All Entries in the "Golf" Category

Men struggle on course

By MYLO ERICKSON

The Pima Community College men’s golf team finished seventh in a nine-team tournament Feb. 13-14 at the Legacy Golf Course in Phoenix.

Sophomore Adam Ortiz and freshmen Joseph Courtney, Mark Bolinske, Austin Stuessel, Steven Ortiz and Trey Terry had a team score of 616.

“The boys did not do well,” head coach Grant Waltke said.

No Aztecs placed in the top 10. Courtney came the closest, finishing in 13th. He shot 73 on the first day and 77 on the second. Par for the course is 71. Adam Ortiz, the team’s veteran player, shot the worst round for the Aztecs. He hit an 81 for his first round.

“I didn’t play good at all,” he said. “I was a little nervous, just ‘cause it was the first tournament.”

After the disappointing play in the season’s first tournament, Waltke will shake up the team. Only Adam Ortiz, Courtney, Bolinske and Stuessel will travel to the next tournament. Prospective players will compete for the two remaining team spots.

Waltke said he’ll have his four travel players work on putting, chipping and sand play in preparation for their next challenge, a tournament hosted by Glendale Community College on March 1 and 2 at Sun City South Golf Course.

“It’s an old people’s course, but a good course,” Waltke said.

The other players will concentrate on trying to make the team.

“I have to go back to into qualifying, which is fine cause I know what I can do,” Steven Ortiz said. “I’m pretty sure I’ll get another spot, but it is what it is.”

Waltke, who has been coaching golf for more than 20 years, is confident his current team has potential. He said the players just have to develop confidence and find their stride on the course.

“I know they’re going to do better, I just know, ‘cause they can’t do any worse,” he said.

Freshman Nikko Grau, who is red-shirting this year but hopes to contribute next year, expects the team to improve.

“We’ll definitely get to the caliber we need to be by the time regionals and nationals get out there,” he said.

Adam Ortiz concentrates on putting at the Canoa Ranch golf course. Photo by MYLO ERICKSON.

Women out-of-bounds

By MYLO ERICKSON

The Pima Community College women’s golf team teed off its season in Phoenix at the Toka Sticks Golf Course on Feb. 15-16. Chandler-Gilbert Community College hosted the tournament.

The Aztecs did not fare well in their first outing. They don’t have enough players to be able amass a team score, and no player shot under 90 or finished in the top 10.

Abriana Romero had the lowest scores for the Aztecs with a 92 on her first day of the competition and a 98 on the second day. The par for Toka Sticks is 72.

Alondra Olivas shot a 109 on her first day and a then lowered it by 10 strokes the next day. Shelby Empens shot a 103 on her first day and then lowered it by three strokes in her second outing.

“The girls didn’t do as well as they did in practice,” head coach Bill Nicol said.

Nicol thought the women had a hard time with the course as it has a lot of desert around it, with deep bunkers. The course also has out-of-bounds areas on both sides.

Romero lost a ball in one of the trees on the course. The refs were unable to identify her ball in the tree, so that added to her score. This was a new circumstance for Nicol.

Nicol is going to have them to continue to work on their short game in coming practices. He and the ladies are also trying to find a fourth member for the squad.

“I’d like to see them drop their scores by 10 to 15 strokes,” Nicol said. “We’ll see if that can happen.”

The Aztecs will get a chance to improve on Feb. 27 and 28 as they head to Laveen, Ariz. to play in a tournament hosted by South Mountain Community College at Legacy Golf Course. South Mountain Community College will host the tournament.

Women open season Feb. 15

By MYLO ERICKSON

 The Pima Community College women’s golf team will open it season at a tournament in Phoenix on Feb. 15-16. Chandler-Gilbert Community College will host the tourney at Toka Sticks Golf Course.

Toka Sticks is actually an old Air Force base’s golf course. Head coach Bill Nicol said the course has an uncomplicated design and is not particularly difficult to play.

“Probably to keep the officers happy,” Nicol said.

The team will compete with just three players, as Rachel Clark had to withdraw. Pima players will now play solely as individuals at tournaments, because it takes four players to qualify for a team score.

Nicol thinks the biggest hurdle for his team has nothing to do with the course. The other teams’ performances will present bigger challenges, he believes.

He feels the toughest team this year will be Mesa Community College.

