MONTROSE – Few schools statewide have developed the pedigree for developing and sustaining girls golf success like Montezuma-Cortez. Entering the spring season, M-CHS looks to continue growing their brand – both prepping for the future and pushing for immediate dividends.
Through the first month of competition, both pursuits have paid off, with the Panthers placing first or second in three of their first four competitions, while a bevy of newcomers to the team learn their craft under the guidance of four returning Panthers. In their most recent exploits, M-CHS captured a pair of runner-up finishes in Montrose, leaning on their veterans to set the stage for what promises to be another exciting year for Panthers golf.
Returning to lead the way, lone senior Chesnie Patrick brings a steadying influence and plenty of success to the youthful squad. Patrick picked up a second team all-state selection last year after collecting her highest finish – a top 20 placement in the 3A state championships – in her third state appearance in three years.
Sophomores Amita Crowley and Afton Unrein, who also enjoyed state experience from their freshman seasons, join Patrick among the Panthers with experience on the state’s highest level. The duo tied for 44th last year, helping the Panthers take a top-10 finish as a team in the tournament.
At Black Canyon Golf Course for the Montrose RedHawk Tournament, M-CHS posted their first of two second-place efforts behind a solid two-three finish from Crowley and Patrick, with the duo posting scores of 80 and 84, respectively. Unrein added a 106 for a team score of 270.
The following morning at Cobble Creek Golf Course, the Panthers bettered their team score by nine strokes, topping Fruita Monument, Montrose, and Battle Mountain en route to another top-two mark. Crowley again led the way with an 81, while Patrick’s 86 and Unrein’s 94 continued the Panther momentum.
The runner-up finishes come on the heels of a Panthers team title at Devil’s Thumb in Delta, with all three Panthers taking top-seven individual finishes to elevate the Panthers to their first win of the season.
It’s a group that looks to contend for a regional title in early May, when the Panthers head to Alamosa to vie for state qualifying spots on Cattails Golf Course. In the meantime, under second-year head coach Travis Wright, the Panthers look to develop depth across their lineup, as a number of newcomers to program, both from M-CHS and Dolores High School, look to grow their game.
Nine student-athletes will wear the orange-and-black this spring, with juniors Erin Lawrence, Siena Parr, Sam Abate, sophomores Julianne Vega, Jadyn Gorsuch and freshman Danika Goodall join the top three returners looking to help M-CHS continue their success for years to come.
The Panthers gear up for their lone home tournament of the season on Tuesday, April 16 at Conquistador Golf Course, a day after the Panthers travel to Durango to compete at Hillcrest Golf Club. A shotgun start at 9 a.m. will kick off action in Cortez, before the Panthers head to New Mexico for tournaments at Riverview Golf Course on April 18 and San Juan Country Club on April 29. Regional tournament action is set for May 14 in Alamosa before the state tournament at The Olde Course in Loveland on May 20-21.
