RCHS girls golf places second at state
Pictured left: The RCHS girls golf team after placing second at the state championships at Rolling Hills Country Club in Golden in May. From left to right: Alexis Chan, Brandy McClain, Brooklyn Murphy, Amelia Lee (CP)and Ashley Kozlowski.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Chang Lee
“We had almost the perfect season,” said Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) girls golf coach Dave Vahling. The team took first place in the Continental League by 70 strokes and had three athletes on the top ten All-Continental League team. After qualifying for the state championship by placing second at regionals, the team had excitement and momentum going into state.
At the 5A state championship in May at Rolling Hills Country Club in Golden, RCHS had the lead after the first round and Amelia Lee of Whisper Canyon was in first for individual honors. Ralston Valley High School prevailed the second round to win and RCHS took second place. Lee stated, “It was nerve-wracking but a very nice surprise to do so well.” Lee took third place individually.
Vahling said, “It was a very good team effort,” and Lee echoed how important teamwork was to their success. The athletes worked hard to boost each other’s confidence and get each other through the ups and downs of a season. Lee said, “We had great coaching and skills, but our team is super-close and the teamwork part was key, even though it is an individual sport. As a team, we were there to push each other and support each other.”
Lee, who was just named 1st Team All-State, will be attending Creighton University in Nebraska in the fall where she will continue her golf career. Alexis Chan, 1st team All-Continental League, will also continue her golf career at Carlton College in Minnesota and Brooklyn Murphy will be attending Colorado State University. Next year, RCHS will have senior Brandy McLain, 2nd team All-League, leading the team and sophomore Ashley Kozlowski who will be counted on to keep the girls golf program strong for the next three years.
