Team Carolinas Dominates Mid-Atlantic Matches with 11–1 Victory

Event: 24th Girls' Mid-Atlantic Challenge Matches
Host Site: Occano Golf & Boat Club, Merry Hill, N.C.
Playing Dates: August 8-10, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909
Related: Championship Website | Scoring | History | Photos
By Schella Sprowl, CGA Media Intern
MERRY HILL, N.C. (August 11, 2025) — Congratulations to Team Carolinas on an impressive performance in the 24th Mid-Atlantic Girls’ Team Matches, sweeping all eight singles matches on Sunday to secure a dominant 11–1 victory over Team Maryland-Virginia.
The annual two-day competition featured four-ball matches on Saturday and individual match play on Sunday, with 12 total points up for grabs. Hosted at the picturesque Occano Golf Resort, the event offered a weekend filled with competitive golf, camaraderie, and plenty of memorable moments.
The teams arrived Friday for practice rounds under a gray, overcast sky, but the gloomy weather didn’t dampen spirits. The girls used the opportunity to connect, laugh, and build team chemistry ahead of competition.
That evening, players and captains gathered for a delicious buffet dinner provided by Occano’s staff. Team Carolinas followed dinner up with a fun and creative team activity, decorating hats with glitter, jewels, and paint, showing off both personality and team pride.
Saturday’s four-ball matches saw strong performances early on from Team Carolinas, with standout wins in the first two pairings.
Ella June Hannant of Pikeville, N.C. and Victoria Davis of Cary, N.C. took control early and never looked back, earning a decisive win of 4&3. Ira Joshi of Pinehurst, N.C. and Marissa Scaletta of Anderson, S.C. followed suit, dominating from tee to green to secure a second point for the Carolinas with a 6&5 win.
The third match, featuring Juno Taino of Pinehurst, N.C. and Mallory Pitts of Greensboro, N.C. was a back-and-forth battle that stayed within one hole all day. The match came down to the 18th green, where they took the win.
In the final match, Sanaa Carter of Jacksonville, N.C. and Gracie Song of Waxhaw, N.C. started steady, but after falling 1 down and eventually 2 down through the front nine, they couldn’t recover. Despite tying the match on the 12th, they ultimately lost 3&2, giving Team Maryland-Virginia their lone point of the day.
The day ended with Team Carolinas holding a 3–1 lead heading into Sunday.
That evening, players and coaches from both teams gathered once again, this time for a scenic waterfront dinner. A perfect setting to reflect and recharge before the singles matches.
With eight points on the line, Team Carolinas came out with focus and fire. They delivered a clean sweep, winning all eight matches to clinch that team victory.
Early on, matches were evenly split. Two in favor of the Carolinas, two leaning toward Maryland-Virginia, and the rest all square on the front nine. But the Carolinas' momentum built quickly.
Juno Taino posted the largest win of the day, a dominant 10&8 result that sent a strong message early. Ira Joshi followed with a confident 5&3 victory to extend the lead.
From there, the remaining matches tightened, with three decided by 1 up and two by 2 up. Every hole mattered, and every shot was played with intensity.
The final match came down to Victoria Davis, who was tied heading to the 18th hole. Her steady par on the final hole sealed the final point and completed the clean sweep for Team Carolinas.
It was a strong showing from beginning to the end for Team Carolinas, who rebounded from the last two year’s losses with a statement win.
Special thanks to Occano Golf & Boat Club, Merry Hill, N.C. for their hospitality and beautiful course setup. Gratitude also goes to Chad Beach, head professional at Occano, as well as the Maryland-Virginia staff, for organizing a fantastic event.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Team Carolinas Captain Vicki DiSantis for her leadership, energy, and dedication to the players and the event.