Lady Rams collect third leg, qualify for state golf

ROSWELL — Led by senior Paige Hartman's 76, the Portales Lady Rams nailed down the needed third leg of qualifying for Class 1A-3A state golf competition next month.

The PHS boys, meantime, came up one stroke short of their first leg.

Portales shot 378 and is tied with Hobbs for 11th place in girls standings after the first day of the Spring Classic.

Meantime, the PHS boys played well, just not quite well enough. The Rams finished with a four-man score of 332 and stand 12th.

The girls played at Spring River Golf Course on Monday and move to New Mexico Military today, while the scenario is reversed for the boys.

Hartman went 39-37 and is in a tie for fifth individually with Socorro's Mia Salome after the first day. The Lady Warriors have three of the top five scores overall and, at 302, have a commanding lead over Deming (321), which has the individual leader at Darian Zachek with a 3-under-par 69.

Freshman Bailey Rowley also earned her third leg for state competition, shooting an 84.

The boys had one of their most consistent rounds of the year with four players shooting 86 or better, led by senior Jackson Powers at 80. The Rams are also looking for their first individual leg toward state.

Onate and Socorro are tied for the team lead at 301, seven shots ahead of Hobbs. The Eagles' Ryan Hawkins is the individual leader after shooting a 4-under 68.