For the sixth straight year the Turlock High girls’ golf team is moving on to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament after finishing in third place at Monday's SJS Division I South Tournament with a score of 513.
“I am proud of the gals. Allie [Malmberg] and Anoop [Bains] played well to keep our ship from sinking,” said Turlock head coach Mary Krupka. “The other gals were disappointed in their play, but the course was long and difficult, which brought out some high scores.”
Malmberg topped the Bulldogs with a 93. Bains shot a 100 and Elena Machado scored a 104. Courtney Malmberg (105), Brooke Adams (111) and Sarah Musselman (113) followed.
“I guess it kind of shows how our program has developed. We play bad yet still take third and move on,” said Krupka. “When the scores were being posted, a small percentage of me was nervous. Otherwise I felt okay, due to the fact that we have made six straight years.
Krupka felt confident despite the two stroke difference between the Bulldogs and fourth place Gregori (515). Enochs took fifth after missing Turlock by three strokes at 516.
The top three teams, including the top six individuals from the rest solidified their spot at Masters. Lincoln placed first with sophomore medalist Anitra Khoth shooting the best round of the day with a score of 74 and teammate Madeline Zunino followed with a 75. St. Mary's followed in second.
The Bulldogs followed and no individuals competed for the Pitman Pride.
“I knew we had a good chance and I even told the gals to go for it, before they tee'd off,” said Krupka.
They went for it and then some, skimming off a tight finish in the end to advance.
“It is a total privilege to make the Masters tournament any year. To go six years straight is expected, but the feeling is not watered down by any means. We are pumped to get there,” Krupka added.
The Masters tournament will take place at the Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton at 10 a.m. Monday.