By Will Goldbeck, RC Sportswriter
(ARROYO GRANDE, CA.) Another great season for the Reedley College women’s golf team is complete. The 2021 Northern California champion Tigers finished third at the state championships held at Cypress Ridge Golf Course in Arroyo Grande November 14 & 15.
What will it take to win that elusive state championship? Veteran Head Coach Scott Stark says, "We just have to have a few less shots per day. We are very, very close."
In the last two state tournaments, Reedley has finished second and this year's second place finish. "I'm really happy with our program, where we are at."
Sophomore Mya Chau is the only golfer not returning next season. "A majority of our other scoring players, including Avery Foster, who I think is the best player in the state of California, are coming back next year and we've already got a strong start to our recruiting for 2021-2022. I'm really optimistic about where we're going."
Stark was proud of the improvement of the rest of the team. They played in a tournament in a tournament in Arroyo Grande in September and shot 355. They improved by 23 shots in the final round of state championships.
“We made tremendous improvement, up and down the lineup,” said the coach.
Avery Cordero had some of the biggest improvement. She shot 115 in an earlier round and improved her second round at 82, a season best.
In Sunday’s first round, Foster, who played very well from tee to green, shot a 73. She made two birdies and had 13 parts on the way to tie for the best score on the afternoon. Chau got off to a semi-rough start, but righted her round after some early tough holes, and shot an 80. She shot even par on the back nine after posting a +8 on her front nine, overcoming a very nervous start to her round. Natalie Van Pelt posted a round of 89. Avery Cordero and Cynthia Reyes both completed the opening day scoring for the Tigers by posting corresponding rounds of 90s. The Tigers were in fourth place overall after the first day, 18 shots behind the leader, Saddleback College.
Round number two proved to be an unbelievably solid day for Reedley College, who posted their best team score of the season at 313, led by Foster.
She provided another spectacular round, improving by five shots, firing a 4-under 68. She made an eagle and six birdies on the day, including a 4 under 32 on the back nine. Foster hit 15 greens and regulation on around to give herself multiple birdie opportunities, which she took advantage of. Chau hit the ball solidly off the tee and posted a score of 79. She finished in 12th place out of the 60 players in the tournament. Reyes carded an 84 to culminate the scoring. Foster's individual score of 141 and single round score of 68 we're state championship best for a Tiger. Reedley College had the second highest finishing team from Northern California, and outplayed the Southern California runner-up Orange Coast College.
"The Reedley College women’s golf team completed one of the greatest seasons in women's program history," added Stark. "Many great performances and records were set, and the Tigers have a lot to be proud of."
