Hollister – San Benito coach Chris Branon is happy when his girls shoot in the 40s. Marissa Gutierrez is happy when she makes putts.
One out of two wasn’t bad Tuesday for the ‘Balers during the Tri-County Athletic League match at Ridgemark Golf & Country Club.
San Benito’s 191 total was easily the best score of the five-team event. Three girls were in the 40s and a fourth was right at 50.
Gutierrez, who was medalist with 43, went straight to the putting green after finishing her round.
“If I’d been slightly confident with my putting I would have been in the high 30s,” said Gutierrez, who figured she hit five greens in regulation. “I was happy with my drives and I was very happy with my second shots.”
Perhaps if Gutierrez and Gilroy senior Annie Cockerill had been playing a best ball they would have been around even par. Cockerill, who got off to a miserable start with an 8 on her first hole and 7 on her third, recovered to shoot the second best score of the day, 46.
That included a par on the Gabilan ninth hole when she chunked her tee shot and hit a tremendous wedge within a foot of the hole. Meanwhile, Gutierrez hit an excellent tee shot to within 15 feet of the hole and 3-putted.
Cockerill followed her par on No. 9 with another on No. 10 that included a 200-plus-yard drive and accurate wedge to set up an easy two-putt.
“I always enjoy playing with Marissa because I like the social part of (golf),” Cockerill said. “Sometimes I have bad days and give up, I was optimistic today, even after the 8 and 7.”
It was a rough day for her Mustang teammates, whose 231 team total was fourth. Rowena Tabilas, who had shot two straight previous rounds in the 40s, got off to a strong start but got down on herself after a 9, and shot 56.
“My chipping was on, but I wasn’t hitting well off the tee,” Tabilas said. “The 9 really affected me.”
Gilroy No. 5 golfer Jasmine Robles was the third best Mustang at 63. Katie Kishimura, who also recently broke into the 40s, was at 66 with Stephanie Walker.
Meanwhile, San Benito continued its solid team play. Backing up Gutierrez were Ashley Bushaw and Katie O’Brien at 49. Danielle Shelton shot 50.
“I’ll take 191, absolutely” Branon said. “Having girls in the 40s is good, what we strive for.”
Salinas freshman Taylor Camany had the third best score of the day. Her 47 included a 20-foot downhill birdie putt on No. 2. Meanwhile, Notre Dame finished second among the teams at 215, paced by Christie Finn’s 48.
Meet Results
San Benito (191)-Marissa Gutierrez 43, Ashley Bushaw 49, Katie O’Brien 49, Danielle Shelton 50.
Notre Dame (215)-Christie Finn 48, Liz Blatter 52, Corrie Turnbell 57, Meghan Garcia 58.
Salinas (224)-Taylor Camany 47, Taylor Dominiquez 54, Keegasn Dominiquez 55, Erica Sveum 68.
Gilroy (231)-Annie Cockerill 46, Rowena Tabilas 56, Jasmine Robles 63, tie, Stephanie Walker and Katie Kishimura 66.
Alvarez (299)-Elvia Jiminez 67, Rubena Ruelas 71, Vicky Murillo 75, Susana Garcia 76.
