By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

Golfer Elaine Wood has had quite an impressive spring.

The University of Montevallo rising sophomore has increased her resume quite a bit over the last few months, taking home Peach Belt Conference Golfer of the Week for March 13.

She was also named PBC Freshman of the Year, helped the Falcons finish second in the conference golf tournament and was selected for the NCAA Division II Southeast Region tournament, where she finished 14^th.

Her latest feat? Capturing the 2014 Alabama State Women’s Amateur Championship, held June 20 at NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa.

“It really means a lot to win my first state championship,” she said. “(It’s) finally what I need to move to the next level.”

It wasn’t easy. The Spanish Fort native had to break out of a slump of sorts on Hole 10 to defeat Point Clear’s Virginia Green for the title. The two faced off in match play, which Wood took by a score of 2 and 1.

I think I was down three matches early,” she said. “It wasn’t a walk in the park. My plan was to get up early.”

Wood said she simply told herself after a rough hole ten to “Come on, let’s play golf.” She then proceeded to birdie holes 11 and 13, parring the rest on her way to the win.

Wood said she felt the win gave her momentum heading into next season with the Falcons.

“I’m super excited for next year,” she said. “We’re going to do a lot better. Coach Pratt has done a great job recruiting.”

Wood said she felt the cohesion of the team helped elevate each player’s game throughout the season.

“We all push each other,” she said. “We all connect, we’re all good friends. I’m super excited to get back to Montevallo.”