SALINAS — The Christopher High girls golf team carded the best score at the Monterey Bay League Championships, but the team will not advance to the Central Coast Section Tournament.
The Cougars were orginally disqualified on a technicality, despite scoring a 533 that was 13 shots better than the next best team. The MBL uses a 6-and-3 rule, giving the players a maximum of a nine on any given hole and states that five players must finish without this — the Cougars only had four.
After filing an appeal, however, it was found there was nothing in the bylaws that said the team would be eliminated.
Santa Catalina (546) will go to the tournament as the league champions, but since they tied with Stevenson and Christopher carded the lowest score, it was decided to give all three the title, making them tri-champions Tuesday.
Christopher finished the regular season at 10-1 and were arguably the best girls golf team in the MBL.
“I’m glad the girls didn’t go empty handed since they were the low score,” Cougars coach Manuel Gallardo said via email.
Natalie Gutierrez was stellar as usual for the Cougars, carding a 91 for the fifth best overall score. Nina Velez shot a 102 and Kylie Kuwada was right behind her with a 103. Alex Granados carded a 117, while Julie Santiago shot a 122 and Mia Navarro a 133.
Gutierrez earned All-MBL second team honors for her performance this season.
“It’s a shame how it went down, but it’s a lesson learned for us,” Gallardo said. “
Gilroy shot a total of 799 with LeTharian Harrison carding a 138 and Cierra Montoya-Valdez scoring a 155.
I’m glad the girls didn’t go empty handed since they were the low score.”
