CHICO — Anne Chen’s career with the Pleasant Valley High girls golf team is already off to an astounding start.
The Vikings junior shot a 9-hole round of 7-under 29 for the lowest individual score during an Eastern Athletic League match Thursday afternoon at Bidwell Park Golf Course. The Vikings collectively shot a 181 to lead the six-team field.
The Vikings remain first in the EAL standings followed by Chico High in second and Red Bluff in third.
Chen, who moved to Chico from Houston to be closer to family, made sure to shake the pre-match nerves before making her debut with the Vikings.
“I was definitely a little nervous on the first hole but once I got to know the girls in my group I definitely felt more comfortable,” Chen said. “My drives were going pretty straight, I would have easy second shots to the green and and my putting was working well too.”
Chen’s day was highlighted by a pair of eagles to cap the round. She had a tap-in for an eagle on hole No. 8 then buried a 7-foot putt on hole No. 9 for an eagle.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it honestly,” She said. “I would have been happy with just a birdie.”
Chen began playing golf when she was five years old. She grew up in Australia and was introduced to the game by her father. She originally got started playing tennis then eventually made the switch to golf.
“Golf suited me better,” Chen said.
Chen brings in a decorated background to the PV girls golf team. Chen helped her former school, Clements High, win the Region III-6A golf championship and qualified for the women’s U.S. Open last year. Last October, she verbally committed to play golf for Duke.
“It was a big dream come true for me,” Chen said. “My academics are pretty important to me, but to turn pro with a degree — that’s the ideal option.”
Pleasant Valley’s Jackie Lucena watches her tee shot during an Eastern Athletic League match Thursday at Bidwell Park Golf Course. (Bill Husa — Enterprise-Record)
PV’s Jackie Lucena also turned in a solid round with a 4-under 32 while Kiran Singh carded a 1-under 35. Erin Milliken turned in a 38 and Christina Crum shot a 47 to round out the Vikings’ scores.
“I started off pretty slow,” Lucena said. “I had three pars…then I birdied the next two holes and got my confidence up a little bit.”
Lucena was in line to finish with a lower score after getting to the green on the par-5 ninth hole in two shots. But two missed putts meant Lucena had to settle for par.
“I didn’t end it quite great,” Lucena said. “It was a little frustrating to end on a very short par 5 with a par. But all in all it’s my lowest 9-hole score. I want to be happy but I’m a little upset because it was the last hole.”
Chico High finished second as a team carding a 245. Sophia Magana led the Panthers with a 47, Mary Skillicorn and Patty Thatford each turned in a 48, Jenna Bowman shot a 49 and Isabelle Hallin shot a 53.
Chico’s Mary Skillicorn watches her tee shot during an Eastern Athletic League match Thursday at Bidwell Park Golf Course. (Bill Husa — Enterprise-Record)
“Honestly I’m really proud of the team,” Skillicorn said. “I came in sophomore year and it was a little rocky. This year we have five girls who are really committed and I’ve seen them all improve.”
Shasta High will host the next EAL match at noon on Oct. 4.
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