Turlock High matched last year’s performance with a 7th place finish at this season’s San Joaquin Section Masters Tournament at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton. The Central California Conference Champion Bulldogs finished the day with a total of 466 strokes, beating half the field of 14 high school teams.
“We were aiming for 7th place or better this year, so all in all we’re happy,” Turlock’s head coach Mary Krupka said.
Turlock had the opportunity to claim sixth place but the course proved to be a frustration for its golfers. Senior leader and two time CCC MVP Hannah Gong was no exception as she shot well above her expected stroke count with a total of 86. Senior surprise Kelsi Valenzuela led the Bulldogs on the day with 85 strokes while the rest of the team finished in the high 90s and low 100s.
“We did what we wanted to do; our main goal was to win league,” Krupka said. “Hopefully next year we can improve at this tournament.”
One of the highlights of Monday’s Masters Tournament was Turlock’s besting of St. Mary’s High and its talented golf program. There was also an individual highlight on Monday as Pitman’s freshman standout Taylor Beckwith showed her control of the course with a 77 on the day.
“It was a good showing for the CCC,” Krupka said.
Turlock will graduate a total of seven seniors this year including Gong, Valenzuela, and Gabby Singh. Beckwith will return next year for Pitman.