Dolores golfers place in Top 5 in New Mexico

Several Lady Bears shoot career-best scores in Kirtland

Showing off improved swings and smoother putting strokes, the Dolores High School girls golf team produced its best results of the season at a tournament at Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland, New Mexico, on April 13.

Leading the way for the Lady Bears was sophomore Kalli Pardington, who placed second overall in the seven-team tournament, which included several junior varsity squads and a varsity team from Navajo Prep.

“(Pardington) is very honed in on her short game,” Dolores head coach Monica Plewe said.

“That’s one of the best parts of her game, and (Riverview Golf Course) lent itself to her strengths.”

Also placing in the top 3 was freshman Sarah McDonald, who fired a career-best round of 89.

“Sarah played through an injury,” Plewe said. “Her shoulder has been bugging her and she battled through.”

Rounding out the Lady Bears’ top finishers was Kailey Case, whose 18-hole score of 90 was good for fifth place. Tawnee Benavidez and LaBrea Matteson also competed for Dolores.

“The whole team did fabulous,” said Plewe. It was a shorter course, and for being brand new, they did amazing.”