Lani Potter, Boulder City win state titles at Mountain Falls
PAHRUMP — Lani Potter was embraced by her friends, coaches and family on the 18th hole of the Mountain Falls golf course on Thursday afternoon.
After sinking a 4-foot putt, the Boulder City senior settled for par — and one giant group hug from her teammates.
It was the final shot of a remarkable high school career.
“I’m a wreck,” said Potter, fighting backing tears.
Potter finished 5-over-par 149 to win the two-day Class 3A state tournament — her second individual title in a row — and help the Eagles secure their first team title since 2010 at the 5,389-yard Pahrump golf course.
“It feels very good,” Potter said. “But the thing that feels the best is winning as a team. … I don’t think this will (feel real) for a few more days, at least.”
Potter, who is committed to South Dakota State, was the heavy favorite entering the tournament and maintained her perfect record this season by winning her eighth consecutive match.
On Thursday, she led by 10 strokes after the 14th hole, then eight going into the final hole.
And Potter still approached the last four holes as if she were losing, often pulling out her range finder, tossing grass in the air and crouching to examine the greens.
“That’s the competitor she is,” Boulder City coach Andy Schaper said. “That’s why she’s a two-time state champion and a one-time runner-up. Her high school career has been phenomenal.”
One fan — err, father — agreed.
“It was nice to see the team (go) rush out and hug her and stuff,” Rich Potter said. “She’s really all about the team. She would come home from golf (this season) and I’d ask her how it went, and she’d spend a half hour talking about the team.”
Ryann Reese finished seventh at 168, Madisan Walker placed 10th at 189, and Sydney Krumm tied for 13th at 198 for Boulder City, which concluded the two-day tournament with a 704.
“Just couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve done and achieved,” said Schaper, whose team gained 34 strokes in the second round. “They came out and played strong right from the get-go today. … I knew we had the talent to do this. It was just getting the girls to believe, and they started to believe during the season. It’s a great achievement. I’m happy for them.”
Elko finished second at 741, ahead of Pahrump Valley (753), Tech (779), Lowry (819) and Spring Creek (845).
Western’s Carolyn Lemon finished second individually at 13-over 157. Tech’s Cassidy Phelan was third after carding a 159, just ahead of Pahrump Valley’s Breanne Nygaard (160) and Lowry’s Tatyana Carlson (161).
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Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow @af_ferguson on Twitter.