Peterson’s Championship Double Dip

Morgan Peterson won a second straight Central Connecticut Conference title at Tunxis Country Club on May 30.

​It’s was a busy and fruitful couple of weeks for Glastonbury High School junior Morgan Peterson.

On May 30, Peterson repeated as conference championship, winning the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) Championship for the second straight season.

Then, last Wednesday, she shot a remarkable (-2) 70 to easily win the Division I State Championship in Berlin. 

GHS head coach Ken Barse said that Peterson’s dedication to the game, along with her even demeanor, has allowed her to thrive and become one of the top players in the state.   

“She works at it and she plays a lot of golf,” added Barse. “She is on a different level because of her work ethic and her goal to play collegiate golf.” 

In the conference win, Peterson shot a 73, defeating a strong field at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington and beating her championship score of 77 from last spring. 

“I had my own goals coming into it. I went into wanting to beat my score from last year,” said Peterson, who finished sixth in the conference championships as a freshman. “I knew by winning it last year it is easy to put pressure on yourself, but I made sure not to do that and just have fun.”

Entering the conference meet, Peterson had both a championship confidence and an excitement from being paired with players she has competed with in junior golf events. 

“It was awesome. I knew the day was already going to be fun,” recalled Peterson. “I enjoy it because we are all friends and that drives up the competition as well.”

A week after capturing a second straight conference crown, Peterson had her best performance of the year in the Division I finals, blowing away the field and defeating runner-up Amanda Vigano of New Canaan by nine strokes at Timberlin Golf Club. 

Barse said that Peterson was “in the zone” during the 18-hole championship round. 

“As a golfer myself I have experienced it, but when you see someone that has worked so hard and put so much into the game it is so rewarding. It was a great day,” added Barse. 

Following a bogey on the third hole, Peterson shot four birdies over the next nine holes to pull away from the competition. 

Peterson added that one of her goals this year was to be more aggressive off the tee on the longer holes, a plan that worked wonders in both the conference and state meets.   

The Guardians also had terrific showing during both events, placing third at conference and seventh at the state championships.

At states, junior co-captain Maya Manzotti (95) was the second Guardians name on the leaderboard. Sophomore Sofia Cirillo (104), freshman Annelise Manzotti (116), and junior Riley Savidge (119) rounded out the Glastonbury golfers. 

After playing nine holes all regular season, the young group of Guardians finished the year with a pair of 18-hole marathons. 

Peterson said that she was impressed with how the team played, particularly Annelise Manzotti, who was competing in championship meets for the first time. 
 
“I’m proud of my team for staying strong,” Peterson said following the conference meet.  “We play our whole season with nine-hole matches, so playing 18 holes can sometimes be a lot.” 

Peterson added that Barse’s encouraging nature allows the team to approach these end-of-the season meets relaxed and with the right mindset. 

“If you’re having a bad day, he can brighten it up,” added Peterson.

Without a graduating senior, Barse will have his entire roster back for another run next year  

“I’m so impressed with this group and how hard they worked. They supported each other and are great teammates,” said Barse, who just wrapped up his second season leading the program. “Every single girl improved their scores from last year and it’s great when your last bus ride how they are singing and dancing and having a great time. You know then that you’ve done something right.”

​Last Saturday, Peterson represented GHS in the State Open, placing third overall after shooting an 81 at Black Hall Golf Course in Old Lyme.