With most of the Xavier scores under par and a
record-breaking team total, it’s a wonder there was any red ink left in the
markers used by Division I state tournament officials.
Led by medalist Madison Kerley’s six-under-par 66 in
Friday’s (Nov. 7) final round, the Gators had four individual rounds below par,
a pair of two-day totals under par and a record-low team total of 567 to win
their fourth straight title and 32nd overall under co-coach and
athletic director Sr. Lynn Winsor and co-coach Tui Selvaratnam.
A beautiful clear fall day at Laveen’s Aguila Golf Course
framed the historical setting for Xavier, which shot a 277 on the final day to
outdistance second-place Phoenix Pinnacle by an incredible 35 shots over the
two days. Xavier’s team total was three better than the previous tournament
record held by Xavier in 2006.
“Getting the record was a great surprise,’’ Winsor said. “I
think this was one of the best finishes we’ve ever had.
“Coach Tui and I always talk team, and that’s what this was,
a team effort. Someone said it was like a flock of geese flying. When the
leader gets tired and goes to the back, another one takes over. We had a lot of
moments like that this year.’’
Winsor called Kerley, who finished second as a junior in
2013, “the spirit of the team. She was out there leading some cheers, and it
was really great to see.’’
Individual winner Madison Kerley, left, and No. 2 finisher Kelly Su of Scottsdale Chaparral. |
Kerley recalled her freshman season, when she came down to
the final hole shaking because she was so nervous.
This time, the experience of previous state tournaments
helped carry her in the final round.
She said she birdied the fourth hole, and that gave her the
confidence and momentum for the rest of the round.
“That’s when I started to feel I had the chance to win it,’’
said Kerley, who will join Arizona State’s golf program next year.
“Ever since I came to Xavier, I had a goal of winning the
individual title and the team title my senior year, and to do it while being
part of a record is a nice accomplishment.’’
Xavier scores:
Madison Kerley 72-66-138 (first), Alisa Snyder 68-75-143
(third), Emily Mahar 73-71-144 (tie for fourth), Mikayla Fitzpatrick 77-67-144
(tie for fourth), Elizabeth Caldarelli 78-73-151 (11th).
The scoreboard says it all. |
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