Staff report
Pilot Knob Park tried to throw the Salisbury golf team for a loop, but the Hornets circled around and wound up 1A/2A Central Region champs. 
Salisbury shot 251 on Monday to best runner-up Elkin by 15 shots and gained four qualifers for the state championship match where the Hornets will defend their title.
Salisbury sophomore Isabella Rusher shot 80 for  the second best individual score. Elkin’s Mary Francis Hall was the medalist with a 79.
“The course was really difficult,” Salisbury coach Dale Snyder said. “We played considerably well. Our top three really stuck together. All three of them will tell you they could have played better but I’m proud of them.”
Grace Yatawara tied for fourth with an 83 while Madeline Hoskins shot 88 to place eighth. Brooke Smith also qualified for the state championship with a 106.  Rusher, who was the medalist at the County championship match, managed eight pars. The 1A/2A state title match is next week at Foxfire Golf Club in Pinehurst.
“I’m just relieved,” Snyder said. “Once we get there next week we’ll be relaxed and the best team will win.”