Girls golf: Permian, OHS stay in District 3-5A team race

One bad round by San Angelo Central changed everything in the District 3-5A race Thursday.

The Lady Cats, who came in with a 15-sroke lead, struggled at Odessa Country Club's Old Course and four other teams took advantage.

"I'm really surprised at how it tightened up," Odessa High coach Barry Borchardt said. "Midland High played exceptionally well and San Angelo struggled, but that's the way it goes every year."

Halfway through the district tournament, the Lady Cats still lead with 689, but three other teams are within seven strokes and the Lady Bronchos are within 19.

"I'm anxious right now," Permian coach Rachel Tavarez said. "This will go down to the very last hole played."

The Lady Panthers shot a 346 on Thursday and have a two-round total of 693 heading into the third round Monday at Abilene Country Club.

Midland High is third at 695, while Abilene Cooper is fourth with 696. Odessa High is fifth with 708.

The medalist race also tightened, as Midland High's Danica Weddle struggled to an 80 and watched as three golfers pulled into a tie 10 strokes back.

Permian's Skylar Smith, Odessa High's Karley Kiphart and Cooper's Brooke Bailey all are at 163, while Weddle is still in front at 153.

"It went really well," Kiphart said. "I played pretty solid and didn't fall apart. I'm really excited. These next two rounds will determine it."

Kiphart is trying to become the first Lady Bronchos golfer to ever advance to the Region I-5A Tournament and will need to continue to improve to do so. The top two teams and the top two individuals not on qualifying teams advance to the tournament in Lubbock.

Smith, meanwhile, struggled on the front nine, shooting a 43, but birdied three holes on the back to finish at 78, including hitting a ridiculous chip on No. 18 to within 5 feet.

"(At the turn) I thought in my head, ‘You're supposed to be doing good,' " Smith said. "So I turned my whole mental game around."

While Smith returned to her usual solid play, teammate Kayleah Law struggled to an 89 and is at 168 overall.

Tavarez expects Law to play much better Monday.

"It's extremely hard to have back-to-back great rounds," Tavarez said. "But I expect her to play no-holds barred golf and will come back strong."