Burroughs, Crescenta Valley girls’ golf teams place third, fourth, respectively
PACOIMA — After one Pacific League match, Ashley Phelps already likes the makeup of the Burroughs High girls’ golf team.
The Indians figure to be in the mix for a top-three spot in the league to advance to the CIF playoffs after taking fourth last season.
Phelps and Burroughs cleared the first hurdle after she carded a three-over-par 39 on Tuesday to lead the Indians to third with a team score of 224 at Hansen Dam Golf Course.
“I think we have a talented lineup that’s full of juniors who have experience,” said Phelps, a junior and reigning All-Area selection. “We still have a lot of time to improve, but we have a little better idea of where we stand right now.
“I went out there and was able to make some putts when I needed to. We’ll see how we improve the next [league] match.”
San Marino, which won the league championship last season, finished first with a 194. Arcadia took second with a 211, followed by Burroughs, Crescenta Valley (233), La Cañada (243) and Burbank (303). Ada Wong of San Marino and Arcadia’s Annie Kong carded 34s to share medalist honors.
Burroughs received a 45 from Annie Adachi, 46s from Bella Nava and Maddie Riggs and a 48 from Raelinn Arnold.
Crescenta Valley and La Cañada began their respective seasons with new coaches. Crescenta Valley brought in Grant Clark and La Cañada hired Kyle Turner.
The Falcons, who placed third in league last season, were led by Gloria Namkung, who carded a 41. Crescenta Valley got a 44 from Emily Redecker, 46 from Laura Perez, 49 from Michaela Labellarte and 53 from Vienna Bebla.
“For the most part, they played about the way they normally do,” said Clark, who also coaches the school’s boys’ soccer team. “There’s just a little bit more pressure because everything counts now.
“We finished about where we figured we would. There’s still plenty of time left.”
La Cañada received a 40 from Rachel Oh, 43 from Maddie Kang, 49 from Sydney Lew, 55 from Sophie Chanop and 56 from Emma McGuiness.
“I’m pleased with their effort,” Turner said. “They had to overcome some nerves at first, but they pushed through it and it will make them even better.”
Burbank had just four players compete Tuesday under coach Branco Sevic.
Amy Tran paced the Bulldogs with a 43. Alexis Poche had a 56 for Burbank, which got a 59 from Olga-Marie Davis and 72 from Erin Turner.
“The main thing is to get them out on the course and see them improve each time out,” Sevic said. “That’s all I can ask.”
The next league match will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at La Cañada Country Club.