Vaqs inch closer to conference
Having lost its two previous Western State Conference matches, the members of the Glendale Community College women’s golf team looked to get back on track in their quest to win their first conference championship.
The Vaqueros moved a step closer after winning a nine-team neutral site match that involved programs from the Western State and Foothill conferences on Monday.
Pattraporn Silawanna carded an even-par 72 to share medalist honors and help Glendale college win the event with a 305 at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos.
The Vaqueros, who edged conference rival College of the Canyons by three strokes and Palomar by five, can wrap up the conference crown next week by winning or finishing in second place in the 36-hole conference tournament at Olivas Links Golf Course in Ventura. They would also earn a trip to the Southern California Regionals, which will be held Nov. 7-8 at Twin Oaks.
“We control our own destiny going into the conference finals,” Glendale college Coach Greg Osbourne said. “We go into those rounds with the upper hand and we want to win it.
“I was impressed with the way our players went out there and were able to keep it together. It’s not an easy course.”
Silawanna shared medalist accolades with Tina Yang of San Jacinto.
Silawanna didn’t seem to have any problems adjusting to the course despite the cool temperatures.
“I thought I did very well,” said Silawanna, who entered Monday’s round with the fourth-best scoring average in conference at 76.25. “My putting was very good.
“I tried to keep my tee shots in the fairways and I was able to do that.”
Osbourne said Silawanna picked a perfect time to turn in an all-around quality round.
“For her to go out there and shoot 72 is amazing,” Osbourne said. “Everything I saw her hit went right down the middle of the fairway. Then she got on to the greens and knocked in her shots.”
Thanawan Sriratchaya registered a 75 for the Vaqueros, who received a 77 from Hannah Lee and an 81 from Vicanda Ma.
The Vaqueros will return to Oilvas, where they enjoyed success the first week of the season. Glendale won its first conference match in its five-year history Aug. 29.
“We know that we can’t let down going into next week,” Osbourne said. “We’ve done well on that course before and we want to do well again.”
