5A girls golf: Loveland’s Lauren Lehigh, Fossil Ridge on top of leaderboard after Day 1
TIMNATH — On Day 1 of the Class 5A girls golf tournament, soggy and frigid conditions didn’t stop Loveland senior Lauren Lehigh from shooting an impressive 2-under par through 18 holes as she leads at the Harmony Club in Loveland.
“I think it was a little easier for me considering that I know the course,” Lehigh said after completing her round on Monday. “It’s a little easier to take those mental breaks when you know where you are going on the course. Everybody has to deal with the weather, and it’s just a matter of getting through it.”
In the same group as the leader in Lehigh, familiar foe Meghan Vogt of Broomfield also had herself quite the opening round, shooting 1-under. The junior, who finished tied for third a season ago in this tourney, hopes to keep the pressure on her friend on Tuesday.
“It’s really fun, we have actually gotten really close this season, especially being in every league tournament together,” Vogt said. “Now that we get to compete with each other with me being 1-stroke back, it will make things even more fun.”
Following the only two under par, Regis Jesuit junior Katie Berrian finished 1-over after a birdie on 18. Fossil Ridge freshman Olivia Steen stands at 2-over in the thick of things.
At 3-over, Fossil Ridge senior Leigha Devine, Grandview senior Morgan Ryan and Ralston Valley senior Sydney Eye look to make a run Tuesday. Last year’s winner, Eaglecrest sophomore Emma Bryant, sits at 6-over.
“It would be really nice (to win), especially this year, being a junior with colleges potentially looking on,” Vogt said. “I was even more nervous than I have ever been for a golf tournament, so one of my goals coming into high school was to win state at least once.”
As Loveland competes in their first 5A state golf tournament, Lehigh hopes to respond from her second-place finish a year ago in 4A. With likely brutal conditions once again tomorrow, the confident striker looks for to the challenge of Vogt and the rest of the field.
“I think it is definitely a good thing to have your competition in your group,” Lehigh said. “Playing with her is great. I played with her in all of our league events, but I’m also trying to focus on myself and what I need to do.”
Leading in the team category, Fossil Ridge leads with a score of 9-over through Day 1. On their heels, Loveland and Cherry Creek placed with scores of 10-over and 14-over, respectively. Arapahoe is fourth at 20-over.
The second and final round of the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday with a shotgun start.
