Hopper leads GHS golfers past Vikes, Rebels in finale

Gaffney's Cayci Ruppe chips out of a sand trap during a match with Spartanburg and Byrnes at Cherokee National on Thursday. Ruppe, a senior, carded a 40 on the back nine in her final regular-season match as a member of the Gaffney High boys' golf team. Gaffney High golfer Matthew Hopper made sure the seniors closed the regular season with a victory.

Hopper fired even-par 36 to lead the Indians to easy victories over Spartanburg and Byrnes Thursday at Cherokee National. Gaffney shot a 9-over 153, eight strokes better than the Vikings. Byrnes was third with a 174.

Gaffney coach Todd Coggins said he played his three seniors to honor their contributions to the teams.

One of the seniors, Will Coggins, had a 39 to tie with two other teammates, Phillip Rogers and Daniel Whisenant. Senior Cayce Ruppe played well in her final regular-season match, firing a 40. Jacob Waters, the team's other senior, had a 44.

"I was pleased to come out with a win," Coggins said. "You don't want to go into the region tournament with a loss."

Gaffney ends the regular season at 11-3 overall and 7-2 in Region II-4A.

Gaffney hosts the region tournament on Monday at Cherokee National. State champion Dorman Cavaliers are the defending region champion.