Boulder City, Lani Potter grab leads after first day of Class 3A state tournament

Boulder City’s Lani Potter took medalist honors in all seven of the Eagles’ golf matches this season, including last week’s Class 3A Southern Region tournament.

On Wednesday afternoon, the senior put herself in prime position to repeat as an individual state champion — and also help the Eagles to their first team title since 2010 — after building some separation on the first day of the 3A state tournament.

Potter finished 3-over-par 75 at Mountain Falls to grab a one-stroke lead over Lowry junior Tatyana Carlson. Pahrump Valley’s Breanne Nygaard (78) and Tech’s Cassidy Phelan (79) are third and fourth, respectively, and Western’s Carolyn Lemon and Elko’s Annika Criss are tied in fifth place at 80.

“Lani’s in a great positon to repeat,” Boulder City coach Andy Schaper said. “It’s one thing to win it once. But to come back and repeat is a little unheard of. She’s worked hard through her junior golf career and has the mindset and tenacity. She’s a competitor, and is going to compete until the very last putt drops tomorrow. It’s going to be very fun to watch.”

Potter, who is committed to South Dakota State, was 2-over at the turn and finished with four birdies at the 5,389-yard Pahrump golf course. Teammate Ryann Reese sits in seventh after carding an 86, and Sydney Krumm and Madisan Walker are tied for 15th at 99 for Boulder City.

Schaper said Reese’s score was key in helping the Eagles take a lead with a score of 71-over 359.

“Ryann came to me two years ago and was in the 120s,” Schaper said. “It’s just so much fun to watch her development. I’m looking forward to seeing her play tomorrow. If she keeps going the way she is, she might come home with a medal.”

The Eagles, who finished as the state runner-up last season, will look to knock off reigning champ Elko on Thursday.

The Indians are second at 362, ahead of Pahrump Valley (378), Tech (380), Lowry (405) and Spring Creek (423).

“I’m proud of the girls to be in this position,” Schaper said. “We’re in a good situation, and if we continue to do what we’ve been doing all season, we’ll have a successful day tomorrow. The girls just need to play their game.”

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow @af_ferguson on Twitter.