The Lowry High School girls golf team got an early look at what its competition may look like this fall, hosting an icebreaker tournament this past Wednesday at Winnemucca Municipal Golf Course.
Elko and Spring Creek made the short drive, in a battle of the three teams that qualified for the 2016 state championships.
Elko, the defending state champion, shot a 394 to win the tournament. Lowry, playing with three new golfers, was second at 424. Spring Creek (437) placed third.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how we played,” said LHS head coach Todd Milton. “We held our own with two good teams, with three new girls out there. The biggest thing I told them was to go out and have fun.”
The individual battle came down to the top two returners in northern Nevada. Elko’s Annika Criss and Lowry’s Tatyana Carlson are expected to fight for Player of the Year honors.
If Wednesday’s tune-up was any indication, it will be a battle to the end of the year. Carlson claimed the low medalist honors with an 81, while Criss was one shot back at 82.
The only other golfer to break 100 on the day was Lowry freshman Angelina Martinez, who shot 99. Hannah Havens carded a 102 for the Lady Bucks and McKenzie Vandemark and Kaitlyn Hales shot 142 and 153, respectively, for Lowry.
It was the first high school competition for Martinez, Vandemark and Hales,
Elko earned the team title honors with other scores of 101 by Sarah Sarbacker, Kinnady Lostra (102) and Gabby Bement (109).
Spring Creek's top four golfers included Elise Thiesen (107), Courtney Tounahu (108), Candace Halcrow (110) and Emalee Ingram (112).
Lowry starts the regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Ruby View Golf Course in Elko. The Northern 3A stays in Elko County to play Spring Creek Golf Course on Thursday, Sept. 7.
Lowry hosts the Northern 3A later in the season on Thursday, Oct. 5.