“They all will be contributing,” Nicol said.

His confidence seems to be growing as he sees the women improve with every practice.

“Just hoping I do really good and get close to the team,” freshman Shelby Empens said about what she hopes to get out of this season.

The women try to pick each other up when they’re down.

“Right from the beginning, we all pretty much got along,” freshman Abriana Romero said. “We all like to go out there and have fun, but we push each other a lot. If someone makes a mistake, we definitely bring each other back up.”

Nicol doesn’t see one player standing out more than the others. He sees them all playing well, and will just see what happens at the tournament.

Sophomore Alondra Olivas is hoping to bring a veteran presence to the team. Empens and Romero played in nationals with their respective high schools.

“I would say leading in a sense of encouragement,” Olivas said. “I’m sure that some of the girls play better than I do.”

Photo by Mylo Erickson

Men’s coach names four of six players to team

By MYLO ERICKSON

Pima Community College men’s golf head coach Grant Waltke is excited to get this season swinging.

“I’m looking forward to see how the guys play as a team,” he said.

Waltke has officially named four of the six players who will travel to tournament matches this year. They are Adam Ortiz, Steven Ortiz, Joseph Courtney and Mark Bolinske.

During practice at the Canoa Ranch course, Courtney shot a 5-under-par 66, which is the lowest score that Waltke has seen in his numerous years coaching the team.

In the next few weeks, Waltke will choose from among the last few players competing for a spot to determine the fifth and sixth players for the team.

One player who has a shot at claiming a final spot is Jonathon “Tommy” Chong Jr., 26. He decided to come back to school, and joined the team a couple of weeks ago.

Pima’s first tournament will be at Phoenix’s Legacy Golf Course on Feb. 13-14.

Waltke said the hardest part for his players will be holding back on their shots and not taking risks, which is something competitors who have played the course more often are apt to do.

One hole at LGC provides an option to hit the ball over the corner of a house as a shortcut to the pin.

Waltke is ready to see how the guys will handle themselves on the course with the added pressure of tournament play.

“It’ll give us a chance to see how we’re making mistakes, or if we even are making them,” Waltke said.

Men’s golf has new faces

By MYLO ERICKSON

The Pima Community College men’s golf team only has one player returning from last season. Currently there are nine players on the roster, with two players being ineligible due to grades.

Adam Ortiz is the only player returning to the team. Ortiz helped Pima finish 20th at nationals last year, and took 75th place individually.

Joining the team will be Ortiz’s younger brother, Steven Ortiz, who head coach Grant Waltke figures may be the team’s best player this season.

“We should be just as good, if not a little better, than last year,” Waltke said.

Waltke believes the team should manage to make nationals again this year.

A player of note is Joseph Courtney.

Courtney is from Montana and grew up on a ranch that was 60 miles from the nearest city or golf course.

All the guys get along, and have a good time while they’re playing.

“That allows them to play well,” Waltke said.

Waltke feels that all the guys drive the ball well and the facets of their games they will mostly need to work on are chipping and putting.

Chipping and putting are what nine out of 10 golfers have the most problems with, Waltke feels.

Men’s home course will once again reside in Green Valley, Ariz., the team will be playing both courses, Torres Blancas and Canoa Ranch.

However, the team will not be hosting a tournament this year.

Pima will be traveling to courses all over the Phoenix area, which can still take its toll on players, as they spend quite a bit of time traveling.

Waltke feels that it may put them at a disadvantage, as they can’t afford to spend the money to stay an extra night ahead of the tournament and pay for a practice round on the course.

Pima is the only school that doesn’t take practice rounds.

He is optimistic, though, as the guys usually play their best round of golf the first time through, as they take their time and set up their shots.

“They have an advantage. They get to sleep in their own beds at night and get up, then play a round of golf,” Waltke said about the Phoenix-area teams.

Waltke is happy with the group of guys he has and feels they should compete this year. The top teams they will face are Scottsdale Community College, Mesa Community College and South Mountain Community College.

“Looking forward to a good year; I have a great group of boys,” Waltke said.

Chipping into a new year

By MYLO ERICKSON

Pima Community College women’s golf team once again will only have four players on the roster this year and only one of the players is returning.

Sophomore Alondra Olivas will be the only one to return.

