All systems go for Gators as they aim for Antigua

Three and oh is the way to go.

And Xavier Prep’s Gators have emerged from the starting gate in strong fashion with their third golf victory in as many matches on Wednesday (Sept. 2), 143-212 over Chandler Basha at Phoenix Country Club.

Junior Ivy Song continued her strong start with another medalist effort, firing a 3-under-par 33. Other Gators figuring into the team score were junior Kate Ryan (even par 36), freshman Kate Hauptman (36) and senior Mary Beth Doss (2-over-par 38). Freshman Kalyn Doss also was in the top five-player group and shot 38.

Scores for the Xavier extras:

Freshman Kyla Layman (1-over 37), freshman Lena Durrette (37), freshman Jayden Jevnick (2-over 38), sophomore Annie Dawson (3-over 39), freshman Lauren Campbell (4-over 40), senior Lauren Garcia (40), junior Audrey Sanchez (7-over 43), junior Ava Mayberger (8-over 44), freshman Karter Nannen (44), sophomore Sophie Stamatis (44) and freshman Grace Rubelsky (12-over 48).

The Gators now hit the tournament trail, competing in the annual Antigua National Invitational on Friday (Sept. 4) and Saturday (Sept. 5)  at the Whirlwind Golf Club’s Devil’s Claw Course in Chandler. The event is hosted by Chandler Hamilton.

Xavier will feature six golfers on Friday, with tee-times ranging from 6:30 a.m. through 7:20 a.m. Saturday’s round should follow a similar schedule.

The Xavier participants are Song, Garcia, Dawson, Layman, Jevnick and Hauptman. All of the Gators will start on the first tee on Friday.

Because of safety measures, the players are allowed to have just two people watch them participate, and must leave the course at the conclusion of their round.

Other local teams expected to play are Division I defending state champion Phoenix Pinnacle, Hamilton, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, Gilbert Highland and Gilbert Perry. There will be boys teams playing on the Whirlwind’s Cattail Course.