Gorman’s title run could end at state
Last year’s Class 4A girls state golf tournament was all but decided before it even started. Bishop Gorman’s depth simply made it impossible for any of the competitors to catch the Gaels.
Things are a little different for the four-time defending state champions this year. The Gaels return only one player from last year’s squad, and they’ll play the role of chaser rather than leader.
The two-day tournament begins at 11 a.m. today at Canyon Gate Country Club.
Northern Region champion Douglas appears to be the favorite. The Tigers shot a two-day 847 to run away with the Northern tournament.
"If you look at the scores, Douglas should be the frontrunner and the one that I would think everybody would be looking out for," Gorman coach Kelsey McCall.
Douglas placed four players in the top seven in the regional, led by Bethany Wurster, who shot 3-over-par 147 for two round to win by eight shots.
"They were very impressive, so we know we’ve got to bring our A game to have a shot at it," said Green Valley coach Greg Murphy, whose team shot 434 to win the Sunrise Region tournament. "We’ve been working at our short game to where I think we can make up some strokes, and our No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 are going to be ready to play."
The Gators got strong regional performances from No. 4 player Brittany Radke, who shot 85, and No. 5 Kelly Lee, who shot 86.
Now they need their top three — Evi Sundquist, Stephanie Kirk and Jordan Sala — to play to their potential.
Gorman will need young players to come through in pressure situations.
Last year’s team placed five players in the top 15, but none of the five are still on the team.
In their place, the Gaels have four freshmen and two sophomores, and only three of those players broke 100 in windy conditions at the Sunset Region tournament.
"The past is the past," McCall said. "You’ve got to play good those two days. The best team those two days is going to win it. It may not necessarily be the best team, but it will be the best one over those two days."
Coronado’s Bethany Glassford, who dominated the Sunrise tournament to win by seven shots, looks to be the favorite to capture the individual title.
Glassford was second at state last year.
"She’s such a steady player," Murphy said. "I wouldn’t expect anything less from her in the state championship. She’s a phenomenal player."
Contact Prep Sports Editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or (702) 380-4587.