College of the Canyons jumps to 10-shot lead after first round of CCCAA Women's Golf Championships

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MORRO BAY – Led by the trio of Motoko Shimoji, Floria Peugnet and Carla Menendez, the College of the Canyons Cougars hold a 10-shot lead on the rest of the field after Day 1 of the California Community College Athletic Association Women’s Golf State Championships at Morro Bay Golf Club.

It was a day of patience and frustration for the ladies as the par-72 course pushed everyone to their limits, especially on the greens.

The Cougars did the best on Day 1 of tackling the course and minimizing any mistakes for a team score of 331, Shimoji carded a 4-over-par 76 for the second-lowest score of the afternoon, topped only by Fullerton College’s Cathilyn Lee’s 3-over, 75.

Peugnet joined Shimoji in the “70s Club” with a 7-over, 79, while Menendez was close behind with an 8-over, 80, followed by Emma Tyni, who carded a 96 for the Cougars.

Madeline Reed shot a solid opening-round 80 to lead the Tigers, who are 10 shots behind with a Day 1 score of 341. Tiger teammate, Keahna Castillo carded an 81 … both were top-10 scores among all golfers. Meghan Hansen shot an 89 for Reedley, followed by Gabrielle Jasso (91) and Melanie Davilla (94).

Sitting in third place is Saddleback College, who carded a team score of 343, putting the Bobcats just 12 shots off the team lead. Nicole Whipple shot a 79 to lead the way for the Bobcats, followed by Caitlin Randolph (86), Kenzie Edson (89) and Lia Harvey (89).

The final day of the 36-hole state championship will kick off on Monday, beginning at 10 a.m. at Morro Bay Golf Club.

(Tony Altobelli, CCCSIA)