Wednesday, May 14, 2008

'Back 2 Back' Champs

Nat Holland El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

NHOLLAND "Back 2 Back" read the sign held by Jonique Sais, a member of Socorro's 2007 state champion girls golf team, as she and fellow Socorro fans cheered on the 2008 team while they finished their round of golf Tuesday.

The Lady Warriors shot a 394-392--786 to win the 1A/3A state tournament, held Monday and Tuesday at the New Mexico State University Golf Course. The girls beat second-place West Las Vegas by 61 strokes.

"The clubs did the talking, and it was smooth like peanut butter," said senior Brittni Romero.

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Senior Kayla Cline shot an 81-77--158 to win as the individual medalist, and teammate Haley Raymond shot an 89-83--172 to finish in second place.

The Socorro boys golf team shot a 345-343--688 to finish sixth, 60 strokes behind Lovington, who won the tournament.

"It started off perfect but then, on the turn, the wind picked up," Raymond said of conditions on Tuesday. "I think it killed everyone else off, but Kayla and I finished off strong."

"It was tough, but it's been pretty windy in Socorro; so it's nothing new — you just have to play smarter," Cline said.

By the end of the day Tuesday, golfers had to endure gusts up to 50 mph that pelted them with sand from the barren patches between fairways.

Joy was mixed with tears as the girls celebrated the championship, but are saddened to say goodbye to departing seniors Cline and Romero.

The last putt of the day stood out for Cline, not because it was a good play, though.

"It was like a five putt, but it was my last putt," Cline said.

All the players agree that next year will be another good year for the team and will likely see the influx of a few new strong players, including Kayla Cline's sister Kristen.

"We're ready to bring all the state championships back to Socorro like it used to be," said girls coach Margaret Stanley-Gonzales, who pointed out this win tied Socorro's boys and girls golf teams at 13 championships each. "We're looking forward to many more years of success."

The boys will graduate senior Brian Stanley, but the rest of the team is sophomores and freshmen with promise for the next few years.

"I'm proud of the boys for making state," boys coach Russ Moore said. "I think that experience will prove valuable in the future."

Sophomore Ryan Romero carded a pair of 79s to lead the boys team, Stanley shot an 85-90--175, Joe Carilli shot a 92-85--177, Nathan Vega shot an 87-91-178 and Randall Romero carded a 92-93--185.

Brittani Webb shot a 104-120--224 and Romero shot a 120-112--232 to round off the girls scores.

nholland@dchieftain.com

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