Vaqueros keep rolling along
After struggling to put together a full team in recent seasons, things have changed considerably for the Glendale Community College women’s golf team.
There’s a new trend with the Vaqueros, who have now become accustomed to winning Western State Conference matches after having never accomplished the feat in their first four years of existence.
“It’s been coming down to a couple of things,” Glendale college Coach Greg Osbourne said after the Vaqueros carded a 316 to win by three strokes Wednesday at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course. “They’ve been going out there and practicing as hard as they can each week and they’ve been able to come through because they know that every shot will count.”
That proved to be the case Wednesday with Glendale besting Santa Barbara City College (319) en route to capturing its third conference match this season. Vicanda Ma carded a six-over-par 78 to lead Glendale college.
Ma said the Vaqueros, who took part in a practice round on the course Sept. 21, have gained additional confidence with each conference win.
“Each time we win, we have a better chance at winning our conference,” Ma said. “We also know that we have to play more consistent and smarter.
“The greens were not as fast [Wednesday] as they were during the practice round. The wind picked up more on the back nine, so the scores were a little big higher than normal.”
Hannah Lee and Pattraporn Silawanna each fired 79s for the Vaqueros, who received an 80 from Thanawan Sriratchaya.
Haley True of Santa Barbara shot a 75 to secure medalist honors.
Bakersfield finished third with a 332, followed by College of the Canyons (333) and Citrus (450).
The Vaqueros will next participate in the North-South Tournament, which will be held Sunday and Monday at Morro Bay Golf Course. Their next conference match will be Oct. 10 at Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Simi Valley.
“[The North-South Tournament] will be another good test for us,” Osbourne said. “We have the type of players in that if something goes wrong, then they are able to recover.
“The greens are going to be different with each course, but they’ve been able to keep their shots straight and keep it in play. Our players try to be humble about winning and that’s what makes it such a great group.
“It’s about now being able to increase our lead in conference and it’s going to be a hurdle each time. We want to get to the Southern California Regionals and then get to state.”
