Corpus-Massucci propels Gaels to regional golf title

Heather Cory

Bishop Gorman’s Nichole Corpus-Massucci judges her next move during Tuesday’s tournament at Silverstone Golf Club.

By Jared Harmon

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 | midnight

High School Golf Tournament at Silverstone Golf Club

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Bishop Gorman junior Nichole Corpus-Massucci led the Gaels to their sixth-straight Sunset Regional girls' golf title Wednesday at Silverstone Golf Club.

Corpus-Massucci finished with a 1-over-par 73, nine strokes ahead of teammate Nicolette Rivera (81) who took second to sweep the Gaels into the state championship tournament Monday in Reno.

“I felt pretty good today,” Corpus-Massucci said. “I probably could have done a little better but I’m happy. It feels good to be able to help my team and be a leader. I think we all need to practice our short game before state. We’ve gotten better this year but we can still improve before we go to Reno.”

After taking fourth at last year's state tournament, Corpus-Massucci said this could be the Gorman’s chance to return to the success they saw just two years ago. From 2003 to 2006, the Gaels won four-straight state titles.

Gorman coach Ben Gutman agreed the Gaels could be in a good position after a strong regional performance.

“We’re excited to be back in contention and we’re not going to back down,” Gutman said. “If we can keep our focus and make a few improvements, I think we have a fair shot at a state title. Nichole is definite the most accurate high school player I’ve seen and Nicolette could be — and should be — right there pushing her. ”

Along with Rivera and Corpus-Massucci, Gaels Kelly Horrell (91) and Amanda York (109) combined for a team score of 354, well ahead of second place Pahrump Valley (399) and Palo Verde (402).

The region's top two teams move on to the state tournament, along with the top five independent golfers. While Palo Verde did not qualify, senior Sonja Pejak will represent them at the state tournament after shooting an 11-over-par 81 to take fourth place and qualify as an individual competitor.

“I hung in there today but I still felt like a I could have knocked off a few more strokes,” Pejak said. “I’m excited for state and can’t wait to give it my all. I think I have a better chance this year than last. I just have to work on my driving accuracy and my chipping and hope for a little miracle.”

Accompanying Pejak as independent qualifiers are Western’s Charlee Kapiioho, Arbor View’s Alyssa Ballew, Spring Valley’s Julia Graham and Centennial’s Anna McLaughlin.

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.