Lady Brahmas take over tournaments
GIRLS GOLF Starting off the season with 12 consecutive wins, the girls remain one of the top teams in league.
October 13, 2016
Winning match after match, Diamond Bar High School’s girls golf team is undefeated with a league record of 12-0. The young team clinched the league title with a win against Claremont, 193-217 on Oct. 6.
With the average player shooting 80 for 18 holes, the team has been in the lead since the start of the season, defeating even their greatest rivals like Glendora and Ayala. However, despite their victories in all matches so far, the girls are not letting their guard down.
“We’re not always too far ahead and there are schools that are improving every year,” junior Jacy Tsai said. “Our scores are getting closer and closer so we are preparing a lot.”
Since league started, the girls have been playing in three to four matches a week. For some tournaments, the girls leave school early to travel as far as San Clemente. Despite the hours spent during team matches, the girls have been practicing individually from two to four hours a day to maintain their proper swing and putting game.
In addition to their league match wins, the girls have been sweeping up trophies in tournaments. The Lady Brahmas placed third in the South Bay Classic, first in the Rainbow Sandals tournament and Ayala Tournament, and second in the Knabe Cup. In the South Bay Classic, junior captain Crystal Wang took third place for individuals with a score of 73. In the Ayala tournament, Wang and freshman Esther Lee tied for first, but Lee took first place with a card-off.
Until last week, sophomore Kailie Vongsaga was unable to participate in matches due to a wrist injury. Having played a major role in the team’s success last year, the team learned to adapt to its circumstance and played the best it could, according to Tsai. Vongsaga’s absence led to juniors Tsai, Jasmine Zhang, and Susie Pan to substitute during games. During the Rainbow Sandals Tournament, Tsai’s win in the card off led to the team’s victory.
Before matches, head coach Tony McCabe has been giving the girls advice on the courses, pointing out water hazards and out of bounds areas. In addition, during matches, the captains help their team partner with rules and tips on putting lines, in order to further increase their chances of winning the matches. Although the team is doing well, the captains said there is always room for improvement.
“The team should focus on their putting game and short game,” Wang said. “We have to finish strong.”