New players joining Olivas this season are freshman Rachel Clark from Tucson High School,  freshman Shelby Empens from Mountain View High School and freshman Abri Romero from St. Joseph’s College Prep.

Head coach Bill Nicol is not sure of what the outcome may be this season as there is new ladies playing all through out the conference.

“We’re not going to be a weak team, will we be the best, I don’t know,” Nicol said.

According to Nicol all the coaches are talking up how good their teams are, but he won’t believe them until he sees it.

Nicol is confident in his girls as Olivas practiced over the break and made a great improvement in her game.

All the women’s long game and tee shots are looking strong this season.

Pima will have a home tournament on March 26 and 27, it will be held at Silverbell Golf Course.

Last year the ladies hosted their tournament at Randolph Golf Course, although they have switched it up their location they will be practicing at a few different golf courses around town.

They are still holding some practices at Randolph as well as Silverbell and at Fred Enke Golf Course. Nicol hopes this will help the girls game, so that they are not just use to one type of course.

Nicol is working with all of the girls on their short game and feels that their biggest challenge is Legacy Golf Course in Laveen, Ariz. as it has some really deep bunkers.

“I think it’s going to be an enjoyable time,” Nicol said.

He says that the ladies seem to be getting along real well, as two of them are familiar with each other from high school competitions.

Pima will start the season on the road in a tournament on February 15 and 16. It will be hosted by Chandler-Gilbert Community College at the Toka Sticks Golf Course in Phoenix.

Mesa Community College may be the team to beat as in the past it was either Mesa or Pima winning the conference.

Whatever the outcome, Nicol is excited for the season and curious to see the what’ll happen at the end.

“We may not win, but we’ll be in the running,” Nicol said.

Mylo Erickson/ Aztec Press

Summer recap: Aztec sports ranked no. 22 in the nation

By MYLO ERICKSON
Daniels photo by ED ADAMS
Contreras photo by JAMES KELLEY

Pima Community College stayed in the top 25 of the national ranking of athletic departments, but slipped a bit.

In the 2010-11 rankings, PCC dropped six spots, to No. 22 from its all-time best No. 16 in 2009-10. The National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators ranked the two year schools that give scholarships by their performances at Nationals last year.

Again the Aztec women led the way, earning a total of 55.5 points, after 41 last year and the men earned 15, down from 28.5.

Arizona Community College Athletic Conference rivals Central Arizona College and Mesa Community College both finished in the top 20. Central finished eighth with a total of 101.5 and Mesa was No. 16 with a total of 73 points.

Hall of Fame honors Deanna Daniels

Pima ended their 2010-11 season women’s basketball on a high note, finishing runner-up at Nationals and its superstar was honored by the hall of fame.

Deanna Daniels

Sophomore forward Deanna Daniels was Pima’s top player all season long and in May the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame requested her home jersey to be displayed in Knoxville, Tenn.

Daniels earned numerous awards, like first team All-American and CAT Power Player Award at Nationals, averaging 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Softball team falls in Regional title game

The softball team came up one run short of a trip to Nationals in extra innings and an upset of eventual national Champion Yavapai College on the road at Regionals.

Second seeded Pima (51-14) dropped the first championship game of the double elimination Regional tourney 3-2 to top seeded Yavapai College in the bottom of the ninth and then the second championship game 12-3. Pima’s arch rivals ended the Aztecs’ season in the Regional championship game for the third year in a row.

After leading the ACCAC in strikeouts, freshman pitcher Mari Contreras (30-3) earned first team All-American honors by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Also on the first team of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-West Region was freshman utility Jessica Schneider.

Sophomore catcher Charissa Ballesteros and sophomore first baseman Mercedes Garcia were All-West Region 2nd Team.

In other Pima softball news, the University of Arizona hired Yavapai head coach Stacy Iveson, returning the former Pima coach to Tucson after her fourth NJCAA National Championship and her second in three years. Former Aztec Lisa Parks was named her replacement.

Parks was a two time All-American at Pima, leading the Aztecs to the 2004 National Champions, one of two national titles won by Iveson at PCC, the other in 2006.

Baseball swept by Central in first round

The baseball team’s return to the playoffs was short lived.

The fourth seeded Aztecs’ (29-27) return to the playoffs after a four year hiatus ended in two games after being swept on the road by top seeded Central Arizona in the Regional semifinals. The Vaqueros won the first of the three game series 4-1 and then the second 8-0.

