Monday, Oct. 12 saw the Escalon Lady Cougars take their golf game to the Tracy Bulldog Tournament at the Tracy Golf and Country Club. The course is a tough par 72 and leading the way for Escalon was Madison Kindberg at 102.
Following that, Angelica Fernandez came in at 108, Shelby McCune at 116 and Mary Adams at 122. Also, Ellie Cunningham carded a 129 and rounding out the scores was Kristen Gutierrez at 136.
“Most of the girls came in and were not happy with their scores. Most were complaining about having difficulty with their putting, which is understandable since we really haven’t had the opportunity this year to work on putting because of the greens being under repair,” coach Kristie Cathcart said. “Putting will be one of our main focuses next year.”
On the links Tuesday, Escalon shot a 231 and fell at Bret Harte (205).
“Another difficult course especially after playing 18 holes the day before and the temperature was pretty warm,” noted Cathcart. “Last time we played Bret Harte at Escalon we beat them by one stroke. I knew it was going to be difficult to beat them on their home course, but I hoped we would have played a little bit better.”
Lady Cougar scores were Kindberg, 51; Fernandez, 53; McCune, 61; Adams, 66; Gutierrez, 70; Cunningham, 73.
“Every girl that finished was not happy with their score which is good, because they know they can do better and they expect that they should play better,” Cathcart said. “Every course we have played has been a learning experience since only two girls played them last year.”
Bret Harte had two players at 47, leading the way.
Closing out the week on the road at Jack Tone facing Ripon on Thursday, it was a close contest but Escalon fell by a 160-154 decision.
Kindberg had a topnotch day, shooting a 34. Fernandez was also in the 30s, carding a 38. McCune and Cunningham each had a 44, Adams carded a 46 and Martinez had a 53.
Two players for Ripon shot in the 30s, one carding a 36, the other a 37 to help them come in a few strokes under Escalon.
“We knew this was going to be a difficult match since Ripon is really good, and even better on their home course. We played Ripon Christian at Jack Tone a few weeks ago and knew we had to drop around 20 strokes to even come close,” Cathcart explained. “The girls were up for the challenge. All six girls beat their previous scores on the course. Madi had the overall low score and was very happy with her play. It was good to see the girls finish nine holes and be happy with their scores.”
The girls were scheduled to take part in the League Tournament on Monday, after The Times went to press.
Cathcart said the team was looking forward to that event and also has enjoyed the presence of Jerry Emery this season, helping the team in several areas.
“He has been a great help this year, I don’t think he realizes how important he is to our program,” agreed Cathcart. “I know the girls really appreciate everything he does to help us also. He has helped me work with all the girls and stays and works with the other girls when we have a match. He is always willing to help wherever he can, coming to practice early and staying later to help the girls with all aspects of their game.”
