CCS, Texico get tuneups for 1-3A golf

ROSWELL — Clovis Christian’s boys and Texico’s girls are positioned for possible Class 1-3A state golf titles later this month.

The Eagles and Lady Wolverines swept past overmatched foes in district compeition on Thursday at the New Mexico Military Golf Course, both featuring just two full teams. CCS shot 331 to 510 for Tucumcari, while Texico won the girls’ crown at 348 to Dexter’s 429.

Everybody was able to survive the 100-degree-plus temperatures on Thursday.

“The heat got to us a little,” CCS coach Trent McKay said. “We didn’t play as well on the back nine.”

Senior Tyler Lingnau led the Eagles at 37-40 — 77 while the team’s other four players all finished between 82 and 88.

NMMI’s Jackson Hicks was the individual medalist at 72, just ahead of Lingnau.

“Tyler had a chance to win until late,” McKay said.

The Lady Wolverines posted the day’s top four scores for the girls, led by senior Grace McDaniel at 40-41 — 81.

“I just thought the girls played well today,” Texico coach Kristen Scanlan said. “Grace had her personal-best at NMMI; in fact, our top four girls all had personal bests on this course.”

Both teams expect stiff compeition from Socorro in the state event, slated for June 21 at Albuquerque’s Los Altos Golf Course.

“If we play like we’re capable of playing and just have a solid day, I think we should win,” McKay said.

The Portales boys also competed in Roswell on Thursday in District 4-4A at Spring River Golf Course. The Rams couldn’t get their team in, finishing third at 382 behind Lovington (327) and Artesia (346), but they did get seniors Nate Cota and Valon Law in as individuals.

The Class 4A state meet is set for June 21 at Albuquerque’s Ladera Golf Course.

Cota was the individual medalist on Thursday, shooting 4-over 76, while Low qualified as the second individual from a non-qualifying team with a score of 83, good for seventh place overall.

“When we started (the season), I thought those two could make it,” Rams coach Greg Rowley said. “Hopefully, Nate can get into the top three (at state).”

Lady Wolverines capture dual — On Tuesday, Texico’s girls met Artesia in a dual match played at Spring River and the Lady Wolverines scored a 358-412 victory over the Lady Bulldogs.

Texico posted the top four scores of the day, led by McDaniel at 40-41 — 81. Other scores included seniors Emily DelaRosa 41-48 — 89 and Libby Douma 44-48 — 92, freshman Liz Elam 51-45 — 96 and senior Anneke Douma 61-46 — 107.

Meantime, the PHS boys were to have faced Artesia in a dual at Spring River on Tuesday, but the Rams had only three players available. Cota led Portales at 43-39 — 82, while Low shot 42-46 — 88 and senior Baylor Diaz came in at 56-54 — 110.

Artesia finished with a four-man total of 381.