Laguna has fresh outlook

The Laguna Beach High girl’s golf program turned in its most successful season ever last fall.

With the start to the 2007 season a week away, new Breakers Head Coach Valorie Quigley this week was looking to solidify the varsity contingent following two days of tryouts at nearby courses.

Quigley, who previously coached Laguna’s junior varsity team and teaches math at the school, held tryout sessions Tuesday at Aliso Creek Golf Course, and Wednesday at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

Twelve talented players are contending for a varsity roster that Quigley said will include “six or seven” players.

“There’s a lot of talent out there. It’s just a matter of sorting it all out,” Quigley said. “After the first day of tryouts, the girls were pretty even.”

Each tryout had the girls play nine holes of golf.

Contending for a spot on varsity are seniors Shannon Sweeney, Caitlin Barretto, Diana Smith, Grace Stewart and Kristen Herberg, juniors Karina Shaw, Lexy Altman, Emily Marcus and Austen Grossman, sophomore Jenni Coury and freshmen Christianne Kinder and Raquel Altman.

Last year, Laguna, coached by Barbara Williams, placed second at the Orange Coast League championships at El Prado Golf Course in Chino Hills.

It was the best placement in school history.

At that same tournament, Sasha Speare, a senior, won the league’s individual championship “” also a first for the school.

“Even though we don’t have Sasha back, there’s plenty of potential on this team,” Quigley said. “We have a lot of talented seniors, a strong junior class of players, a sophomore who also can make an impact and our freshmen are looking really good, too.”

Laguna’s season opener is set for Thursday against Aliso Viejo at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.