WHISPERING PINES — The goal never changed. Ultimately, from the first drive to the final putt, the Pam Pack golf team saw itself competing for a NCHSAA 2-A state championship.

And when the team arrived at the Country Club of Whispering Pines on Sunday, fresh off the program’s first eastern regional championship, the rhythm from last week’s tournament went unaltered. In the practice session, pars were common, birdies not so rare and, surprisingly, senior Peter Birdsong even dropped an eagle in from about 100-yards out on one hole.

But when it came to Day 1 of the tournament, Monday, the anxiousness associated with competing on high school golf’s biggest stage began to set in.

“We were exciting going in, but it’s nerve-racking,” said head coach Jim Kozuch. “Everyone is waiting around on the first hole, they call your names out, and it’s tough. I think we were hoping to maybe shoot 10 strokes better.”

Washington capped off a historic season with a fourth-place finish at the championships, shooting a 335 on Monday and a 334 on Tuesday. Consistency being the ultimate storyline this season, Washington held true to form, as four of the team’s five golfers finished among the state’s top 40.

Washington was one of three Eastern Plains Conference schools represented at the tournament. Farmville Central quailed, but managed a last place finish with a score of 718, while the defending state champion Cole Jeffreys of Southwest Edgecombe made it two in a row, defeating the second place competitor by 10 strokes with a score of 145 (one over par).

“There were some teams that were good, but I didn’t think anyone was exceptional to be honest,” Kozuch said. “Cole Jefferys … he was exceptional. It’s pretty cool our conference had all that representation.”

Senior Peter Birdsong finished tied for 10th place overall with a team-low score of 161 (17 over), while senior William Page ended with a 163 (19 over), tied for 13th place.

Tony Lovenberg notched a 172 (28 over) and tied for 33rd. His brother, Eric, finished just one stroke behind him at 173 (29 over). Senior Simon Amaxopolus finished with a 195 (51 over), tied for 64th place.

Newton-Conover won the team state championship with a score of 648, while Wilkes Central took second place after a one-hole playoff with South Stokes, the Day 1 leader. Washington edged fifth place Reidsville by a whopping 12 strokes.

The championship was held on a par 72 layout set at 6,695 yards and a total of 72 golfers started the two-day event.

“I’m very happy with how the season went,” Kozuch said. “We were hoping to make it to states, but we didn’t know we’d win the regional and be a top-five team in the state. That’s solid.”

“We have a bright future and we’re very excited about next year.”