Columnist Victoria Sun: SNWGA aims to secure Cup

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, May 22, 2002 | 8:55 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

Southern Nevada Women's Golf Association Silver Cup team captain Sherry Jackson works as an information technology manager for Nevada Power.

Co-captain Laurie Durant is a CPA.

The other 18 women on the team have families, careers or are retired.

Together, they've got one goal: to defeat the Northern Nevada Women's Golf Association Silver Cup team.

"We get bragging rights," Jackson said of the Silver Cup competition that concludes today at Dragon Ridge Golf Club.

She released a hearty laugh, then added, "We can't wait to beat up on them next year."

Following Tuesday's second round, the Southern team had a commanding 13 1/2-6 1/2 lead over their Northern rivals.

The Silver Cup competition, pitting 20 women from the South against 20 women from the North in three days of net match play, started 10 years ago. The South has five victories to the North's four.

"For most of our players, it's the only women's team competition in the state of Nevada," Jackson said. "We have a lot of invitationals where it's partners, but rarely is it a whole team of players.

"We enjoy the camaraderie. Golf is no longer an individual sport in this situation. It's similar to Ryder Cup."

Southern Nevada took a 7 1/2-2 1/2 lead after the first round when the women played two-man alternate shots.

They played a two-man best ball format the second day and today they play singles with 20 points on the line.

"It's pretty intense," Jackson said. "It's real serious when we're out there."

If the SNWGA team continues to clobber the NNWGA team, it will be its third consecutive victory.

Jackson sounds like a proud parent when she recalls that the Southern team made history last year when it became the first one to win on the road. The competition alternates between Las Vegas and Reno.

"Having to pull it out on the last hole, that's what this is about," she said. "It's about friendships.

"Really, a lot of us work all year to make the team and to play on this team because it is such a unique event."

Jackson is hoping rookie Silver Cup team members Marilyn Marsico, Marcia Gallagher, Sandy Kang, Terry Hall, Lorraine Acord, Tammy Gephardt and Jeanne Hudgins will help keep the cup in Southern Nevada.

The 18-hole scramble will begin with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start following a continental breakfast. A $300 fee includes a shirt, hat and commemorative photo with the coaches. Golfers will also be treated to an awards luncheon. Tee sponsorships are also available for $300.

The entry deadline is June 3 and space is limited. Call 895-8658 for more information.