Take it to the Top
    Lady Loboes crest leaderboard at Tall City event
        by Lee Scheide, Odessa American ~~March 6, 2005

The rain started Saturday on the fifth hole of Nueva Vista Golf Course, a familiar foe to Monahans High School's girls' golf team this year.

In each of their previous three tournaments, the Lady Loboes - and their opponents - have had to battle the elements while attempting to solidify their place among the top teams in the Permian Basin.

During the second day of the Tall City Golf Invitational's Division II tournament, Class 3A Monahans erased any doubts about their place among the area's elite.

Allison Jordan and Amanda Stuessy both carded 2-over-par 74s to pace the Lady Loboes' five-shot victory over Andrews (657-662) Snyder finished third at 665.

It was the fourth straight tournament crown for Monahans this season.

"We are very fortunate to have the caliber of golfers that we have this year," Monahans coach Becky Hix said.  "Allison and Amanda both went to the state tournament last year and finished fourth to six, so that experience definitely has helped this year.

"But to be able to win four tournaments to begin the season, I wasn't expecting that because the competition is so tough."

Jordan's 74, paired with the 73 she shot Friday at Green Tree Country Club, allowed her to win medalist honors.

Brittany Mercer of Sweetwater was second in the individual race with a total of 150 (76-74), with teammate Kelly Rainbolt third at 157 (82-75).

Like her team, Jordan has emerged atop the score sheet in each of the Lady Loboes' competitions this year - in San Angelo, Big Springs and Fort Stockton.

She was happier about the team victory and Stuessy's 74.  Stuessy had carded an uncharacteristic 84 on Friday.

"She's my friend and a great competitor and pushes me on the golf course," Jordan said. "It was great to see her come back from yesterday's round with her score today."

For Andrews coach Mark Burgen, the five-shot deficit was the culmination of the best weekend of the season for the class 4A Lady Mustangs.  Their four-score total of 328 was the best of Saturday's round.

Addison Long and Nikki Duke each shot 83-81-164 to pace the team, with Kelsie Gray and Stephanie Birdsall carding 167s to help the cause.

"When we shot 334 (Friday), it was the first time that we had broken 340 all season," Burgen said.  "Then to break 330 for the first time is fantastic, since our team is so young.

"Give credit to Monahans because they've done the job each week and deserve to be on top.  But we are getting better each week and I'm excited about district play."

keyed by Bryan Smith