Women's golf team off to solid start in conference play

Women's golf team off to solid start in conference play

The Irvine Valley women's golf team, paced by returning all-state player Leleaga Merredith's score of 76, earned seven wins in its opening Orange Empire Conference match of the season on Wednesday.

The match was hosted by College of the Desert at Woodhaven Country Club.

The competition was played from the blue tees which measured just over 5,800 yards.

Irvine Valley, which ended with a score of 333, defeated Saddleback, Palomar, Fullerton, Orange Coast, Cuyamaca, Mt. San Antonio and Mt. San Jacinto in the match.

Irvine Valley's only defeat in the contest was to host College of the Desert, which came in with a team score of 316.

"I was pleased with the results," Irvine Valley coach Ben Burnett said. "The girls were coachable and the potential and talent is there. I think they will continue to improve their individual scores as the season progresses."

College of the Desert had the two medalists in the match. Each player finished with scores of 75.

Meredith, a sophomore captain for IVC, had one birdie, 10 pars and seven bogeys for her 6 over par score of 76. 

Sophomore team captain Cindy Dang used one birdie, 11 pars, four bogeys, one double bogey and one triple bogey for her score of 80.

Freshman Rebecca Peng scored eight pars, nine bogeys and one double bogey for a score of 81 for Irvine Valley.

The fourth and final score for Irvine Valley came from freshman Rachel Watson. She carded a 96.

Freshman Stuti Mandal came in at 100 and freshman Liliana Gutierrez ended with a 102 to round out the scoring for IVC.

Irvine Valley's next nine-team conference match will be hosted by Mt. San Jacinto on the Morongo Golf Course next Wednesay.