Central finished second at Nationals.

Track and field finish 18th and 21st at Nationals

 Women’s track and field finished 18th at Nationals and the men’s team finished 21st.

For the men, freshman Dylan Moeykens finished fourth in the decathlon. Sophomore Christian Tovar and freshman Chris Howard finished seventh and eighth respectively in the shot put and sophomore Frederick Scarber finished 10th in the high jump.

The women’s 4×800 relay team, freshman Mary Cozby, sophomore Brianna Fugere, freshman Elizabeth Romero and sophomore Janeen Yazzie finished in fifth place.

Sophomore Ashley Dorado placed sixth in the 400 meter hurdles, freshman Jaqi Bell finished eighth in the javelin and Cozby tenth in the 1500 meter run.

At Regionals the women placed 3rd and the men 4th.

Mari Contreras

Women’s tennis earns best-ever Division I finish

 The women’s tennis team finished off their season at the Reffkin Tennis Center in Tucson at the 2011 NJCAA National Tournament where they earned their best ever Division I finish, 15th.

Pima’s No. 1 singles player, freshman Tatum Rochin, won her consolation bracket defeating her opponent 8-2.

The No. 1 doubles team of Rochin and freshman Victoria Bravo and the No. 2 doubles team of sophomore Lydia Carlson and freshman Olivia Cole-Encinas both made it to the finals of their consolation bracket.

Rochin and Bravo lost 8-6, while Carlson and Cole-Encinas lost their match 8-4.

Fifteenth is the women’s best finish since moving into the NJCAA Division I in 2004.

Men’s tennis finishes 13th at Nationals

Pima Community College men’s tennis team ended their season 13th at the 2011 NJCAA National Tournament in Plano, Texas.

Their No. 1 player, sophomore Alan Barrios was eliminated in his consolation bracket final by scores 7-5 and 6-4. No. 5 freshman Jacob Nino ended up winning his consolation bracket with a score of 6-1 and 6-3.

Pima also had a good performance out of its No. 1 doubles team pair of sophomore Andrew Barnett and freshman Timothy Holten. Barnett/Holten won two matches on the final day to claim the top of their consolation bracket against College of Dupage (Ill.) 6-4 and 7-6 and McHenry (Ill.) College 7-6 and 7-5.

Men’s golf finishes 20th at Nationals

Aztec men’s golf ended the 2011 NJCAA National Golf Tournament in 20th place overall.

Pima shot a total of 1220 as a team over the four day tournament.

Sophomore Mark Ontiveros was the top Aztec as he finished the four days with a shot total of 300 which was third best among all ACCAC competitors and good enough to earn him a tie for 37th place.

The next finishes for Pima were sophomore Robert Perrott III who finished in a tie for 63rd place with a total of 305, freshman Adam Ortiz finished in 75th with a total of 309, and sophomore Anthony Grijalva placed 85th overall with a score of 311.

Women’s golf duo finishes 40th and 64th at Nationals

Aztec women’s golf finished off their season at Nationals in Daytona, Fla.

The only two representatives were freshmen Alyssa Vega and Chloe Treece.

Overall, Treece tied for 40th place with a four-day total of 350. Shooting 96 on the first day, a 86 on the second, 79 on the third and 89 on the final day.

Vega finished off her season in 64th place with a four day total of 376. She shot 94 on her first day, a 90 on the second, a 97 on the third and a 95 on the final day.

Follow us on Twitter for Aztec sports news and scores

POSTSEASON UPDATE: Men’s golf finishes 20th at Nationals

May 20 PCC press release
Aztec Press photo by LEFTRICK HERD

ODESSA, TX – The Pima Community College men’s golf team wrapped play at the 2011 NJCAA National Golf Tournament, Friday afternoon. As a team the Aztecs finished in 20th place overall as they had a four day total of 1220.

The Aztecs shot 307 on the tournament’s final day. Mark Ontiveros (SO, Tucson, AZ, Sahuaro HS) led the way as he played his best round shooting a 73. Ontiveros finished the tournament in a tie for 37th place overall, with a four day total of 300, which was third best amongst ACCAC competitors.

Robert Perrott (SO, Tucson, AZ, Salpointe HS) had the next best finish for PCC as he earned a tie for 63rd with a final round of 78, and a tournament total of 305.

