Emily Montano is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Deer Valley High School for AZPreps365.com.

SUN CITY— The Deer Valley’s boys golf team fell just short of first place Tuesday at Sun City South Golf Course, posting a 173 score in a three-team meet to finish behind Mesquite (168) but ahead of Maryvale (no score).

The Skyhawks were led by junior Chad Head, who finished in first place with a 1-over-par 37 that included one birdie and two bogeys.

“I think I played pretty well," Head said. “I had a couple missed putts today that cost me, but for the most part I had a lot of good shots.” 

Deer Valley junior Collin Lohman and senior Qwentin Armbrust tied for fifth place, shooting 44.  

For the par-5 seventh hole, Lohman set himself up with a strong drive and solid second shot, leaving a chance to reach the green but misplayed his chip shot, came up short of the pin and two putted for par to finish the hole, a result that left him frustrated.

“I didn’t play my best today,” Lohman said. “My putting and approach shots really let me down, and those are the areas I know I need to sharpen moving forward.”

Deer Valley coach Greg Rice said he was pleased with how his team competed overall, but pointed to putting as the difference. He noted the greens played slower than expected, and the players never fully adjusted to the pace, which cost them strokes throughout the round.

“Mesquite played really well today,” Rice said. “They’re a great team, and they’re ahead of us in the rankings, but we were right with them, so I’m super proud of the boys.” 

“One of our goals was to win the West Valley region, and we accomplished that this year, which is outstanding for us,” Rice said.

“Looking ahead, we hope to win the region again next year and qualify for state as a team, which will take hard work in the offseason on our short game to gain the strokes we need,” Rice said. “The players are determined to put in that work, and accomplishing that goal would be a great step forward.”

The Skyhawks will compete in the DV Cup invitational Oct. 16-17 at Antelope Hills Golf Course.