Local golfers have tough day in amateur event

 

By Josh Krueger/Newport Daily News staff

Newport National Golf Club member Brenda Nardolillo lines up a putt Wednesday during the Rhode Island Women's State Amateur at Newport National. Nardolillo defeated Sue Reavey 9 and 8 in the First Division quarterfinals. (James Rajotte/Daily News photo)



MIDDLETOWN - There wasn't much of a home-island advantage for Aquidneck Island golfers on a muggy, overcast Wednesday at Newport National Golf Club. Today's semifinals of the Rhode Island Women's State Amateur Championship will feature few local names.

Nancy Diemoz of Montaup Country Club and Elaine Crawford of Green Valley both lost their Championship Division matches Wednesday. Diemoz lost 3 and 2 to Point Judith's Amber Weller and Crawford lost 5 and 3 to Segregansett's Carol Clarey.

Clarey was 2 up after nine holes before winning the 10th, 11th, 14th and 15th to advance to the semifinals. Crawford hit a beautiful tee shot on the par-3 13th, sticking the ball within three feet of the cup, and birdied to win the hole. But Clarey won the next two and took the match.

She faces Beth Costello of Segregansett today. Costello beat Beverly Brown of Foster/Valley 2 and 1 Wednesday to move on to the semifinals.

"She (Crawford) was struggling with her tee shots, but her iron shots were excellent and her chipping was very good," Clarey said. "My tee-ball was very good and my putting was spot-on today."

"I left all my putts too short," Crawford said. "I just didn't give them chances to go in the hole. (Clarey) putted lights out all day today."

In the twosome behind Crawford and Clarey, Diemoz and Weller played 16 holes before Weller emerged victorious. Diemoz said she played a good round but just was not good enough to overtake Weller.

"She outplayed me. She had a good round," Diemoz said.

Despite the victory and her first career eagle on the par-5 14th, Weller saw some flaws in her game.

"I was a little shaky at some points and not hitting the ball as well as I did (Tuesday)," she said. "I need to hit a few more greens and make a few more birdies."

Weller will face Valerie Blinn today in one semifinal. Blinn edged veteran Cissy Grady 1 up Wednesday.

"Valerie hits the ball a ton," Grady said. "I was just happy to keep up with her. That can be a little intimidating."

"(Grady) played really well today. She made a lot of great putts," Blinn said.

Brenda Sabbag Nardolillo was one of the first players off the course Wednesday. The Newport National member won 9 and 8 in her match with Sue Reavey of Louisquisset to advance to the semifinals in the First Division. She faces Montaup's Audrey Correia, who won by default.

"I found my game. Everything worked today," Nardolillo said. "My short game was good. I had a chip-in and several one-putts."

Other Aquidneck Islanders in the First Division were not so fortunate. Karen Dufault of Montaup lost 2 up to Judy Duarte and Lynne Fandetti, also of Montaup, lost 2 and 1 to Kerry Bowen.

In the Second Division, Jessie Toland of Newport Country Club went the full 18 in her match with Carolyn Zappella of Country View and won 1 up. Katherine Murphy of Wanumetonomy beat Valerie Tessier of Alpine 6 and 5 to advance to the semifinals. Montaup's Clara Andrade lost 3 and 2 to Kathy Tiberii of Country View, who will face Toland in the semis today.

Like the Championship Division, the Third Division is now void of Aquidneck Islanders. The lone entry Wednesday, Wanumetonomy's Nancy Pollock, lost to Ann DeStafanis.

In other Third Division matches, Amanda Parker of Alpine beat Judy Villani of Swansea 3 and 2, Elaine Shanley of Laurel Lane beat Fall River's Gail McGovern 7 and 6 and Kyong Kim of Triggs topped Margaret Manchester of Swansea 5 and 4.