The Reedley College women's golf team fell short of their goal to win all 20 of the tournaments they played in this season, taking second place at the rain-shortened state championships in Solvang November 16-17. Heavy rainfall made the course unplayable, cancelling the second day of the tournament. The Tigers and Orange Coast College were tied for first after round one (323 team score), with the Pirates winning the title via tiebreaker that left our ladies one shot short of the program's first-ever state title.
The Tigers lost one tiebreaker but won the other. Freshman Tessa Hernandez took the individual state title, winning in a card-off over defending state champion Saha Kitabatake of College of the Canyons. Both shot an even-par score of 72 on Day 1. "On the Friday before we came here, I went out and bought myself some rain gear", Hernandez said. "My main goal was to keep my grips dry and keep a calm attitude and a cool head because getting mad or frustrated in this weather it's not something that will help you out. Winning the individual title really means a lot because actually I wanted to win this for my teammates, but I also wanted this for my grandpa." Tessa's grandfather unfortunately passed away earlier this month. She was also named to the All-State Team.
"The hard work and dedication that our girls put in was truly Hall of Fame worthy. I'm so proud of them all," said Tigers Head Coach Scott Stark. "Overall, it was a great season and we will look to return next year and finish the job."
