If the first weekend of the Division I-A North girls golf season is any indication, the entire season may be fun to watch as it plays out.
One stroke between rivals decided both tournaments to begin the season as teams traveled to eastern Nevada last week.
Ruby View Golf Course played host to the season-opener last Wednesday and the Indians left with a one-stroke victory over Lowry (381-382). Spring Creek was third at 403 and Fernley was fourth.
“That’s how close it’s going to be,” said LHS coach Todd Milton. “You look back and it’s one shot, but everyone can look back and say I gave away a stroke here on this hole. With five girls, that is five shots and you win by four.”
Tatyana Carlson led the way for the Lady Bucks with a round of 87 to finish third overall. Fernley’s Brittany Evans was first and Spring Creek’s Mikal Jerman second.
“That was a great round for Tatyana in her first tournament,” said Milton. “She’s looking like she will step up as our No. 1 golfer. I don’t want to put too much pressure on her. I want her to go have fun when she is playing. She can be hard on herself at times.”
Lowry had a number of good scores on day. Brooklyn Backus shot one her best high school rounds with a 93 and Savanna Cox carded a 100. Veronica Jones recorded her best high school score with a 102 and Kaity Sample rounded out the scores with an 115.
Elise Rose, one of Lowry’s top returners, did not play on both days due to having surgery last weekend. However, Milton said that Rose will likely be ready to play in the next tournament.
“I was happy with the way we played,” Milton said. “To go to Elko’s course and lose by one shot. Not having Elise hurt a bit, but the other girls stepped up in her absence. Brooklyn played great and Savanna and Veronica played well.”
A day after losing by one shot, Lowry turned the tables on Elko in Spring Creek last Thursday and beat the Indians 391-392. Spring Creek was third at 401, Fernley (436) was fourth and Dayton rounded out the top five at 478. South Tahoe had the other complete score with a 523.
Carlson and Backus each shot rounds of 93 to lead the Lady Bucks, which was good enough for fifth overall.
“Brooklyn played well both days,” Milton said. “Tatyana wasn’t happy with her round, but she has nothing to be upset about. She is having a little trouble with her mid-irons. It’s just her second tournament, but she is so competitive.”
Cox broke 100, with a round of 97 and Sample battled back to finish with a 108. Jones rounded out the scores with an 119.
Lowry and Elko are tied for the lead in the race for the regional championship, while Spring Creek is third and Fernley fourth. The top three teams in the final regular season standings advance to the state tournament in Boulder City.
Lowry is off until Monday when it travels to South Tahoe to play Lake Tahoe Golf Course. The Division I-A North stays in Lake Tahoe and moves over to The Resort of Squaw Creek Course on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
“We have as week to get some practice in and Elise will be back,” Milton said. For the first two tournaments, we are in a good spot. We are going to work on things, especially around the greens.”
