Rain Slows, but Doesn't Stop the Mustangs

It was a long round for the golfers from Mira Costa High and Chadwick on Tuesday, playing in weather that alternated between thundershowers and a steady drizzle.  Scoring was higher than usual, but as is becoming routine, the Mustangs prevailed 227-320 at the Chester Washington Golf Course.

"The weather definitely had an effect on us today," Coach Jim Hands said. "It's important, though, that we are learning how to play in different conditions and see where we need to improve."

Megan Kim led the Mustangs with a 43 for nine holes. Like the majority of her teammates, she was unhappy with her round, but is ready to rebound quickly.

"I didn't have any three putts, but everything else was a struggle,'' Kim said. ''I did not hit a green in regulation today and I don't even know the last time that happened.''

Kari Gordon, who shot a 44, had an exciting moment on the par-5 seventh hole as her 3-wood second shot struck the pin, putting thoughts of double-eagle in her mind for a fleeting moment. The ball caromed away and came to a stop on the fringe, and Gordon made par as soggy greens made for slow putting conditions.

"The more times we can play in these types of conditions, the easier it is, and while it's a different kind of golf, you have to deal with it," she said.

Freshman Mika Pascual reached the seventh in two shots as she also hit a solid 3-wood into the green. Pascual would two-putt for her birdie en route to a round of 45.

Raquel Gordon carded a 46 and Jenny Johnson finished out the Mustangs' team scoring with a 49, as the team's 227 was significantly higher than some of their earlier team efforts this season. But the weather conditions were anything but ideal.

"It was freezing," Johnson said. "My fingers were numb and it was hard to hold the club. I missed a bunch of short putts that I usually make."

It was the first competition this season where the Mustangs had to deal with rain. The forecast for the rest of the week may include more wet conditions, which will help test the young team.

"It was a good experience," Pascual said. "It wasn't the most fun, but I will know how to better prepare next time and bring an umbrella."

Other Mustangs in action Tuesday included Nicole White at 50, Chari Noddings at 54 and Skylar Ellington at 55.

White recorded a birdie on the seventh hole by holing a putt from off the fringe.

"There is definitely plenty of room for improvement,'' Hands said. ''We have had some really good days and we need to learn from our tougher outings.''

The Mustangs won't have to wait long, as a busy week includes a trip to the Rolling Hills Golf Course on Wednesday for their second match up with Chadwick. On Thursday, the Mustangs will play in the DeBell Invitational in Burbank.