Burroughs girls’ golf celebrates day of unmatched success
Regardless of which timeline, the final result from Tuesday’s fifth Pacific League girls’ golf match was a long time coming for Burroughs High.
Indians senior Ashley Phelps took home her first-ever Pacific League individual victory on a hot and muggy day in which the Burroughs squad tied for first place for the first time in the nine-year tenure of coach Greg Everhart.
“Even in our best years, we were at best second place,” Everhart said. “So, it’s fantastic to see the seniors really step up and win this. They’ve all been working hard and it’s something to be really proud of.”
Burroughs (16-9 in league) finished with a score of 204 and tied with league-leading Arcadia (23-2) on the par-37, nine-hole course. San Marino (21-4) took third with a score of 210 ahead of Crescenta Valley (236), La Cañada (274) and Burbank (275).
One regular season league match remains on Oct. 5 at Santa Anita Golf Course before the league finals get underway.
When asked if he was surprised by his team’s result, Everhart paused before responding.
“Truthfully, I felt we’ve had a chance the entire season,” he said. “Getting the girls to all play well on the same day on the same course, it just didn’t happen until today. Everything aligned for us. I mean I would have like for everything to have aligned one more stroke, but we’ll take what we get.”
Phelps took her spot in the winner’s circle Tuesday, shooting an even-par 37 to capture her victory. The senior knew her day was going well when she converted an eagle on the par-four, 300-yard third hole.
“I started this week telling myself that I was stressing way too much,” Phelps said. “I just had to relax and take it hole-by-hole. I’ve been a low-medalist in other tournaments, but it’s special to win one in the tough Pacific League.
“Honestly, I kind of surprised myself. I didn’t want to put a number in my head. I just wanted to play golf.”
Phelps held off San Marino’s Ada Wong (38) and Arcadia’s Gabby Lewis (38) for the win as all three, along with Burrough’s Raelinn Arnold (39) were the only ones to shoot in the 30s on Tuesday.
Phelps’ teammate, University of California Irvine-bound Maddie Riggs, was No. 3 on her team with a 40, while Annie Adachi and Gabija Petrulis carded a 44 for Burroughs.
For Crescenta Valley, Tuesday was another in a string of frustratingly close efforts for the Falcons.
While Crescenta Valley wasn’t in contention for a top-three spot Tuesday, the Falcons were aiming for a CIF at-large qualifying score that would bolster the team’s chances for an-large bid to the CIF Southern Section team postseason.
Since Arcadia, San Marino and Burroughs have all but locked up the league’s three automatic playoff berths, the Falcons can only advance as a wild-card team.
On a par-37 course, Crescenta Valley needed to shoot a 235. The Falcons finished with a 236.
That effort came after Crescenta Valley missed a qualifying score at De Bell Golf Club by one stroke Wednesday.
“You know, the girls are giving me everything they have and we’re just missing, so that’s frustrating,” said Crescenta Valley Coach Grant Clark, the meet’s host. “We’re going to go out and keep golfing and hopefully get an at-large score that will help us get in. I believe in them.”
Emily Redecker led the Falcons’ scoring quintet with a 43, while Vienna Bebla (45), Gloria Namkung (46), Michela Labellarte (49) and Cathlyn Junio (53) rounded out the efforts.
Perhaps no team within the Pacific League has had to deal with more adversity than La Cañada. The Spartans have already played the entire season without reigning All-Area Girls’ Golfer of the Year Maddie Kang, who is injured.
On Tuesday, the team was down an additional three starters due to injury or illness, which left Spartans Coach Dennis Ballard with one wish.
“I just wanted us to hang on to fifth place, that’s really it,” Ballard said. “We had some girls who really stepped up today and I was really impressed.”
The Spartans took fifth place with 274 points and just outlasted Burbank (275) thanks, in part, to the efforts of players like Ai Ishida.
The freshman, who didn’t score last week, carded a team-best 47 and was followed by junior Lucille Park (48). Emma McGinnes (51), Natalie St. Hippolyte (59) and Tatum Heiberg (69) closed out the scoring for the Spartans.
As for Burbank, the Bulldogs received another strong outing from Olga Marie Davis, who finished with a team-best 45. Amy Tran (48), Cassie Vargas (59), Pawee Akkharachotmongkhol (60) and Erin Tanner (63) all scored for Burbank.
