Pirate Golfers Get Started With First Tournament

By JENNA RHUDE

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley High School Girl’s Golf team traveled to the Painted Desert Golf Course in Las Vegas last week to cheer on team members, Patricia Slaughter and Checotah Rowley as they competed in their first tournament of the year.

“The team is very new,” said MVHS coach Steffanie Gray. “Only one of the girls has ever been in a tournament before, so I did not want all the girls to play until they knew what to expect. Next week, I hope all the girls play.”

Slaughter, a sophomore, was the sole player for the girl’s golf team last year. “I am very excited to have teammates to practice with,” Slaughter said. “It’s easier to get through practice when you have someone to talk to and laugh with.”

After scoring 56 on the front nine holes, Slaughter made “the cut,” a first for her. She ended the 18th hole in 4th place with a score of 114.
“I was really happy that I made my first cut!” she said. “I definitely feel there is room for improvement throughout the season, but I’m really happy.”

Rowley has only been playing golf for a short time, and this was her first tournament.
“It was very exciting and nerve-racking,” Rowley said of tournament play. “Once I finally got onto the course, though, I was more comfortable and it felt more like practice.”

Coach Gray was very proud of the entire team. “The two girls that played did great,” she said. “Their teammates were a great support to them also.”

With only two players, the team did not place since four players are required to earn a team score. Coach Gray is eager to see how all the girls handle the tournament in Boulder City next week.