In a battle of unbeaten Channel League rivals Thursday at the challenging La Cumbre Country Club, the rounds added up to a two-stroke win for Dos Pueblos over San Marcos, 261-263 — and a league championship.
Medalist honors went to the Royals’ Riley O’Brien, with a 44, her sixth medalist outing of the season.
“La Cumbre CC can be a tough course, and it got the better of a lot of the girls today, which made Riley’s medalist performance all that more impressive,” Dos Pueblos’ Dan Choi, said.
Sagarika Manain posted the low score for Dos Pueblos, with a 46.
“First and foremost, we would like to acknowledge what a great sporting rivalry we have when we play San Marcos in girls golf,” Choi said. “Coach (Sarah) Ashton and Coach (Aaron) Solis always have their athletes well coached and prepared to give their best. Today was no different.”
And while acknowledging the narrow loss was a “heartbreaker,” Ashton return the compliments.
“Dos Pueblos is a very classy, well-coached team, so we are proud to congratulate them on their successful season,” she said.
After Manain, Chelsi Ramirez was next for Dos Pueblos with 51 and then Victoria Chen with 52.
“Our top three were struggling a bit, but our four and five girls, Sofia Elena Lara and Carly Letendre, really stepped up and helped our team come out on top by the slimmest of margins,” Choi said.
“Even though the scores were higher today, I was so proud of how our girls never gave up and were a great support to each other. We talked a lot about how as a team we were going to just focus on the ‘process’ today and not worry about the numbers. Watching the girls out there they all did just that, which was especially important on a day where the numbers could really get you down if you let them.”
After O’Brien’s low round, Evelina Erickson shot a 53 for San Marcos and Fia Torrey a 54.
“Our team came into the match today with a competitive mindset,” Ashton said. “Each of the girls was focused and really gave it their all. I am really proud of their hard work throughout the season, and we were really pleased to finish 12-2 overall and second place in the Channel league. We will put in an at-large bid to attend team CIF.”
Scores
Dos Pueblos
Sagarika Manain 46
Chelsi Ramirez 51
Victoria Chen 52
Sofia ELena Lara 55
Carly Letendre 57
Shira Brody 59
San Marcos
Riley O’Brien (Medalist) 44
Evelina Erickson 53
Fia Torrey 54
Talia Cummings 55
Stella Ashamalla 57