By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Golf Girls Kick Off Season With Victories
Placeholder Image

The Escalon High School Girl's Golf Team has gotten off to a torrid start to begin the 2014 season. After two pre-season “home and home” wins over Hilmar, where the Lady Cougars won both matches by more than 20 strokes, Escalon has jumped out to 2-0 in Valley Foothill North League play.

Wins over Sonora and Linden in the past week have put the lady Cougar linksters in a familiar place.

“It reminds me a little of last year,” Coach Rusty Fachner noted. “We did the same thing last season and ended up winning the league championship. I hope that’s the same script this season.”

In beating Sonora on Tuesday at home by the score of 157-185, it was what Fachner described as “a great all-around team victory.” Fachner went on to say that all the Cougar players turned in fine efforts in their first league match of the year.

“They all played well. Sonora is scary because it’s their first time playing in our league and we don’t know much about them. They are usually very good,” observed Fachner.

Escalon was led by Kaitlynn Mayfield and Molly Landon who both turned in 38’s on the day. Lauren Ballard added a 40, while Piper Rockwell and Angelica Fernandez both shot 41. Madison Kindberg finished out the scoring with a 47.

“Kaitlynn has been so solid early this season. She is playing really well. She has some great motivation going into this year and I really think that she won’t be denied. Molly is the same. As well as playing her own game, she’s also helping her partner, Madison, to learn the nuances of the courses we are playing. She’s done a great job,” Fachner commented.

On Thursday the Lady Cougars traveled to Lockeford Springs GC to play Linden. Not only did Escalon win by 30 strokes, 196-226, but they shot a sub-200 team score in the process.

“Anytime your team can shoot a sub-200 round on one of the larger, longer courses, it’s a tremendous effort,” Fachner stated. “We're not only playing well, but we’re also improving. We can even be better in my mind, and that’s scary.”

Against the Lady Lions, it was Piper Rockwell who led the way with a score of 46. Landon continued her solid play with a 48, while Ballard and Kindberg both carded 51’s. Mayfield finished with a 52 and Fernandez completed the scoring with a 55.

“Piper played like the all-league player she is. Molly did as well. The key to the match, in my mind, was the improved play of Lauren Ballard and the fact that Madison Kindberg shot her best round on a larger course. Lauren is getting better each time out. Madison, our little package of ‘dynamite,’ is really coming on. She just has to keep improving and playing smart golf. I think Madison will be a real factor by season’s end ... or sooner,” said Fachner.

The Lady Cougars were scheduled to play in the Yellowjacket Invitational at Stevinson Ranch GC on Monday, and then traveled to Modesto Muni on Tuesday for a match against Modesto Christian. On Thursday, Sept. 11, Escalon will play Calaveras at La Contenta.

“It’s going to be a tough week with all the travel. We have to stay focused. We can do it. It will be a good test for us,” Fachner concluded.