For the 10th consecutive season, the Turlock High girls golf team is the Central California Conference champion, after beating out Merced High by six strokes, 474 to 480, in the league tourney on Tuesday. Pitman High was able to top out in third place with a score of 509.

“It’s a great thing for the players; they wanted to make it a decade and they did it. I am so proud they worked so hard,” Turlock head coach Mary Krupka said.

The Bulldog top performers of the day consisted of Sarah Garcia, who finished with an 89, and Bergen Benedict, who shot a 90. Brooke Vierra topped out with a 95, and Michaela deBos finished with a 96.

On top of a decade of success on the course, the Bulldog ladies understand the importance of grades as they have seven players with a 3.5 GPA or better.

“We have seven players making the all-academic team. They are good students and faculty works with them so well,” Krupka said. “The biggest thing is doing what’s right academically first, and then golf. We were very lucky because we have such a smart group of kids. It’s great to know that the teachers care as much as we do.”

Sophomore standout for the Pride, Taylor Beckwith, was tied for second and shot an 88. Jasmine Ryan and Beth Sommerville followed with  103 each.

After taking third, the Pride will join the Bulldogs as they move on to the divisional tournament as a team for the first time in school history.

“I am excited about how we did today,” Pitman head coach Kris Shaw said. “We wanted the girls to play longer and this is huge. Our girls did well at home with tough conditions to begin things. The girls did a solid job as a team overall and individually.”

The divisional tournament will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Turlock Golf and Country Club.