The Turlock High Bulldogs prevailed by nine strokes, 231-240, over the Pride on Tuesday at the Turlock Golf and Country Club, in the teams' second Central California Conference matchup of the season.
Tuesday's contest wasn't just another crosstown rivalry matchup, but an important game in terms of league standings. The win gives Turlock a cushion atop of the CCC, before going into the league tourney next week.
"Cross-town rival is important, but the big thing is they are a good team, especially coming off a big win over Merced,”s aid Turlock head coach Mary Krupka.
Turlock’s leaders for the day consisted of an overall balance as Sofie Bates led the way, shooting a 43. Michaela DeBos finished with a 45, while Sarah Garcia and Bergen Benedict topped out at 46 and 47, respectively. Brooke Vierra shot a 52 while Lyndee Sutton finished with a 50.
Despite a strong outing from Pitman’s Taylor Beckwith, who finished with the best score of the day shooting a 39, the Bulldogs were able to win with a consistent effort from coach Krupka’s entire squad.
“I was really proud of them; a lot of the girls came through and battled despite rough shots and they stuck through it,” Pitman head coach Kris Shaw said. “They are peaking as a team and they are improving. The seniors are stepping it up and doing their part, and I am very proud of how they are playing as team.”
Leaders for the Pride consisted of Sheyenne Sousa who shot a 49, along with Jasmine Ryan and Sheyenne Bailey, both who shot a 50.
“Our toughness shows that we are competitive as a team with individuals and (have) been in a hunt in first or second,” Shaw said. “It shows that the girls are getting scores for the team and it pays off individually.”
Turlock sits atop the CCC with an 11-1 overall record while Pitman is in third place at 8-3 for the year.
“When it comes to scoring, we play as a team; if one person is on, the other is not, they make it up for us,” Krupka said. “We have different people step it up every match, and if it’s a bad day someone picks it up and we will cover it. Almost every match, we have had a different player step up and be the star that day.”
The CCC Championship tournament is set for Oct. 15, with the top two teams moving on to sections, along with the top six individual players from league.
As of right now, Ryan, Beckwith and Bailey sit in the top six for individuals and hope to move on to the postseason.
Pitman will finish its regular season against Atwater on Thursday at Stevinson Ranch with a starting time of 3 p.m. Turlock will finish its year with a battle against Golden Valley at the Turlock Golf and Country Club, start time is set for 3 p.m.