Adam Ortiz (FR, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) shot his first round outside the 70’s as he shot a 82, finishing in tied for 75th with a total of 309. Anthony Grijalva (SO, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) was next on the list for PCC as he finished with a round of 77 and tied for 85th place, which was up seven spots from his day-three finish. Sean Mullen (FR, Tucson, AZ, Palo Verde HS) was the final Aztec competitor at the National Championship and he finished in 105th place with a round of 79.

Men’s golf improves but drops to 20th

May 19 PCC press release

ODESSA, TX – The Pima Community College men’s golf team showed a little improvement at the 2011 NJCAA National Golf Tournament, Thursday afternoon, as they bettered Wednesday’s team score by eight strokes, but the team dropped three spots to 20th place overall.

As a group, the Aztecs shot 302 on day three and were led by a trio of players that sit with a three-day total of 227 and a tie for 58th place overall. Robert Perrott (SO, Tucson, AZ, Salpointe HS) led the PCC top three with a round of 75, which was just ahead of Mark Ontiveros (SO, Tucson, AZ, Sahuaro HS) with 76. Adam Ortiz (FR, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) continued his steady play as he finished his third round at 77 strokes.

Anthony Grijalva 92nd (SO, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) and Sean Mullen T103 (FR, Tucson, AZ, Palo Verde HS) had their best rounds of the Championship Tournament as Grijalva shot a 75 and Mullen 76.

The Aztecs will be back in action tomorrow as they take part in the final day of play at the Odessa Country Club.

Robert Perrott III

Men’s golf drops to 17th after second day

May 18 PCC press release

ODESSA, TX – The Pima Community College men’s golf team took part in their second day of play on at the 2011 NJCAA National Golf Tournament where they dropped five spots as a team to a tie for 17th place overall.

As a group, the Aztecs shot 310 and were led by Mark Ontiveros (SO, Tucson, AZ, Sahuaro HS) who shot a 75 and has a two day total of 151. Adam Ortiz (FR, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) was just one shot behind Ontiveros with 76 but sits one shot ahead of his teammate after two days at 150.

Robert Perrott (SO, Tucson, AZ, Salpointe HS) sits with a two day total of 152 after he shot a 79 on the second day of the Championship. Sean Mullen (FR, Tucson, AZ, Palo Verde HS) hit an 80 (162) and Anthony Grijalva (SO, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) finished at 81 (159) to wrap up PCC’s day at the Odessa County Club.

All five golfers will be back in action tomorrow as the season ending tournament runs through May 20th.

Men’s golf in 12th after one day at Nationals

May 17 PCC press release

ODESSA, TX – The Pima Community College men’s golf team wrapped up day-one play on at the 2011 NJCAA National Tournament with 12th place team finish after the opening round. The Aztecs sit in the middle of the pack, amongst the field of 23 teams at the Odessa Country Club.

Robert Perrott (SO, Tucson, AZ, Salpointe HS) was the top finisher for the Aztecs as he shot a 73 on day one. Adam Ortiz (FR, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) was just behind his teammate as he shot an opening round 74.

Three other Aztec golfers competed on day one as Mark Ontiveros (SO, Tucson, AZ, Sahuaro HS) scored a 76, while Anthony Grijalva (SO, Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge HS) finished at 78. Sean Mullen (FR, Tucson, AZ, Palo Verde HS) wrapped up the PCC day as he carded an 82 on the Championships opening day.

All five golfers will be back in action tomorrow as the season ending tournament runs through May 20th.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores.

POSTSEASON UPDATE: Women’s golf duo finishes 40th and 64 at Nationals

May 19 PCC press release
Aztec Press photo by MYLO ERICKSON

DAYTONA, FL – The Pima Community College women’s golf season came to an end Thursday, as Chloe Treece (FR, Mountlake Terrace, WA, Mountlake Terrace HS) and Alyssa Vega (FR, Tucson, AZ, Sabino HS) wrapped up play at the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Golf Championships, Thursday afternoon.

Treece struggled a little on the tournament’s final day as she shot an 89 and finished with a four day total of 350 (96, 86, 79, 89). Vega finished with a final round of 95 and a four day total of 376 (94, 90, 97,95).

For their efforts, Treece ends the Championship Tournament tied for 40th place overall and Vega finished in 64th.

