CALLING THE SHOTS:

Monday came and went for Amanda Johnson. Just like on Wednesday, there were no tears shed. Although no one would blame Johnson if she had cried even once since Wednesday.

On Monday, Johnson, a Corona del Mar High junior, could have been competing in the CIF Southern Section Southern Individual Regional. But she missed a spot to play at Yucaipa Valley Golf Club by one stroke at the Pacific Coast League finals Wednesday at San Clemente Golf Course.

One stroke. That’s what kept her from going back to the CIF postseason as she did when she was a sophomore with the Sea Kings.

But this year her fate was decided by a card. The PCL advances six from its league, and Johnson finished tied for sixth. She was hoping she would compete in a playoff for the final spot. But CIF Southern Section rules go to a card-off and the golfer with the best score on the last hole gains the final spot.

In this case, University’s Melissa Wattana shot the same score as Johnson in the two-day tournament, 90-88-178 on the par-146 course. But Johnson double bogeyed the par-four 18th and Wattana bogeyed it.

“Every stroke counts,” Johnson said. “I’ll work harder and get to my next level and hopefully make it next year.”

Johnson would have been the only CdM golfer to advance. Last year, she moved on with teammate Kelly Moorhead. So naturally the goal this season was to return to the postseason.

“I was just really disappointed,” Johnson said. “I really wanted to move on.

“I don’t disagree with that rule, but there could have been other ways to settle it.”

Johnson found out about the rule after she had finished playing when her coach, Mike Starkweather, broke the bad news.

But all is not lost for Johnson. The CdM girls’ golf team advanced to the CIF Southern Team Divisional Monday at El Prado Golf Course. The Sea Kings accomplished the feat with some drama.

They needed to beat out either Beckman or Irvine to clinch a spot, as there was a three-way tie for second place and three teams advance to the divisional.

Johnson helped the Sea Kings advance, as CdM scored 228 through nine holes to have the best score among the three teams vying for the final two spots.

This week has been time to practice for the Corona del Mar girls. They also plan to have a team dinner before Monday’s event. After the season is over, Johnson will have her mind again on league finals. She’s only been playing the sport for four years. Advancing from league is a big goal for her.

In her freshman year, she was named team MVP of the junior varsity. She advanced from the PCL finals last year, so this could be viewed as a setback. But for Johnson it serves as motivation.

 Last week, the pride of Costa Mesa High, Sharon Day, went up against the Daily Pilot staff, making picks for high school football games. Most people know Day as a U.S. Olympian, as she competed in the high jump in the Beijing Games. But she can also be referred to as a television personality, if only for a few minutes.

Day made an appearance on, “The Late Show with David Letterman,” this past September. She demonstrates a high jump for Dave outside the studio. To view Day’s appearance, go to www.youtube.com and type in, “Sharon Day,” in the search window.

 Mr. Irrelevant XXXIII David Vobora is no longer on the St. Louis Rams’ practice squad. The Rams elevated the rookie linebacker, a seventh-round pcik and the final overall selection of the NFL Draft, to the roster. Vobora replaces linebacker Chris Draft, who broke his foot against the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday and will be out three to six weeks.

The Rams will play at the New York Jets on Sunday.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at [email protected].