This past week, the Islanders faced back-to-back matches at exceptionally grueling courses and extended their winning streak to seven to improve their record to 7-3 for the season and 3-0 in league play. On Monday, September 13, the girls headed over the bridge to Balboa Park Golf Course, home of the annual Western League City Tournament.
Having played the front nine the previous Thursday against Cathedral Catholic High School, the Islanders drastically improved their scores with newfound course experience and familiarity. Once again, sophomores Ines Izuzquiza and Bella Villarin led the team with scores of three-over par 39. Fellow sophomore Jasmine Lo trailed closely behind with a score of four-over par 40.
Junior Natalia Avanni carded a 46, and freshman Malia Perry and junior Mariella Avanni rounded out the Islanders with rounds of 49.
With their cumulative score of 213 against Point Loma High School’s 251, Coronado set a perfect record in league play and currently stand in first place in the Western League. With a team differential of 28.42, the Islanders are looking to capture their third consecutive Western League title. Up next was Mater Dei, the defending Division II champions.
On Tuesday, September 14, the girls squared off against the Mater Dei Crusaders at Bonita Golf Course. With a course rating of 35.3 and a slope of 120, the front nine from the gold tees played at 2680 yards. Against an incredibly talented team, the Islanders stood their ground and battled against home-course advantage, tree-lined fairways, and sloped greens to collectively shoot 210 against the Crusaders’ 198 in the loss.
Ines led the team with a remarkable round of two-over par 37. Next was Bella who carded a 40. Both Malia and Mariella fired their lowest rounds of the season: eight-over par 43. Natalia rounded out the Islanders with a score of 47.
“It was a very good performance because Mater Dei had their A team against us. Mariella and Malia’s 43’s were excellent; they scored their lowest rounds of the season,” Coach Stuart commented.
Facing new territory and intimidating competition, the girls performed incredibly well despite their loss.
Malia Perry shared, “I knew we were playing against one of the strongest teams in San Diego, so I was trying to remind myself that I was playing against the course and not against the players. I was proud that I could do my part and that everyone on the team was very happy for me after the game. I look up to all of my teammates, and they’ve made it really easy to be the only freshman on the team.”
The girls JV team competed against Scripps Ranch in an 18-hole match at Colina Park Golf Course. The par 54 is perfect for short game practice and course management skills. Freshman Sierra Grella fired a round of 83. Junior Tatum Ware followed that with a score of 84, and juniors Jesse Hill and Morgan Arendt carded rounds of 90. The Islanders lost to Cathedral 343-404, but learned valuable course experience and competition strategies.
Next week, both the varsity and the JV teams have matches slated against Coronado’s biggest rival in the Western League, and perhaps the entire San Diego County: Scripps Ranch. The varsity team is scheduled to play at their home course of Coronado Golf Course on Tuesday, September 21, and the JV team is competing on Wednesday, September 22, at Colina Park Golf Course and on Thursday, September 23, at Balboa 9.
Find San Diego Section girls golf standings and match results here.
Find Coronado girls golf player information and match results here.