Women’s golfer Treece shoots 79 on third day at Nationals

May 18 PCC press release

DAYTONA, FL – Pima Community College golfers, Chloe Treece (FR, Mountlake Terrace, WA, Mountlake Terrace HS) and Alyssa Vega (FR, Tucson, AZ, Sabino HS) continued play at the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Golf Championships, Wednesday afternoon.

Treece continues to improve with each round as she shot a 79 on Wednesday, which was seven strokes off of the day’s best at the LPGA International Golf Club in Daytona, Florida. Treece’s three day total now stands at 261 (96, 86, 79) which is good enough for a tie on the 35th place overall.

Alyssa Vega

Vega struggled a little on day three as she shot a 97 which is her highest one day total of the Championship. Vega has recorded a three day total of 281 (94, 90, 97) and currently sits in 60th place overall.

Both of the Aztec golfers will play their final rounds of the National Championship tomorrow afternoon as Treece tees off at noon, while Vega starts at 12:50 pm.

Women’s golfers improve at Nationals

May 17 PCC press release

DAYTONA, FL – The Pima Community College women’s golf team’s two members competing as individuals at the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Championships had better performances on day two at the LPGA International Golf Club in Daytona, Florida.

Chloe Treece (FR, Mountlake Terrace, WA, Mountlake Terrace HS) bettered her day one score by ten strokes as she finished at 86 and a two day total of 182. Treece also jumped up 19 spots to a tie at 48th overall.

Alyssa Vega (FR, Tucson, AZ, Sabino HS) also cut some strokes off of her tournament average as she shot a 90, giving her a two day total of 184. Vega also advanced four spots to 54th overall.

The two PCC golfers will be back on the course tomorrow afternoon as Treece tees off at noon, while Vega starts at 12:50 pm.

Vega leading women’s golf duo at Nationals

May 16 PCC press release

DAYTONA, FL – The Pima Community College women’s golf team has two members competing as individuals at the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Championships at the LPGA International Golf Club in Daytona, Florida.

Of the two Aztecs in competition, Alyssa Vega (FR, Tucson, AZ, Sabino HS) had the better day on the Par 72, 6139 yard course as she shot a total of 94 strokes (54-40). Vega is placed well back in the pack as she sits tied for 58th place overall. Chloe Treece (FR, Mountlake Terrace, WA, Mountlake Terrace HS) finished two strokes behind her teammate as she finished at 96 (47-49) and tied for 67th place overall.

The duo will be back in action tomorrow as Vega is scheduled to tee off at 1:00 pm and Treece at 1:10.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores.

ONLINE EXTRA: Women’s golf: Vega, Treece qualify for Nationals

Story and photo by MYLO ERICKSON

The Pima Community College women’s golf team ended the regular season strong, finishing fourth in a two-day tournament at their home course, Dell Urich.

The Aztecs shot a team total of 724, and finished two strokes behind third-place Scottsdale Community College.

Pima also had two finishers in the top six for individual awards.

Freshman Chloe Treece finished second with a two-day score of 155, her best finish of the year. Treece also had her best single-day score on the first day of the tournament, shooting a 75. Par was 70.

Freshman Alyssa Vega had a sixth-place finish, with a two-day total of 163. She finished in the top six at every tournament this year.

“I was happy with my overall finish for the season and placing in every tournament,” she said.

Both Vega and Treece will head to Daytona to the LPGA National course on May 16-18 for the National Junior College Athletic Association Golf National Championship.

“I’ve never been to Florida, so I’m really excited to go,” Treece said.

Vega and Treece both were all-star picks. Vega was voted to the All- Arizona Community College Athletic Conference first team and NJCAA All-Region first team. Treece picked up an All-ACCAC second team nod.

Both freshman Alondra Olivas and freshman Kayla Signorio improved on their first-day totals at Pima’s tournament. Olivas improved by nine strokes and Signorio by seven strokes.

“Today, I’m actually very pleased,” Olivas said. “I did a few silly things, but overall I’m pretty pleased. I think this is the best I’ve played in the whole season, so I think I ended it with a bang.”

Signorio wasn’t as pleased with her performance, but still felt satisfied.

Alyssa Vega

“Overall I could have done way better,” she said. “I’ve done way better, so not the best but getting there.”

In the buildup to Nationals, Vega will work on her short game and trying to hit the green. She has heard that some areas around the greens on the course in Florida can be marshy, so she wants to avoid that.

