SUNSET GOLF: Palo Verde’s Haczkiewicz second to none

Annick Haczkiewicz claims to have a reputation for being a bridesmaid on the golf course.

"I'm usually always second place. Like, always second place," the Palo Verde sophomore said. "But I stepped it up this time."

Haczkiewicz was the lone Division I player to break par at Red Rock Country Club on Monday, as she fired a 3-under 69 to take medalist honors at the Sunset Region girls golf tournament.

Haczkiewicz made four birdies — her lone bogey of the round came on the first hole — to win by by six shots over Cimarron-Memorial's Rachel Larsen (75).

"Definitely my putting was one of the big factors in shooting good, because lately my putting has not been very good," Haczkiewicz said. "I didn't three-putt at all today, and I was sinking all the putts that needed to be sunk."

The top two teams and the top five individuals from nonqualifying teams advance to the Division I state tournament Oct. 21 and 22 at Primm Valley Golf Club's Lakes Course.

Bishop Gorman had three players in the top seven and captured its third consecutive region title, shooting 324 to hold off Palo Verde (339). Hunter Pate led the Gaels with a 76 and was third as she struggled on the back nine.

"I think for me, the quality of the team effort stands out," Gorman coach Jim Stanfill said. "We want to be right there in the mix, and the girls did a great job of giving themselves the opportunity to play in the first groups (at state).

Haczkiewicz made the turn at 1 under and held a two-shot lead over Pate but pulled away during a key three-hole stretch. Haczkiewicz picked up a stroke on No. 10 when she got up and down to save par then took advantage of a booming drive to birdie No. 11 and go four shots up.

On the par-3 12th hole, Haczkiewicz knocked her tee shot to within 12 feet and made birdie, while Pate three-putted for bogey to drop out of contention.

Haczkiewicz, who was ineligible as a freshman, matched her best score of the season; she shot 2-under 69 on Tuesday at Bear's Best in a Southwest League match.

"Usually what I say to myself is, 'Subtract from the team, don't add shots,' " Haczkiewicz said. "I knew I probably needed to step on the pedal and make some birdies.

"Definintely this tournament I wanted to play well because I wanted to qualify for state. Our team was in second place, but you never know. Anybody could have a bad day, and I was just really trying to play my best."

Danielle Oberlander of Gorman shot 80 to finish fourth, while Ashley Malone of Desert Oasis and Bonanza's Rebecca Oertel each posted 81s to tie for fifth place.