Last year, the girls’ golf team had a strong roster mostly made up of seniors. They tied with North Monterey County for 2nd place in the Mission Division, placed 6th at PCALs, and two juniors, Alejandra Alvarez and Vanessa Zuniga, earned 1st Team All-PCAL honors. Coach Tivi Latu said, “We lost a lot of seniors, but we still have a strong group of returners who know how to compete.”

Latu made it clear that expectations haven’t dropped. “Our goal is to compete for the top of the Mission Division again and make a strong push at PCALs,” she said. “If we stay focused and consistent, I believe this group can do it.”

Seniors Alejandra Alvarez and Vanessa Zuniga return as the two top golfers, and both are leaders.. “We have players who’ve been through tough matches and know how to handle pressure,” Latu said. Alvarez added, “Every match is a chance to prove ourselves, and I think this year we’re ready.” 

Evelyn Hernandez and Valeria Gonzales both bring experience as seniors, and junior Xitlali Solis is a great competitor, despite it being her first year.  Sophomores Camila Saldana and Milie Alejo-Caballero round out the squad. “I’m excited to see how our younger players step up,”  Zuniga Vanessa said. “They’ve been working really hard.”

While Latu says that leadership and resilience are the team’s greatest assets, Alvarez has a different view. “I think our biggest strength is how we support each other,” Alvarez said. “We want everyone to improve, not just ourselves.”

The team is focused on pushing even further than last year. “I want us to get back to PCAL and prove that we’re still one of the strongest programs,” Hernandez said, Saldana added, “Personally, I want to keep lowering my scores and help the team however I can.”

So far this season, the girls are 3-3. While the matches have shown areas to improve, Latu feels confident. “We’re already seeing growth from the first matches,” she said. “That’s the most important thing.”