The Rye High School Girls Golf Team placed second in their own invitational. Salida captured the team gold with a score of 259, nine strokes ahead of the Thunderbolts who garnered the silver.
Salida’s Kyndra Johnson was the medalist with a score of 75. She was followed by Sofia Contreras of Pueblo Central (79); Tyler Parratt from Manitou Springs (86) and Emma Garcia (88) from Rye.
Kelsy Stribling placed 8th with a score of 89. Olivia Donlon finished 9th with a score of 91. Kenzie Nielsen shot a 99. Hannah Davis shot a 114 and Campbell Maloof shot a 116. Lauren Miller shot a 1213 and Kendall Lathrop finished with a 125.
Tavie Hunter shot a 129 and Gianna Baker came in with a 131. Adiena Jarbo shot a 132 and Taylor Kenney shot 135. Fifty-four golfers from 12 teams competed in the tournament.
The Invitational was in memory of Madeline Mellers (1994 RHS graduate who died of colon cancer five years ago). Emma Garcia and Ann Bush (Madeline's mother) spoke. They highlighted her spunky personality, personal drive as a golfer and in her pursuit of a law degree. Mellers played golf before the girls’ team had been organized so she played on the boys’ team. She qualified for state.
Garcia shared,” She proved if a dream seems out of reach you simply take a moment to study the course, take a breath, and adjust your drive to put you closer to your dream. While you play today, please take a moment to thank Madeline for helping bring the sport you love to you and other girls in Southern Colorado. And if you hear the echo of her laugh know how blessed you are.”
Rye had their final regular meet on Monday. Wednesday May 24th they will compete in the 3A Varsity Regional at Hollydot.
The top two teams and next 13 golfers qualify for the state tournament which will be held in Aspen on May 30-31.