Dos Pueblos’ Emily Fox and Nicole Bullemer proved there is no “I” in team, pairing up to finish third in the best-ball Lady Pirate Invitational at Alisal Ranch on Wednesday.
Fox and Bullemer combined to card a 75, five shots off the pace set by the winning team from St. Joseph. Vanesa Villa and Grace Jeong also competed for the Chargers and turned in an 83.
Santa Barbara brought two pairs for the first time in coach Ryan Throop’s tenure, with returners Olivia Fanaro, Lexi Ortega and Haley True making the trip along with freshman Saralisa Ortega.
“This was the first time we ever brought four girls and we could have brought seven,” noted Throop, looking forward to having his entire team return from last year’s CIF playoff team.
Fanaro, a sophomore, led the Dons with an individual score of 90. Lexi Ortega followed with a 94, True a 94, and Saralisa a 103.
The best-ball tournament was a full 18-hole event, unusual for CIF girls golf.
“The girls get to play 18 holes and it’s kind of fun to do a little different format,” said DP’s head coach Rob Schiff.
The Chargers return to stroke play on Wednesday when they host Valencia at Glen Annie. Santa Barbara heads south to play Pacifica on Wednesday and then a three-way meet with Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks on Thursday. The Dons’ home opener is not until Sept. 21 against Oxnard at Montecito Country Club.
