Golfers on target in Aguila Invitational

It’s probably not too much of a stretch to say that the golf course at Aguila in Laveen can be considered a special location for Xavier Prep.

The Gators have won their share of state tournaments there and will be aiming for their 32^nd state title overall in early November.

So it was good for them to be able to play in a tournament on Thursday (Sept. 18) to re-familiarize themselves with the tee boxes, fairways and greens.

They won the annual Aguila Invitational to give them two tourney wins in less than a week and had four of their five golfers shoot below par (72).

Xavier had a team score of 278 in the 26-team event, 16 shots ahead of second-place Phoenix Pinnacle.

Madison Kerley finished second among individuals with a 66, one shot behind Scottsdale Chaparral’s Kelly Su.  Alisa Snyder shot 70, Emily Mahar and Mikayla Fitzpatrick shot 71 and Elizabeth Caldarelli shot 74.

“We like this course,’’ understated XCP coach and athletic director Sr. Lynn Winsor. “They will change the tees for state (likely a bit longer), but it was good to get out on the course again. The girls played well.’’

The Gators had won the Nighthawk Invitational in the Tucson area last weekend and defeated Phoenix Horizon in a dual match on Wednesday (Sept. 17).

“We have been bonding a lot as a team this year and that really helps,’’ Snyder said. “We played well as a team. Individually, I’d say I played well, but it was kind of rough at the end. My irons were really good and on most of the holes, I’d get from the fairway to within 20 feet (of the flag).

“The course was in good shape, and it was good to get to know the greens again.’’

The Gators will have just one match next week, on Wednesday (Sept. 24) against Scottsdale Desert Mountain and Phoenix North Canyon at Phoenix Country Club.