Becker leads Crusaders’ bid for repeat title

Faith Lutheran’s girls golf team begins its quest for a second consecutive Division I-A state title today at Canyons Golf Club in Mesquite.

The two-day tournament begins at 10 a.m. today. Tuesday’s final round tees off at 11 a.m. at Palms Golf Club, also in Mesquite.

The Crusaders won last year’s championship by 167 strokes over second-place Elko. Faith Lutheran had been state runner-up for three straight tournaments before winning last season.

Julia Becker, who won the Southern Region title with a 3-over par 75 last week at Boulder Creek, will try to become the second consecutive Faith Lutheran player to win state. Brianna Becker won last year’s individual championship for the Crusaders.

Julia Becker was third last season and is the top returning individual. Teammate Sarah Paravia was sixth last year.

Clark and Tech are the other local teams qualified for the tournament. Lowry, Elko and Fernley will represent Northern Nevada.

Fernley’s Brittany Evans was the North’s top individual during the regular season with a 75.2 average. Evans finished seventh at state last season.