Diehl has PV boys in second at 5A state tourney
Kyla Jones' first-day score of 83 is second among 4A girls
FARMINGTON — After the first day of the 5A state tournament on Monday at Piñon Hills Golf Course, the Piedra Vista boys found themselves just four strokes behind first-place St. Pius X.
Led by Trey Diehl — whose score of 74 was tied for the lead among individuals, along with Pius' Patrick McCarthy — PV managed a team score of 338, just short of Pius' total of 334.
PV coach Tom Yost said he was blown away by Diehl's performance, especially considering the windy weather.
"Conditions were extremely tough, and he just hung in there and didn't make any fatal mistakes," Diehl said. "He made a bunch of birdies and then a few bogies, which were expected. That round was really unbelievable considering the conditions."
Farmington's Zack Holesinger wasn't too far behind Diehl. His score of 82 was good for fourth out of 18 male golfers.
In addition to Trey Diehl, the Panthers had five other players compete on day one: Tyler Montano, River Smalley, Davis Gurley, Tyler Diehl and Darius Martinez. Montano is currently tied for sixth, with a score of 84.
The Lady Panthers ended the day in sixth place out of seven teams. They were 75 points away from first place and four points ahead of last-place Albuquerque Academy.
Aztec's Linda Peralta had a great first day and was tied for fourth, with a score of 88.
Five PV girls competed, including Sydney Schumacher, who was in seventh after shooting a 93. Farmington's Meghan Graff shot a 106, which ranked 14th out of 29.
Also on Monday, the Kirtland Central girls team competed in the 4A state tournament in Roswell. The Lady Broncos were in last place with a score of 429, five points behind fifth-place Taos.
With a good second day, Kyla Jones could capture an individual state title. She shot an 83 on the first day in Roswell, just one stroke behind the leader.
For the second and final day of the 5A state tourney at Piñon Hills, the tee time is scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Jake Newby covers sports for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4577.