TIFTON — The next stop for Tift County’s air rifle team is the state championship after a Thursday afternoon win.

Head coach Glenn Hudson said the victory was “the closest match of the season.”

Tift defeated Lumpkin County, 1,138-1,137, which was also the highest score of the season. Caitlin Garren led all scorers with 292 points, with 21 center shots, said Mason. Jake Turner shot 228 with 13 center shots. Johnathan Hemminger had a 282 with eight center shots and Christian Dotson had 275 with six center shots.

Mason said the scores by Garren and Turner were personal bests.

The win ensures Tift as one of 17 teams in the Georgia High School Association state championship, which will take place April 28 at Fort Benning.

Tift finished 15th at the 2017 tournament.