Steven, Libby Out to Strong Start in 2021
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The SBCC women's golf team has impressed in its competitions so far in 2021, with freshman Carlee Steven and Ginger Libby both ranking in the top-8 of the Western State Conference through their first two tournaments.
Latest 2021 WSC Individual Standings
(8/30) WSC #1 - at BuenaVentura GC (Chuck Melendez Invite)
Carlee Steven - 75 (T-2nd)
Ginger Libby - 86 (10th)
It was a full field at BuenaVentura for the Chuck Melendez Invitational. Carlee Steven had four birdies on the front nine. However, a couple of unfortunate bounces – including losing a ball that stayed in a tree – led to a double bogey. Steven ended up finishing in a tie for second place.
After losing her true freshman year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Ginger Libby came out with some early nerves, but quickly overcame them by firing a solid 86. That was good for an individual 10th-place finish. Libby also lost a couple of shots to losing a ball in a tree, but other than that, she had a solid day of pars and bogeys.
"I thought our ladies did a great job of coming out and competing in their first collegiate match. Both individually finishing in the top-10 was a great accomplishment and I really believe they'll continue to improve throughout the year." – Head Coach Devin Engebretsen
(9/6) WSC #2 - at Sundale CC (Bakersfield)
Carlee Steven - 85
Ginger Libby - 87
On a 104-degree day, the Vaquero golfers had some good shots, but also some struggles.
Walking 18 holes in that heat can melt any swing, but our ladies prevailed through the round with Carlee Steven firing an 85 followed by Ginger Libby's 87.
"Obviously, it was a very hot day, but I am very proud of how our golfers pushed through the round. A couple of players from other teams had to withdraw mid-round, which was understandable, but I was impressed the way Carlee and Ginger were able to push through. Ginger did an exceptional job of finishing the last 3 holes at 1 under par, including a birdie on 16 followed by pars on the final two holes." – Engebretsen
(9/13) WSC #3 - at Alisal River GC (SBCC)
Carlee Steven - 83
SBCC hosted the WSC #3 match, bringing all 6 schools to the River Course in Solvang. As a home match, our golfers could expect to play well and compete for the day's medal.
Unfortunately, Ginger Libby was a late scratch due to injury, so Carlee Steven had to represent the Vaqueros for the day. After an early rough start that saw her 6-over through the first 7 holes, Steven was able to right the ship and finish the day at 11-over, good for an 83.
She came home with four straight pars, and narowily missed a 10-footer for par on 14 that would have seen her par the final 5 holes.
"Carlee had a rough start with bogeys on four of the first five holes, and then a double on hole six. But to her credit, she was able to bear down and start making some pars. She had a great finish on those last four, and I really think she is learning how to compete at this level. The sky is the limit for her, and I think she can compete for the individual conference title." – Engebretsen
Next Up
SBCC travels to Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande on Monday, Sept. 20 for the State Preview. The State Championship will be held at Cypress in mid-November.