Espericueta driven to win state golf title

EDINBURG - Like any teenager celebrating a birthday, Felicia Espericueta would like a new car. What the Edinburg North golf sensation who turned 17 on Thursday also would like is a state title, which she can earn at the UIL Class 5A girls golf tournament May 8 and 9 at the Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin.

While Espericueta's mother is a little hesitant to give her daughter the keys to a new automobile, Felicia is believed to be on the fast track to a state title, whether it be next week in Austin or in 2009 when she is a senior.

Espericueta has won three district titles and one regional crown during her high school career and is making her second state tournament appearance. About all that's left to achieve on the scholastic level is a state championship.

"If she just plays her game and plays to her ability, she has a good chance of winning," Edinburg North coach Joey Zamora said. "It's just a matter of her putts falling. As far as ball striking, she's as good as anybody. I think she has a really good chance as long as she plays her game."

Espericueta qualified for the 2006 state tournament as a freshman, but an opening-round 83 dashed her hopes of following a regional title with a state championship. She enters this year's state event off a second-place finish at the Region IV-5A tournament, where she lost a playoff for first to Sharyland's Alejandra Cantu.

The motivation from that defeat - plus the experience of playing on this elevated stage - might be enough to lift the Lady Cougars' junior.

"I'm better prepared now. I guess that all comes with experience and maturity," Espericueta said. "My expectations, top five would be great. I haven't played that course in a while, but I get a practice round in the day before and get all my notes and hopefully play good the first or second day."

Espericueta has adjusted her swing slightly under the guidance of her father, Freddy Espericueta, and Zamora. She says her swing isn't 100 percent yet, but at state it should be ready. Her main concern is chipping and putting, nemeses for most golfers.

If Espericueta can get all of the parts of her game synchronized at state, one of her birthday wishes just might come true. It'll have to be the golf title because her mom said loaning the family car to her teenage daughter will have to do for now.

"I need a state title," Espericueta said. "I have this year and I have next year. I need at least one. At least."

Todd Mavreles covers high school golf for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4451.