District golf came to a close with the District 5-4A Championship Tournament at Los Altos Golf Course in Albquerque.
Belen boys placed second, while Los Lunas and Valencia came in at third and fourth, respecitively. Belen girls came also placed second.
“I thought we did really well,” said Belen head coach Donald Marquez.
The Eagles were led by Josh Gallegos, who shot a 75 and placed third overall.
Los Lunas’ Bryce Chavez placed fifth with an 83.
Gallegos also was the only male golfer in Valencia County to qualify for the 2019 Golf State Championship in Farmington.
“Honestly, I expect Josh to compete and finish top-3,” said Marquez. “He’s really matured over the last couple of years.”
Belen girls were led by Annabelle Montoya, who shot an 87 and placed second. Melissa Gabaldon placed fifth with a 94, and Eryn Jaramillo shot a 95 to place sixth. Montoya, Gabaldon and Jaramillo will compete at state.
“If they play their game,” said Marquez, “they can finish in the top-10 individually.”
Despite not sending any golfers to state this season, both Los Lunas head coach Marty Zeller and Valencia head coach Milton Torres were pleased with their team’s performance.
Los Lunas, who was coming off a season where they lost two state qualifiers for the boys, will graduate even more golfers this season.
“We have to start over now,” said Zeller. “We had nothing but seniors on the board today. We’ll do some recruiting from places like the middle school. I’m proud of them for just battling.”
Torres was pleased with the Jagaurs’ consistency.
“We stayed consistent,” said Torres. “(Our total score) was in the 300s, so I’m happy.”
St. Pius won the boys’ and the girls’ district titles as Aidan Thomas and Jayden Bates placed first in both categories.
The 4A 2019 State Golf Championship will begin at Pinon Hills in Farmington on Monday.
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April 19, 2024
