Phelps leads charge for Burroughs girls’ golf team
ALHAMBRA — Throughout much of the second half of the season, Burroughs High girls’ golfer Ashley Phelps has been able to rely on her short game. It’s boosted her confidence and led to lower scores.
Phelps saw her short game aid her Wednesday, as she shot an even-par 36 in the sixth Pacific League match at Almansor Golf Club.
“My approach shots really helped me to get in position to set up for pars and birdies,” said Phelps , who was one of 11 players to advance to the league’s individual final at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 at River Ridge Golf Club’s Vineyard Course in Oxnard. “My putting has worked well for me these last few matches and you just try to keep it going.
“It’s also an unbelievable thing to be in the league final. It’s a windy course, so you have to play to the course [conditions]. If it’s windy, then you have to keep your shots low.”
San Marino, which had already clinched the league championship for the second straight season, carded a 172 on its home course Wednesday. Arcadia finished second (205), followed by Crescenta Valley (211), Burroughs (214), La Cañada (221) and Burroughs (282). Ada Wong of San Marino finished first with a 32.
San Marino, Arcadia and Burroughs had already locked up berths to the CIF Southern Section Northern Team Divisional at Soule Golf Club in Ojai in late October.
Joining Phelps at the league individual will be Amy Tran of Burbank, Maddie Kang and Rachel Oh of La Cañada, Arcadia’s Gabbi Lewis, Annie Kong and Wong and San Marino’s Alex Chen, Bella Setio, Vivian Sun and Cameron McCrary. The top eight will move on to the CIF Individual Tournament .
Crescenta Valley, which took fourth in league, finished its season on a positive note.
The Falcons got a 41 from Gloria Namkung, 44 from Emily Redecker, 46 from Laura Perez, 49 from Michela Labellarte and 53 from Vienna Bebla.
“We’re happy with the way we finished,” Crescenta Valley first-year Coach Grant Clark said. “It’s a great way to finish and they gave it their all the whole season.
“It’s disappointing that we aren’t moving on. There’s a lot of good golfers in our league, so it’s a credit to them.”
Burroughs received a 39 from Raelinn Arnold, 46s from Maddie Riggs and Katy Kuoppala and a 47 from Bella Nava.
La Cañada got a 37 from Kang, 41 from Oh, 47 from Sydney Lew and 48s from Emma McGuiness and Jaden Efting.
La Cañada first-year Coach Kyle Turner said Kang, who finished first in the previous league match at Santa Anita Golf Course in Arcadia, continues to improve.
“She’s definitely one of our better players,” Turner said. “She’s played in a lot of [Southern California Golf Assn.] events and we’ve changed around her practice routine and help her prepare for the courses she’s playing on.”
Burbank got a 48 from Olga-Marie Davis and 55s from Erin Tanner and Alexis Poche.
Burbank Coach Branco Sevic said Tran showed resilience through the season.
“She’s put in a lot of work and has earned it to go to the league final,” Sevic said. “Her overall game has come a long way.”
