By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Some days on the golf course are better than others.
Metro-area teams Hanna and Brownsville Veterans Memorial, along with Hannah Greer and Morgan McClaugherty of Harlingen High, took the course Wednesday during the opening round of the Class 6A girls golf regional at Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio.
The Lady Golden Eagles’ squad of Julie Lucio, Alejandra Rodriguez, Nadia Anzaldua, Kimberly Garcia and Destiny Lopez struggled at times and were off the pace as their day wrapped up with a 356.
Lucio shot an 80 to lead the team. Hanna coach Adrian Garcia said his top player hit the ball pretty well but had troubles on the greens. Rodriguez had an 84, followed by Anzaldua (92), Garcia (100) and Lopez (107), and the score is figured by using a team’s top four scores.
“We talked about being at 330 to qualify (for state) and 321 is third right now,” the Hanna coach said. “There’s a (top round of) 301 and either 305 or 306 (in second). We’re going to go back and hopefully get (back) a little pride. I’m hoping my 1 and 2 will shoot in the 70s and we can shoot close to 330. That would be good.”
The Lady Chargers also had their troubles, shooting a first-round 369. Marla Zarate led the way with an 89, followed by Sophia Fernandez (90), Paola Fernandez (93), Andrea Paredes (97) and Ceci Garza (103).
“We had some good shots and birdied some holes. I think they played OK.” Brownsville Veterans coach Jose Zarate said. “It could have been a little better, obviously, but they’re still learning and it’s a young team, and I feel OK.
“Two years ago we finished 10th, so if we can finish better than that, that would be good. It’s a learning experience.”
The pair from Harlingen High faired a little better after the first day of competition. Greer (75) and McClaugherty (76) were in third and fourth, respectively, in the individual standings. The top three individuals advance to the state tournament April 27 and 28 at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin.
Despite the off day, Garcia wasn’t two worried, as his top two players return next season.
“We need to finish on a good note and have a great summer,” he said. “And come back next year and kick some butt again.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.