GHS girls’ golf team members Blue Noble, Riley Murphy, Samantha Brown and Allie Schwartz.[/caption]
While the regional girls’ golf tournament on May 24 brought the season to a close, two members of the Gunnison High School team continued on, qualifying to compete at the state level.
Riley Murphy and Allie Schwartz competed at the 3A championship tournament in Broomfield on May 31. Blue Noble was selected as an alternate. This was Murphy's second time qualifying for state, and Schwartz’s first.
As has been the case for much of the regular season, inclement weather played a role in the outcome of the regional tournament.
“The scores were higher than typical regionals because of the horrible weather,” said Head Coach Kevin Mickelson.
The final score for Gunnison as a team was 329. Murphy shot an individual score of 103 while Schwartz ended with a score of 110. No. 1 alternate Blue Noble scored 116 and junior Samantha Brown brought home a score of 135.
Mickelson recalled various moments that impacted the final rankings for Murphy and Schwartz.
“Allie got two clutch pars, on holes 17 and 18,” Mickelson said about Allie Schwartz securing her spot at state.
Blue Noble, the region's No. 1 alternate. Noble left for state competition on Monday to be available in the event of an unexpected drop out. This would give Gunnison three qualifiers, which Mickelson said would allow them to compete as a team as well as individually.
“We need three minimum to compete (as a team),” he said. “With us having two, we will be taking Blue Noble as an alternate.”
The state championship will also mark the end of Murphy’s high school run of golf and her substantial contributions to the team. She graduated this year, and leaves behind an absence sorely felt and a legacy hard to match, Mickelson said. This void will give up and coming playing an opportunity to establish a position within the team.
“There is a lot of talent coming up, but Riley has one heck of a legacy,” Mickelson said. “We are going to miss her.”
Results from the state championship were not available by press time.
(John Mark Sibley can be contacted at 970.641.1414)
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