Solem takes eighth at Estes Park Invitational

Niwot girls golf coach Ed Weaver was uncharacteristically subdued about his young team’s performance at a pair of non-league tournaments last week.

“We did…okay,” said Weaver, clearly choosing his words carefully. “We continue to get experience that’s going to be valuable for us.”

On April 24, Niwot joined 19 other teams, including Class 5A state contenders Colorado Academy and Cherry Creek, at the par-70 Ranch Country Club in Westminster for the Willie DiLoretto Invite. Facing both a challenging course and a highly competitive field, Niwot golfers struggled, especially on the back-nine.

Freshman Julia Solem (+25) was the only Cougar to break the top 50, as her 95 was good for 36th place. Freshman Trinity Pleffner (+44) finished tied for 73rd overall, while junior Avery Grace Blanco was 87th.

“There were a lot of teams and a lot of people at the DiLoretto,” remarked Weaver, noting that the field size is comparable to what his team will face at the upcoming regional tournament.

The Cougars bounced back some at the smaller Estes Park Invitational two days later, but still placed seventh in a field of nine teams. Led by Solem, whose 92 was good for eighth place overall, the Cougars finished at +91, four strokes higher than league rival Silver Creek (+87). Junior Mya Ostrom (+31) finished 19th overall, while Blanco (+40) was 29th and Pleffner (+42) was 31st.

“We played in some snow and wind as Estes,” Weaver explained. “But it’s a fun golf course. Everyone likes to play Estes, and I think the girls had a good time.”

Up next for the Cougars is the rescheduled Northern League Event #3 at Twin Peaks Golf Course on May 2, where Weaver hopes to have five golfers participating for the first time this season. Niwot will then compete in the Class 4A Region 4 tournament at Murphy Creek in Aurora on May 5.

Willie DiLoretto Invite, The Ranch Country Club, April 24

Team scores — Colorado Academy 224, Cherry Creek 245, Fossil Ridge 245, Monarch 252, Loveland 254, Broomfield 271, Thornton 276, Northglenn 277, Rocky Mountain 285, Boulder 287, Prairie View 289, Legacy 292, Fairview 297, Brighton 312, Niwot 330, Westminster 341, Horizon 342, Adams City 356, Wheat Ridge 402.

Niwot results — Solem 95, Pleffner 114, Blanco 121.

Estes Park Invitational, Estes Park Golf Course, April 26