Laguna athletes compete at final

Rainy conditions didn’t stop the Golden West League girls’ golf tournament from going forward as planned Wednesday, although a difficult, wet, soft and somewhat muddy course did alter scores posted by participating athletes.

The top 12 individual scorers from the opening round of the league tournament at El Prado Golf Course (Butterfield Stage course, 18 holes, par 36) in Chino advanced to Thursday’s finals, Laguna Beach Coach Val Quigley said. Representing the Breakers at league finals was Christianne Kinder, Jackie McMahon, Taylor Weiss and Devin Altieri.

The four league players with the lowest combined two-day scores from Wednesday and Thursday advance to the CIF individual tournament, which starts Nov. 1 at El Dorado Park Golf Course in Long Beach.

Results from Thursday’s league finals weren’t available by press time.

Kinder shot 94 and was in third place after the first day’s competition. McMahon (100) was right behind Kinder in fourth place, Weiss shot 102 and was sixth and Altieri shot 109 and tied for 12^th to make the cut for Thursday’s finals.

“Given the course conditions, the girls played well and we are encouraged that we have three girls who are all still in the running to finish in one of the top four spots,” Quigley said. “Christianne played very consistent and smart golf. She should make one of the top four spots if she plays her usual game. In addition, both Jackie and Taylor are within striking distance to finish in the No. 4 spot. It would be fantastic to get at least two girls in the top four when it is all done.”

During the league regular season, Laguna and Estancia finished with identical records (11-1), defeating each other and tied for the league championship. The teams played a nine-hole playoff on the opening day of the league tournament Wednesday to determine which would represent the league in the CIF team playoffs that start Thursday. Estancia won the playoff match, 241-265.

The 2010 Laguna Beach girls’ golf team is: seniors Christianne Kinder (captain), Devin Altieri and Hilary Jonus, juniors Taylor Weiss, Laura Kawashiri and Vivian Mendoza and freshmen Jackie McMahon and Sarah Simmons.