Devils golf sends two to state
GYPSUM — These girls have game.
Eagle Valley golf finished second at last weekend’s regional tournament at the Yampa Golf Club behind Rifle, and qualified two for state — senior Taylor Sandoval and sophomore Nicole Matthews.
That caps a regular season during which the Devils won four tournaments — Battlement Mesa, Bookcliff, Gypsum Creek and Ironbridge — and never finished outside of the top three in every other one.
Not too bad, indeed.
Terrific trio
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Sandoval blew through regionals with career-low 77. Not only is she going to state, but she’s off to school to play golf at Friends University in Kansas. She is, in fact, the first member of the school’s golf team, which starts play during the next school year.
“I’m extremely proud of Taylor,” Devils coach Blake Scott said. “She works so hard all year-round on her game. And now she’s going to be able to get a college education.”
Matthews carded a 92 at Yampa. She may not cut an imposing figure at 5-foot-2, but don’t challenge her to a long-drive contest.
“Nicole’s an amazing athlete,” Scott said. “She hits the ball farther than anyone out there. She 5-2 and powerful.”
Allyson Ludewig barely missed out on a state berth, but that, in no way diminishes what she’s done during her career.
“Her first round of golf, she went out with her day and shot a 176,” Scott said. “Two weeks ago, she won our home tournament with a 75. That’s an amazing three years.”
Off to Pueblo
The state tournament is at the Pueblo Country Club, which leaves Eagle Valley flying blind. The Devils will do their best during the practice round on May 22 in advance of the two-day tournament.
In the meantime, Sandoval, Matthews and Scott will be focusing on the short game, an ever-popular place to cut strokes.
Sports Editor Chris Freud can be reached at 970-748-2934, cfreud@vaildaily.com and @cfreud.
