Scot seeking another low round

Monday, November 02, 2009
by Joseph Kairalla

Heading into today's Class 1A state golf tournament, there's no reason for St. Andrew's Jan Chanpalagrsi to think she can't win the title, or at least be considered one of the top contenders. But she'll be the last one to admit that.

Chanpalagrsi, a junior in her second year at St. Andrew's after moving from Thailand, is coming off the Region 7-1A tournament in which she shot a career-low 65, the best score of any state player.

Asked how she liked her chances to build on that round and win a state title — to be played today and tomorrow at Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club in Ocala — Chanpalagrsi was hesitant to consider herself anything but another player trying to compete.

"Golf is such a difficult game," said the 16-year-old. "But I will certainly go out and try my best and have fun."

The 65 Chanpalagrsi shot at Winston Trails Golf Club featured a double-eagle that came on the 415-yard par-five fourth hole when she holed a 5-iron from 180 yards. Although last Monday was one of her better putting days all season, she considers driving the strongest part of her game and averages 240 yards off the tee.

St. Andrew's coach Barbara Mizrahie wasn't surprised that she shot 65.

"She's an established player, a very good player and she has worked very hard to get better," Mizrahie said. "She had that double-eagle and that put her on the way to the excellent round she had."

Last season the Scots finished second at state and Chanpalagrsi shot a 147 (73-74), good enough to place ninth in the individual competition. Although Chanpalagrsi won't call herself the favorite this year, Mizrahie considers her one.

"She has a chance to do very well and could win the title," Mizrahie said of the 1A state tournament that also includes American Heritage. Park Vista competes in 2A. The boys' state tourney also starts today, in Dunnellon (Class 1A) and Ocala (Class 2A).

Chanpalagrsi consistently has shot between 68 and 72 this year, and if she shoots her average over the next two days, it could be good enough to win. The winning score last year was 137 (69-68).

Boys tournament

Class 1A

Where: Juliette Falls, Dunnellon

When: Today and Wednesday

Teams: Cardinal Newman and Benjamin

Individuals: Newman — Mike Williams, Kevin Jorden, Chase Koepka, Austin Powell, Conor Richardson. Benjamin — Clancy Waugh, Peter Mathison, Ryan Jahn, Matt and Alec Ceravolo

Outlook: Both teams have a good shot at the title.

Class 2A

Where: Silver Springs Shores, Ocala

When: Today and Wednesday

Team: Martin County

Individuals: West Boca Raton — Michael Chipolone; Park Vista — Derron Peyton; Martin County — Liam Snyder, Donnie Smith, Christian Tepley, Will Davenport, Andrew Goodman

Outlook: Martin County is a contender for the team title.

Girls tournament

Class 1A

Where: Golden Hills, Ocala

When: Today and Wednesday

Teams: St. Andrew's and American Heritage-Delray

Individuals: St Andrew's — Gabriele Schnederman, Kendra Fulmer, Kailey Walsh, Marissa Kay, Jan Chanpalagrsi. Heritage — Erica Epling, Mary Janiga, Sabina Bosses, Melissa Epling, Ashley Burke

Outlook: St. Andrew is a team-title favorite .

Class 2A

Where: Ocala Golf Club

When: Today and Wednesday

Team: Park Vista

Individuals: Spanish River — Christina O'Campo. Park Vista — Haley Brueggemann, Maria Ramos, Samantha Coleman, Kara Ramos, Chelsea Mokary.

Outlook: It's Park Vista's first trip to the tournament.