Experienced hand steers Gaels

Bishop Gorman’s girls golf team has chased one goal all season: to get back where the Gaels have been before.

No one understands that better than Nichole Corpus-Massucci. She is the only remaining team member who played for the Gaels in 2006, when they won the last of four straight Class 4A state titles.

Now a junior, Corpus-Massucci hopes to lead the youthful Gaels back to the top. That quest begins at noon today when the Sunset Region tournament tees off at SilverStone Golf Club. The Sunrise Region tournament is also at Silverstone today, starting at 1 p.m.

The top two teams in each region, plus the top five individuals from nonqualifying teams, advance to the state meet Oct. 20 and 21 in Reno.

“We have an expectation of excellence (and) you want to find a way to meet that,” said Ben Gutman, Gorman’s first-year coach.

“(Corpus-Massucci) has been on both sides, and she’s trying to lead us where (we) want to go. She has spurred (her teammates’) desire, even though they haven’t been there yet.”

Corpus-Massucci finished fourth in last year’s Sunset tournament, shooting 82 at windy Boulder Creek Golf Course to lead the Gaels to a fifth straight region title. At state she finished sixth at Canyon Gate Country Club and the Gaels finished fourth, well behind champion Silverado.

The only returning area player who finished ahead of Corpus-Massucci at state is Silverado’s Tameka Demps, who finished fourth with 163 to lead the Skyhawks to the championship, ending Gorman’s run of domination.

This fall Corpus-Massucci took over the No. 1 spot for the Gaels after defending Sunset champion Jennifer Hahn transferred to Green Valley, and the diminutive Corpus-Massucci has been a model of consistency. She led Gorman to the Southwest League title.

“It’s been fun,” she said. “I’m getting more competitive, trying to be the best. I definitely want to try to win regional and state.”

On a team with no seniors, Corpus-Massucci’s experience has been invaluable.

“I see myself as a leader definitely, someone (teammates) can go to if they have any problems or questions,” she said. “I give them tips and encouragement and help them to try to do their best and not worry if they make a bad shot.”

Corpus-Massucci spent most of the summer playing in American Junior Golf Association tournaments and her success there gave her added confidence heading into the high school season.

Corpus-Massucci said driving accuracy and the short game are her strengths. To add distance to her game, she has been working out and doing Pilates three times a week.

“She puts more time into her game than any person in high school I know,” Gutman said. “She has the mind-set that she’s going to be the best player she can be.”

Gorman also features sophomore Nicolette Rivera and freshman Kelly Horrell, and the Gaels enter today’s tournament as the favorite.

In the Sunrise Region, Canyon Springs, Coronado, Green Valley and Silverado will battle for the two team berths.

Basic’s Megan Scharf, Coronado’s Melanie Chambers, Las Vegas’ Ashley Manhnieo and Silverado’s Brittany Rizzetto are expected to be among the top individuals.