The Lowry High School boys golf team run at a third consecutive state title and fourth championship in five years came up six shots short in a wild finish at the NIAA State Golf Championships last Thursday at Mountain Falls Golf Club in Pahrump.
The Buckaroos led Faith Lutheran by 13 strokes after the first 18 holes, but saw that margin disappear on day two.
All three divisions in Nevada were on Mountain Falls Golf, which saw 144 players on the course. Some Division III players didn't complete their round on day one and had to come early the next morning to finish the round.
Darkness would be a major factor in the outcome on day two, as the Division I-A schools got the late start, with some groups teeing off after 3 p.m. That led to controversy in the end, as the final groups were playing in the dark. Lights were being shined on players as they tried to finish out the 18 holes.
After a meeting with NIAA officials and coaches, it was decided to shorten the tournament to 35 holes. Those players that completes the full 36 holes, had their score from the final hole erased.
Faith Lutheran came back to shoot 378 on the final day to win with a 781. Lowry finished second with a 787, shooting 390-397. The Buckaroos have finished first or second in the last six state championships. Boulder City (817) was third and Elko (829), Pahrump (878) and Spring Creek (884) rounded out the standings.
Ethan Gray placed third as an individual with a 152, while Andy Mendoza (153) and Chris Mendoza (160) were fifth and sixth, respectively. Josh Shaver was 10th with a 159, Joseba Criswell tied for 17th at 163 and Josh Rose was 25th at 168.
For a full recap of the state golf championships look in Friday's edition of the Humboldt Sun.
Contact Tony Erquiaga at t.erquiaga@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
