By LEXI LIM
Staff Writer
Girls Golf sent the most individual golfers from all of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) teams to compete for the CIF championship in league finals. Ellen Takada (Sr.) shot 146, which placed her in 3rd behind two girls from Corona Del Mar High School (CDM). Samantha Cabunag (So.) and Nodoka Honda (Fr.) shot 154 and 159, claiming the last two slots, 6th and 7th place.
October 21 was the first match of the PCL finals. UHS, CDM, Woodbridge High School, Irvine High School, Northwood High School and Beckman High School competed at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.
Susan Lee (Sr.) struggled with the course, not putting as well as she usually does. She stumbled with the last 9 holes but did well during the first 9. She said, “The matches were a little difficult for me. Although I did not qualify for finals, I wish Ellen, Samantha, and Nodoka the best and I hope they will qualify for the next round.”
Takada led the team through the season with great scores and placed third during the finals. On the first day, she only played until hole 13 because of flu-like symptoms. She came back the next day fighting for her spot. She gave it her all and shot 70, leaving her with a score of 146. Takada overall made 4 birdies, 1 bogey and some shots a foot away from the hole.
She said, “It means a lot to me that I am going to CIF with my teammates and I’m very proud of our team for getting first place at the finals. I’m looking forward to competing and trying my very best to go onto other rounds.”
Cabunag shot 76 during Thursday’s match. Cabunag did great on the front, but started to panic at the back. Last year, she also qualified for CIF, leaving more pressure to place. She said, “I started to stress myself out because only 7 girls in our league are able to qualify.” The day before, she shot 78, bringing her total to 154.
UHS now has an advantage in the CIF championships with three girls competing. These girls have been consistent and motivated since the beginning of season and will take that with them in their matches.