HIGHLAND – Ladies from across Section IX gathered on Tuesday and Wednesday as they tried to earn their spot at the State Championship. For two local golfers, Sullivan West’s Gabby Cohen and Tri-Valley’s Kaylee Poppo, those dreams were realized after a top-9 finish qualified them.

Cohen finished in 4th overall, behind an impressive 89 on day one and a 91 on day two. The combined 2-day total of 180 bested No. 5 Goshen’s Sofia Fini by one stroke.

Tri-Valley’s Kaylee Poppo, in her junior year, qualified for the state tournament with a total of 194, which planted her successfully in 8th place after two days. Poppo golfed a 95 on the first day and a 99 on the second.

Tri-Valley’s Gavin Clarke earned a trip to the second day of the boy’s tournament for Section IX after golfing an 83 and tying for 12th at Powelton. At presstime, Clarke was taking swings at McCann CC in Poughkeepsie, hoping to earn a trip to States.