Johansson, Vaqueros take first-round lead in State Tourney

Freshman Fanny Johansson fired a 1-over 74 to grab the lead on Monday and help SBCC forge a 10-stroke advantage after the first round of the State Championship women's golf tournament.

Johansson has a two-shot lead over Laleaga Meredith of Irvine Valley.

The Vaqueros, champions of the Southern Cal Regional, lead the four-team field at 317. SBCC's four scoring players averaged 79.25 on the par-73, 5,797-yard layout. Fullerton, the South runner-up, is second at 327, followed by Northern Regional champ Canada (333) and Modesto (342).

Vaquero freshman Vanesa Villa shot 77 and is tied for third. Saralisa Ortega and Maggie Daly carded 83s. Santa Barbara, 66-3 on the season, is making its fourth State Championship appearance in the last eight years. The Vaqueros won State titles in 2006 and 2008 and finished second in 2007.

"It was a cold day, in the mid-50s, and the ball wasn't flying as far," said coach Chuck Melendez. "I was proud of Maggie Daly. She had a few tough holes but she just kept battling.

"I'm happy with how we performed but I know we can do better tomorrow."

The final round gets underway at 8:30 a.m.
  
State Championships
First round
At par-73 Tracy Country Club
 Team -- 1, SBCC 317. 2, Fullerton 327. 3, Canada 333. 4, Modesto 342.
 Individual (par 73) – 1, Fanny Johansson, SBCC, 74. 2, Laleaga Meredith, Irvine Valley, 76.
 SBCC scores -- 1, Johansson 74. 3 (tie), Vanesa Villa 77. Saralisa Ortega 83, Maggie Daly 83, Jackie Ramirez 87, Megan Herrera 88.