Tuesday, October 25 could be the final day that the members of the girls golf team play this season, as they will begin the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) tournament, having finished up their regular season. Unfortunately for the Bears, it is unlikely that they will make the Central Coast Section playoffs (CCS) as they can only get in with an at-large bid given to them by the CCS.
Nonetheless, the Bears still had a stellar year. The Bears finished the regular season with a 7-3 record under the tutelage of co-coaches Jennifer Taylor and Dean Wilkins.
Although the senior-heavy team’s fate for CCS has not been decided due to its second place finish in the standings during the regular season, the Bears do have one player who will likely be heading on as an individual if she continues her strong play at the PAL tournament finale.
Taylor explained, “[Senior] Naomi Lee earned medalist honors in every match she played. Her lowest round was a 33, two under par, at Poplar Creek.” Lee, without a doubt, led the Bears’ charge this year during their ten regular season matches.
The Bears will lose their top five players, as all are graduating in the spring. However, Taylor is optimistic about next year’s inexperienced group. “[We] are left with only four returning players: one junior, one sophomore and two freshmen. It will be a rebuilding year. The goal is to stay in the Bay Division.”
There are two divisions in the PAL: the Bay Division (upper) and the Ocean Division (lower). Taylor and Wilkins are hoping for a strong freshman class, as well as some new M-A players who could produce another winning season next year.
The Bears have one last chance to end their seniors off on a high note when they play in the PAL tournament on Tuesday. With a strong showing, the Bears could reach the CCS playoffs, but this will be a difficult task.
Captain Christiana Park and other seniors led the Bears to two PAL titles and have left their mark on M-A. Although this year has not yet finished, some Bears are already looking forward to next year, as they hope to earn their third PAL title in just four years.
