By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bulldog golfer ascends to the top of the WAC individual standings
60242a.jpg
60242a
Caitlin Pfaff had a productive first season with Ceres High School's varsity girls golf team in 2011.

Pfaff placed third in the Western Athletic Conference individual standings as a freshman.

Caitlin enjoyed an even better sophomore campaign.

Pfaff took first in the WAC, earned the conference's Most Valuable Player award and helped lead the Bulldogs to their third straight playoff appearance.

"My distance and chipping got better," Pfaff said. "I was more mentally strong. I didn't let things get to me this year. I want to keep progressing. I feel pressure already to start practicing."

Pfaff racked up 92 points en route to claiming the WAC overall title. Central Catholic's Emily Raspo (81) and Katherine Dunn (80) placed second and third, respectively.

"I expect her to do better next year," Ceres High head coach Randy Cerny said. "I'd like to see her medal at Divisionals."

Pfaff compiled a 10-2 record during conference match play.

She took second at the WAC championships. Caitlin shot a 25-over-par 97 on the Ranch Course at Diablo Grande. She finished five strokes behind Raspo.

Caitlin's season ended at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV Tournament. She carded a 110 at Stockton's Elkhorn Golf Club.

"I reached a lot of my goals," Pfaff said. "But I could have done better. I don't think I played to my full potential."

Caitlin has already drawn comparisons with former Bulldog teammate and current Modesto JC freshman golf standout Arleen Xayasone.

Xayasone brought home a sixth-place medal from Divisionals and took second in the WAC her senior year.

"Their skills are similar," Cerny said.

Said Pfaff: "We're both really competitive."

Pfaff played a major role while leading Ceres High to a third-place finish in the WAC standings this season.

The Bulldogs posted a 9-3 record in conference play.

Ceres High should be just as competitive next year thanks to its experience.

Pfaff, Erica Hogner, Kinsey Ward, Brittany Turnbow and Dania Medina will return to the team.

Pfaff, Hogner and Ward will be third-year starters.

Turnbow filled the No. 4 spot in the Bulldogs' lineup this past season.

Medina logged playing time at No. 6.

"We have a great asset, which is (River Oaks veteran teaching pro) Greg Silva," Pfaff said. "He helps all of us."

Hogner was selected to the WAC Second Team along with Central Valley High School's Martina Bernal and Jocelyn Camarillo.

"Erica's whole game is better," Cerny said. "Golf is all she does."

Hogner's teammates are just as dedicated.

"I want to play college golf," Pfaff said. "That's my ultimate goal."