Girls golf: Seminole's Soto hopes to bounce back in final round after starting with 79

AUSTIN About 40 golfers Thursday at Roy Kizer Golf Course very much would have liked Samantha Soto's version of a rough day.

Soto, on the other hand, was none too pleased with her 79 in the opening round of the UIL Class 3A State Girls Golf Championships.

The Seminole High School senior, who is playing as an individual, stands in a sixth-place tie for the medalist race but is eight shots back of leader Chantry McMahan of Kaufman after her 71.

Burkburnett's Brenna Moore and Shelbye Hill of Monahans are tied for second at 73, so Soto's chances of a medal definitely are in danger.

"I told Coach (Mitch) Shain I can get a 68 or 69 - we'll see," Soto said. "Maybe I can go somewhere under par. We'll try. It's my last high school round, so ..."

Soto's thoughts trailed off while wondering why, in her third appearance at the state tournament, she shot her worst round.

She finished fourth last year with rounds of 73 and 77 after taking sixth as a sophomore with consecutive 78s.

"It was my short game all day," Soto said. "It was terrible. I was kind of relieved I kept it under 80."

Soto was 6-over on the front nine and had stretches on the back where it looked like she could get closer to the leaders. An eagle on No. 14, though, was followed by three bogeys on the closing three holes.

The Western Texas College signee said Shain advised her to play with more confidence over the final 18 holes.

"He said I'm bomb a drive and then I'd be timid," Soto said. "I've got to work on my short game. I think it's a mental thing."

It won't be an easy climb to get back into medal contention, but Soto hasn't given up hope yet.

She's got 18 holes left to take care of business.

"It's definitely in me," Soto said. "I'll have to play really well (in the second round), but I don't want another day like (the first round)."