Ceres High’s varsity girls golf program will compete with a full lineup this fall.
“We’re not forfeiting every match,” said Alex Potts, a third-year player with the Bulldogs. “We’re competing to win every match.”
Ceres High’s five-person starting lineup consists of Potts (Sr.), Ariana Medina (Jr.), Benia Torres (So.), Vanessa Ramos (Sr.) and Isabel Campos (Sr.).
Potts, Medina and Torres are veterans.
Ariana is the Bulldogs’ top returning player.
She earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors as a sophomore.
She was the ninth-best golfer in league play.
She had a slope and rating average of 21.835.
Medina shot a 134 at the WAC Championships.
She placed 32nd (135) at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Tournament.
Ramos played golf her sophomore and freshman years.
Campos is a newcomer.
“Golf is not a popular spot, especially for girls, but is one that teaches etiquette, sportsmanship and integrity."Head coach Brandon Dunn
“Golf is not a popular spot, especially for girls, but is one that teaches etiquette, sportsmanship and integrity,” second-year head coach Brandon Dunn said. “These are life skills that I hope all of my players learn to implement in their day-to-day decisions and dealings with people.”
The 2017 Bulldogs took fifth with a 2-8 mark during the WAC dual season and failed to post a score at the conference year-end tournament due to a lack of numbers.
Ceres High’s streak of seven consecutive team playoff appearances was snapped last fall.
“I’m hoping we can get back on track this year,” Potts added.
The new-look WAC features Ceres High, Los Banos, Pacheco, Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop and Mountain House.
Central Valley and Patterson left to the Central California Conference.
Livingston joined the Trans Valley League.
Beyer, Grace Davis and Johansen moved from the Modesto Metro Conference to the WAC.
Lathrop and Mountain House previously competed in the Valley Oak League and TVL, respectively.
“It’s going to be different,” Potts said.
“I think we have a good chance of being more competitive,” Dunn said. “The schools we are competing against are smaller which is to our advantage. I envision we will finish somewhere in the middle of the pack as we are still working on building the program.”