After having an experienced team over the past few years, the Lowry High School girls golf team is beginning this year with a pretty much clean slate.
Despite having three golfers who had never played in a high school tournament before, the Lady Bucks turned in a second-place finish in the Northern 3A opener on Wednesday at Ruby View Golf Course in Elko.
Elko, the defending 3A state champion, won the tournament with a team score of 359. Lowry was second at 418 and beat Spring Creek (421) by three strokes, while Fernley (468) and Churchill County (477) rounded out the top five.
South Tahoe (505), Truckee (521) and Dayton (530) completed the team scores. Sparks had just one player and did not record a team total.
The race for the low medalist honor came down to just two strokes. Elko’s Annika Criss claimed the top spot with a round of 75. Lowry’s Tatyana Carlson was second with a 77.
“Honestly, I am pretty happy with shooting a score in the 70s,” Carlson said. “I had a few bad shots, but some turned out better than expected. I had some good competition with Annika. Overall, I’m proud of our team for playing alright today. I think if we practice hard this season, then great things will happen.”
Elko’s Sarah Sarbacker was third with a round of 86 and Spring Creek’s Elise Thiessen was fourth at 93. Lowry’s Hannah Havens turned in an impressive score of 94 to finish fifth overall.
Freshman Angelina Martinez carded a 107 in her first high school match. The young golfer was pleased with her play.
“As a freshman, I am really excited to become a member of the varsity girls golf team,” Martinez said. “I thought I did really well for my first time playing in a high school tournament. My teammates told me to try my hardest and not to worry about a bad shot.”
Junior Mekenzie Vandemark shot a 140 in her first tournament and freshman Kaitlyn Hales finished with a 153.
“My first high school tournament was very fun,” Vandemark said. “I enjoyed meeting new people and playing on a new course. My score was not the best, but I am willing to improve as the season goes on. If I do improve, we may have a good chance to make it to state as a team. I can’t wait for the season ahead.”
Lowry finished up its two-day stay in Elko County on Thursday in Spring Creek. Results were not available at press time.
The busy schedule continues for the Lady Bucks on Monday and Tuesday.
Lowry travels to South Tahoe on Monday to play Lake Tahoe Golf Course. The league moves to Truckee on Tuesday and Old Greenwood Golf Course.
