After getting a taste of the big time, the Montezuma-Cortez girls golf team is reloaded for another run in 2022. Returning their state qualifiers from a season ago, the Panthers appear poised to make a return appearance.
Under head coach Travis Wright, M-CHS brought back all three of their 2021 state squad – seniors Elinore Muhonen and Sariah Robinson, along with sophomore Chesnie Patrick. A 13th-place team finish from a year ago has this year's group aiming for a higher spot in the standings – and based on the early season results, those goals appear well within reach.
Two of the Panthers’ season opening tournaments resulted in fourth-place team finishes, including a trip to Black Canyon Golf Course in Montrose. Junior Ashlyn Hall topped the Panther scoring with a new lifetime best of 95, two shots ahead of Muhonen. Patrick added a 107 as the Panthers navigated the early season.
Later in the week, M-CHS visited Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland for the Aztec Invitational. The Panthers earned some strong performances, led by Patrick’s 95, good enough for 12th place in the field. Robinson posted a personal best of 104, while Hall and junior Anna Lawerence rounded out the scoring with rounds of 109 and 122, respectively. Another fourth-place team finish highlighted the steady development for the Panthers, getting them set for a big week ahead.
On Monday, M-CHS will head to Durango for a tournament on Hillcrest Golf Course before turning their focus to their home invitational, set for a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez on Tuesday, April 19.
From there, the Panthers look ahead toward the championship portion of the schedule, with regionals slated for May 24 at Cattails Golf Course in Alamosa. The top teams and individuals out of the region will fill in the 84-player field in the 3A state championships – which will be competed at The Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield on May 31 through June 1.