In the last two years, Nationals were shortened by rain in Florida.

Treece will work on the mental part of her game by trying to keep from getting overly frustrated after a bad shot. She will also try to minimize her mistakes. Her example was taking four putts to get the ball into the cup after getting on the green in one shot.

During the tournament, most of the Aztecs hung out behind the 18th green after they finished, and applauded each teammate as she made her final putt.

When everyone had finished, all of the teams got together for a giant group photo.

“It’s been a fun year,” head coach Bill Nicol said with a smile.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores.

Men’s golf, Perott III win Regionals

Story by MYLO ERICKSON
Photo by LEFTRICK HERD

Pima Community College men’s golf team head coach Grant Waltke was confident about his team’s chances, but the Aztecs trailed Scottsdale Community College heading into the final day at Regionals.

With sophomore Robert Perrott III leading the way by shooting a 70 on the final day, the Aztecs came from behind to beat Scottsdale by seven strokes at the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 1 Tournament.

The four-day tourney was April 28-May 1 at the par-72 Palm Valley Golf Course at Goodyear, Ariz.

Pima shot a team total 1,201 over the four days. Perrott III shot a 287 for the tournament, one under par.

“Everybody did their part to help us win,” Waltke said.

Perrott III won Regionals and was named All-Region 1.

Robert Perrott III

The Aztecs’ win came after their fifth player, freshman Chris Robbins, was academically ineligible. Freshman Sean Mullen stepped into his spot and played well.

Mullen rose to the challenge and placed sixth overall for the individual award. He just missed out on All-Region, as only the top five were selected.

“We wouldn’t have won without him,” Waltke said.

Up next for the Aztecs is Nationals, May 15-18 in Odessa, Texas, at Odessa Country Club.

Perrott III, Mullen, sophomore Anthony Grijalva, sophomore Mark Ontiveros and freshman Adam Ortiz will compete. Last year the Aztecs finished 18th at Nationals.

PCC will take a week off for finals before preparing for Nationals.

“After four days straight, they need a break,” Waltke said.

Waltke is hoping for a top 10 finish at Nationals, which “would be a super success.”

In Waltke’s previous 20 years as coach, the Aztecs have only finished in the top 10 once.

Waltke just had one last thing to say, “Go Aztecs!”

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores.

Women’s golfers have fun, ready to host tournament

By MYLO ERICKSON

Once again, the Pima Community College women’s golf team finished in fifth place.

The Aztecs were fifth for the fourth time this year at the Legacy Golf Course in Laveen, Ariz., in a tournament hosted by South Mountain Community College.

Freshman Alyssa Vega took fifth overall in the individual awards, shooting a two-day total of 163. The par for two days on the course is 144.

Vega made a comeback on the second day. She improved on her first-day total by seven strokes, and ended her second day with a total of 78.

Freshman Chloe Treece placed eighth overall in the individual, missing out of the awards by two spots.

Pima will next host its annual tournament April 25-26 at their home course Dell Urich, which marks the only time this year that the Aztecs compete in Tucson. A map can be found at AztecPressOnline.com.

Although the women aren’t having the success they had hoped for, they are still enjoying the experience.

“It’s a lot of fun, we get to travel to all these different courses,” Treece said.

“I really enjoyed this experience,” freshman Kayla Signorio added.

The teammates enjoyed the time spent hanging around each other. “We’re like sisters,” Signorio said.

They have seen moments of success in their personal games, but still notice room for improvement.

“I’ve definitely matured more in golf, everything else not so much,” freshman Alondra Olivas said with a laugh.

The host tournament provides the last chance to earn awards before Nationals. The top three teams will go, as well as five individuals.

“I would just like to win one,” Vega said.

Pima head coach Bill Nicol is confident that both Vega and Treece will make it to Nationals. “Hopefully we’ll do as well as we usually do,” he said.

Nicol will have the women working on chipping and putting, plus a little extra.

“I’ll have them work on their smiles, to look good for the home crowd,” he said.

On Deck

April 25-26: Pima CC (Dell Urich GC), 11 a.m.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores.

Men’s golfers confident heading to Regionals

By MYLO ERICKSON
Photo by LEFTRICK HERD

Members of the Pima Community College men’s golf team finished off the regular season by finishing second in their division and fourth overall.

