By Jordan Hum | Copy Editor
On Oct. 18, the Gabrielino High School girls golf team participated in the Montview League Finals at the Marshall Canyon Golf Course in La Verne. They competed against La Cañada High School, San Marino High School, South Pasadena High School, and Temple City High School. None of the Eagles placed in the top eight.
“The course was really challenging and had a lot of slopes and hills,” stated senior Captain Sydni Yang, “so it was difficult to play up to our potential.”
As league comes to a close, Head Coach Steve Swanson is hopeful about the team’s CIF chances. After failing to make team CIF last year, despite one player qualifying for individuals, the team’s recent form has Swanson anticipating a different result.
“We expect to make it, we’re third [in league] right now,” stated Swanson, “but there is no guarantee that third gets us in.”
If the team does meet expectations and qualifies for CIF, the event will take place on Oct. 31, at the Los Serranos Golf Course in Chino Hills. Gabrielino would compete in Southern Section division three if they qualify.
On Oct. 13, the team continued their hot streak with their third win in a row, beating San Marino, 166-177 at the Santa Anita Golf Course. The victory solidified the series sweep against the Titans, as the Eagles also defeated San Marino, 232-238 in their first matchup.
“I’m proud of all our accomplishments”, said Yang. “After losing five [seniors], we got off to a shaky start but we’ve completely turned it around.”
From Oct. 6-11, Gabrielino soared on the road to redemption, as they narrowly defeated two teams that had beaten them in their first meeting. The performances were indicative of the progression the girls have made over the season.
“We may have started slow but we ended in a flurry,” stated Swanson.
On Oct. 11, GHS avenged their loss to South Pasadena High School, winning in nail-biting fashion, 209-212 at the Eagle’s home course, Alhambra Golf Course. In their first meeting, the Eagles walked away in crushing defeat, 244-231, despite a valiant effort.
“We were happy we all performed our best and set our [personal records],” said junior Michelle Yu, “but we were more focused on ourselves than the opponent.”
On Oct. 6, the girls avenged their previous loss against La Cañada, winning 222-242 at Alhambra Golf Course. Their first matchup saw GHS fall, losing a closely contested battle 241-245.
“It was a really satisfying win because the other team was overly confident, so we had extra motivation.” said sophomore Addyson Diep.
On Oct 4., Gabrielino was scheduled to face Alhambra High School at Alhambra Golf Course, however, the match never took place. This was because the Moors had dropped out of the Montview League, unbeknownst to the schedule makers at the time.
On Sept. 15, the Eagles beat Alhambra in a non-league match at Alhambra Golf Course in a blowout, 233-327. With both teams calling Alhambra Golf Course their home course, the Eagles and the Moors were able to reap the rewards.
“There is a huge advantage playing at Alhambra because we are familiar with all the kinks of the course,” said Diep.
On Sept. 29, the Eagles lost to Temple City, 255-204, at Eaton Canyon Golf Course. Despite this loss, the girls made sure to take the setback with a grain of salt, especially because Temple City is a Division One school.
“We went into the match knowing the chances of winning are slim,” stated junior Madelyn Duong, “so we went in trying to set our personal bests.”
