BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Returning to Sundale Country Club, the SBCC women's golf team was ready to go low in the Southern California Regionals and qualify for the CCCAA State Championships.
Just 2 months ago, SBCC got a taste for the course on a day where temperatures reached up to 107 degrees. At the regionals, however, it was much cooler, with a high of 59 on Sunday, followed by 63 on Monday. Needless to say, the course played differently, and even longer.
Complete Western State Conference Standings
DAY 1
Ginger Libby and Carlee Steven get out to a great start with scores of 87 and 80, respectively. Libby had a tough time with holes 9 and 18, giving up a double bogey on each.
"Ginger played well and has put herself in position to finish in the top six individuals and qualify for State," said Head Coach Devin Engebretsen. "I think if she does what she did today, or even a little better, she'll make it. If she can conquer 9 and 18 and make par there, she shoots 83 today. But she's still in a great spot for tomorrow."
Steven also played well enough to be in a prime position to move on to State. She carded an 80, which included 7 bogeys and 11 pars.
"Carlee played really steady today. She didn't have any doubles, but also didn't make any birdies," said Engebretsen. "She had some good opportunities at birdies, and I think tomorrow they will fall for her."
DAY 2
Monday's round came fast with a 9:00 am shotgun start. Steven started on the par 3 number 8, with Libby starting on arguably the hardest hole, number 7. Steven got things started off right with a par even though she missed the green. A chip to 6 inches allowed for the tap, and the start she wanted.
Unfortunately for Libby, things got off to a rough start. After a great starting tee shot down the middle of the fairway, Libby couldn't find the green until her 4th shot. After two putts, she carded a double bogey 6.
"Ginger got off to a tough start with back-to-back to double bogeys, and could never really turn things around," said Engebretsen. "She has played great all season, and never shot anything higher than a 90. So obviously coming in with her score (101) was pretty shocking to all of us. Some days you have it, and some days you don't. It's just too bad today happened to be that day she didn't have it."
Steven, on the other hand, was steady throughout her round, coming home with an 81.
"Carlee did what she had to do to qualify for State. She had 9 bogeys, 8 pars and a birdie today. For two days, she did not have a single double bogey. If she continues that trend, and turns in a few more birdies next week, anything is possible for her.""
For the season, both Libby and Steven finished in the top 10 of the WSC individual players. Steven finished 2nd in scoring with an average of 79.20 and Libby brought home 6th with a scoring average of 87.60. Both players earned all-WSC honors and have a year of eligibility remaining.
With the addition of some new faces next season, coupled with the possible return of both Libby and Steven, the future looks very promising for the Women Vaquero's Golf Program. The State Championship takes place at Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande, California on Sunday, November 14 and Monday November 15. Spectators are welcome to walk along and watch!
