[ GOLF ]Home team Kauai takes
lead in state girls golf
LIHUE >> Kauai High School is enjoying its home-course advantage at the David Ishii/HHSAA Girls Golf Championship.
The Red Raiders, who play their home matches at state meet site Wailua Golf Course, lead Punahou by five strokes after yesterday's first round.
"They know (the course) like the back of their hands," Kauai coach Kellie Pleas said yesterday. "They've just got to focus and not get caught up in the excitement. It's hard not to do that." She said even her seniors were shaking with nervousness.
Kauai was led by Jennie Pleas, who finished the first day tied for third with a 2-over 74. Leilehua's Britney Choy and Kamehameha's Mari Chun were tied for the individual lead at 1-over. Waiakea's Amanda Wilson was tied with Jennie Pleas at third place.
A hot day saw good scores, with 16 golfers shooting in the 70s.
Defending state champion Kira-Ann Murashige (she won it last year while playing for Hilo; she has since transferred back to Waiakea, where she started her high school career) was 10 strokes off the lead, tied for 29th. She would be only the second multiple winner in the history of the Hawaii girls state tournament.
Lindsey Hong led Punahou at 3-over, tied for fifth with Kauai's Miki Ueoka.
Hilo and Waiakea could also contend for the team title. The Big Island cross-town rivals were tied for third, seven strokes off the lead, after the first day.
Action continues with today's final round.