By Clay Whittington
The Belton Journal
The District 22-5A golf tournaments were dominated by Lake Belton.
Over the course of four days at Killeen’s Stonetree Golf Club, the Broncos and Lady Broncos overcame obstacles on and off the course en route to collecting individual and team championships in both the boys and girls divisions.
The Lady Broncos earned their second consecutive district title, taking immediate control at the event by shooting an opening-round 388 – 27 strokes better than the closest competitor. They followed with a 380 for a two-day total of 768 to advance to the regional tournament for the fourth straight season.
Carly Marshall, a freshman, earned the individual championship with a 70-73–143, setting a new school record.
Junior teammate Kat Moore (101-99–200) was fourth overall, freshman Lyliana Gonzalez (104-99–203) was fifth, and junior Riley Clawson (113-109–222) was 10th to round out the Lady Broncos’ score. Senior teammate Shelby Chaney (122-115–237) also competed for Lake Belton, but her score did not count toward the team total.
Belton was second with an 818 to claim the other regional berth as Jacklyn Munoz was the individual runner-up, while teammate Anya Jinadatha was third. Additionally, Hanna Wheeler was sixth, while Lucy Liu Gaines-Lucas (13th) and Abby Beck (17th) completed the squad.
Like in the girls division, Lake Belton also won the boys championship, beating out the Tigers. Both teams advance to regionals due to the showings.
The Broncos held an eight-stroke advantage following the opening round and finished with a 299-295–594.
Jackson Null, a sophomore, won the individual title with a 76-67–134 as the second-round total set a new school record.
James Bond posted a 71-75–146 to finish third, Miles Parker shot a 77-74–151 to place fourth, and Nick Brooks was sixth with a 75-79–154. Also competing for Lake Belton was Mason Euer (8th, 83-81–164)
Furthermore, the Broncos produced both individual regional qualifiers in Rawley Soliz (84-84–168) and Hudson Nix (86-84–170).
Led by silver medalist Kason Wolfe, who shot a 71-73-144, the Tigers finished with a team total of 307-313–620. Miguel Matos, Haden Hoelscher, Chase Aggers and Owen Babcock complete the team.
Now, Belton ISD’s qualifiers turn their attention toward the Region III tournament at Montgomery’s The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort. The two-day tournaments open April 15 for the boys and April 17 for the girls.
The top three teams and the top three individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to the state tournament.
