, including McNelly Lake Golf Course and developing new talent from the local high school programs.
Nearby Bentonville West and Springdale Har-Ber also had strong individual performances, though both fell short of challenging Bentonville’s team lead. Fayetteville maintained a middle ground with solid individual rounds but couldn’t close the gap on the Lady Tigers’ winning score.
The Bentonville girls now set their sights on upcoming tournaments where they will look to maintain their form and continue a tradition of excellence in Northwest Arkansas prep golf. The team’s balance and scoring depth come from dedicated practice sessions, regional experience, and a roster that has confidently matured through local junior golf competitions.
For more local sports coverage, including Bentonville’s progress this season, check out updates from around the NWA prep sports circuit. And if y’all are curious about how golf has been growing around the area — Bentonville’s golf courses, both public and private, have increasingly become hubs for high school competition and youth development programs.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
