IRENE KIM, MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL TAKE TOP HONORS

After tying for ninth last year, Kim returned with a vengeance to the tune of seven birdies, including the clutch tweeter on her final hole of the day. The senior at Kennedy HS birdied all four par-5s on the golf course, showing magnificent ball-striking throughout her round, setting herself apart from the full field of 124 girls.

After Brianna Navarrosa birdied her final two holes of the day to climb even with Kim at 4-under, the medalist dug deep. She ripped a drive down the middle of No. 11’s fairway before sending a fairway medal over the back edge of the green. Chipping down a slippery slope away from the hole, Kim sent her attempt about 15 feet past. Facing an uphill putt to win medalist, Kim calmly poured it in and sealed the honors.

On the team side of the competition, Mater Dei (Chula Vista) ran away from the field and won by 14 strokes over defending Regional Champion, Troy HS. The Crusaders were led by runner-up Navarrosa’s 69 and Estibaly Garcia’s 1-over 74. With all five of Mater Dei’s scores under 80, consistency was the key to their title.

The third team advancing to the State Championship is Diamond Bar who edged out fourth place Walnut to take the third and final qualifying team spot. In addition to the qualifying teams, nine individuals not on qualifying teams also advanced to Victoria Club, with the final five spots being awarded after a 4-hole playoff. The State Championship takes place at Victoria Club on Nov. 14.

QUALIFYING TEAMS

Mater Dei
Brianna Navarrosa
Estibaly Garcia
Ivanna Montemayor
Jessica Moreno-Reyes
Valerie Ruiz
Marianna Rosette

Troy Warriors
Isabel Sy
Kamile Dimayuga
Sherilyn Villanueva
Elyse Kim
Kaylee Sakoda
Mylan Hirata

Diamond Bar
Kailie Vongsaga
Michelle Chang
Emma Han
Alicia Kuo
Esther Lee
Angelica Kusnowo

QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALS

Irene Kim
Kelly Xu
Briana Chacon
Jennifer Cai
Jasmine Lew
Meghan Royal
Angela Heo
Chase Gomez
Alexa Melton