Senior Graybill Plays in First Match; Helps Golf Defeat Elk Grove

News

ELK GROVE, Calif. – Senior Adrienne Graybill has been on the golf team for four years but had never played in a match before Monday. A native of El Dorado Hills and three-sport letter winner persevered and made her first lineup to play against Elk Grove.

“It means a lot to make it,” said Graybill after signing her card with a 46. “It is my senior year and I finally qualified for the top six to play in a match”

Golf plays six individuals in each match with the top five counting for the team score. Players compete to make the playing team by qualifying before each match, giving everyone a chance at making the team. Graybill had been close before, including missing by a single stroke just last week, but had never made it. Her match was practice.

“She was getting frustrated and had resigned herself that she was never going to get to play,” said Head Coach Bert Jones. “I told her job was to make the top six sweat and maybe grab that sixth spot. And she did.”

Finally in her fourth season, Graybill teed it up with her teammates against Elk Grove at Wildhawk Golf Club.

“It was really cool for her and I am really proud of her,” said senior Lauren Allen, who was the medalist on Monday with an even-par 36. “I have seen how hard she has worked with golf, basketball and track. I have seen her progress and I think this is the biggest year she has had for golf.”

Graybill’s 46 ranked sixth on the team and ninth in the field as St. Francis defeated Elk Grove 193-249.

“I played OK,” said Graybill of her first official round. “My putting was not very good but I hit every fairway.”

Allen led the team with a 36. Junior Patricia Sweeney and Olivia Alcoran each carded rounds of two-over par 38. Sophomore Nashla Aguero had a 40 and senior Chase Saca posted a 41.

St. Francis plays Grant on Wednesday at Haggin Oaks, giving Graybill another opportunity in the lineup since the team qualified for both matches.

“I am going to practice my putting so I can shoot in the low 40s,” said Graybill.

It is no surprise Graybill has shown the patience and drive to succeed. She is the lone three-sport athlete on the St. Francis campus last fall, playing on the varsity basketball team and running track and field. Overall, she has earned a combined five letters to date and could finish with eight by the time she graduates.

“It is not that hard if you just stay focused,” said Graybill of balancing her three sports. “I have sports all year round so there is not much of a change.”

She lists the basketball Holy Hoop matchup with Christian Brothers as the favorite moment thus far. But she is one swing away from another highlight and there is no doubt she will keep taking them.

St. Francis 193, Elk Grove 249

1. Lauren Allen, SF, 36 (medalist); 2. 2. Patricia Sweeney, SF, 38; 2. Olivia Alcoran, SF, 38; 4. Nashla Aguero; SF, 40; 4. Jillian Knox, EG, 40; 6. Chase Saca, SF, 41; 7. Arrianna Custodio, EG, 42; 8. Kyley Krum, EG, 45; 9 Adrienne Graybill, SF, 46; 10. Aleah Stevens, SG, 60; 11. Celeste Stanziola, EG, 62; 12. Jacqueline Milller EG, 66.