The Turlock High girls golf team began their season on a high note last week with a win at the Merced Tournament held at Merced Golf and Country Club on Aug. 23. Not only did the Bulldogs win the tournament, but freshman Savannah Van Gaalen burst onto the scene with medalist honors while returning sophomore Sydney Streeter continued to stand out with a second-place finish. 

Despite a team loss on Aug. 25 following a match with the Lodi High Flames, head coach Mary Krupka believes the 224-206 18-stroke defeat was a great test of the group’s abilities against a strong team. This Monday, Streeter and Van Gaalen competed in the Hilmar Tournament and took home fourth and seventh place, respectively. The team is rounded out by returning starters and team captains Madi Mendes and Natalia Lightfoot, senior Mia Ulrich, sophomore Isabella Dowd and freshman Reece Benjamin.

“We have a really good group of young golfers to support our outgoing seniors. The team has goals, and winning the Merced Tournament was one of them,” Krupka said. “...Two really good golfers cannot win league for this team. It will take all six players, in every match, to get this done. This team has a lot of heart and they are very close. Every single player has a role, a purpose and the team thrives on this kind, fun and close comradery.”