Pima competed at the Legend of Arrowhead Golf Course in Glendale in a tourney hosted by Paradise Valley Community College on April 18-19.

“We had a successful season,” head coach Grant Waltke said.

The Aztecs finished the tournament by shooting a team total of 610.

Freshman Adam Ortiz finished fifth overall individually. This was Ortiz’s first individual medal of the season, as he shot total of 148 for the two days. His total was four over par for the course and he shot 74 for each day.

Pima had three men all end up with some medals in the regular season.

When freshman Chris Robbins had to miss the tournament due to the flu, sophomore Ryan Kern filling in. Kern shot a 78 on the first day, which is six over par. He followed up on the second day by shooting an 84.

This was Kern’s first and only tournament for the Aztecs, as he is graduating after the semester and moving out of state.

“He helped us,” Waltke said.

Robert Perrott III

Waltke is extremely confident that his team will win the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 1 Tournament, which starts April 28.

“I think they’re peaking for it,” Waltke said.

Regionals will be played at Palm Valley Golf Course in Goodyear, Ariz.

Waltke feels the Aztecs on his team could win all of the top individual medals but will win at least two or three.

“Golf is very week to week, some days you have it, some days you don’t,” Waltke said.

Waltke expects the Aztecs to make it to Nationals, where he is hoping for a top 10 finish and an All-American.

The team will practice chipping and putting, Waltke said.

“In baseball when you hit a foul ball it’s only a strike,” he said. “In golf you have to chase after your foul balls.”

On Deck

April 28-May 1: NJCAA Region I Tournament, Palm Valley GC (Goodyear, Ariz.)

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores

PCC to host 20th annual scholarship golf tourney

By JAMES SARGENT

Pima Community College will host the 20th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on June 11 at Dell Urich Golf Course.

The proceeds from the event will provide scholarships to financially challenged students attending PCC.

Last year, seven Pima students were provided scholarships.

This year, the PCC Scholarship Endowment Fund joins to honor the memory of the victims from the Jan. 8 tragedy, which claimed the lives of six Tucson community members and seriously injured Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

The victims included Gabe Zimmerman, son of Pima employee Ross Zimmerman. A scholarship endowment will be set up in his memory.
Sponsorships range from $100 to $10,000, and provide a variety of benefits.

Participants can enter in teams of four, at a cost of $75 per golfer or $300 for a team entry. Each golfer will receive a golf gift pack, lunch and the opportunity to compete for prizes and participate in the tournament raffle.

For more information on selecting sponsorship levels and registering golfers, visit the tourney’s website.

If you have any questions, contact Tournament Chairman Kirk Kelly at 206-4809 or e-mail golftournament@pima.edu.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores

‘Pancake’ leads men’s golf to 3rd

By MYLO ERICKSON
Photo by LEFTRICK HERD

Anthony “Pancake” Grijalva won the Pima Community College men’s golf team’s tournament at Scottsdale Community College.

Grijalva, a sophomore, led the Aztecs to a third place finish at the tourney at Hillcrest Golf Course in Sun City, Ariz. With Pima’s best individual performance of the season. Grijalva shot two under par, 142.
PCC finished just five strokes behind the first place team, South Mountain Community College.

Head coach Grant Waltke said he gave Grijalva his nickname of “Pancake” because he said all Grijalva eats are pancakes and waffles.

Anthony Grijalva

Pima had the lowest team score on the second day. They shot a team total of 287 on the second day. The Aztecs finished off the two days with a team total of 586, which was one under par for a team total.
Waltke is excited at the men’s constant improvement as the weeks go by.

“I’m really proud of them and the results they got on this tournament,” Waltke said.

Sophomore Robert Perrott III missed finishing in the top six by just one stroke.

“We’re getting better every tournament,” Waltke said.

The team is managing to accomplish these goals while not taking practice rounds on the courses the day before the tournament.

Waltke is just going to keep the guys working on their chipping and their putting.

“That’s the routine, that’s how you score,” Waltke said.

The Aztecs celebrated their third place finish and Grijalva’s first place finish by grabbing a bite to eat at Olive Garden.

Waltke feels that they have been grabbing the attention of the other colleges.

“We got the other teams nervous because we’re gaining on them,” Waltke.

Follow us on Twitter for sports news and scores