Caitlin Pfaff took first in the Western Athletic Conference, earned the league's Most Valuable Player award and helped lead Ceres High's varsity girls golf team to its third straight playoff appearance during her sophomore year in 2012.
"It would not surprise me at all to see her repeat as league champion," head coach Randy Cerny said. "She has it in her to do well. That's an honest expectation."
Pfaff racked up 92 points en route to claiming the WAC overall title last season. Central Catholic's Emily Raspo (81) and Katherine Dunn (80) placed second and third, respectively.
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.
Raspo and fellow Raider Courtney Kim will be Pfaff's stiffest competition this year.
Dunn graduated.
Emily, Courtney and Katherine were all named to the WAC First Team in 2012.
"Caitlin played match play all summer long and did very well," Cerny said. "I got reports from (River Oaks golf pro) Greg Silva. I think her repeating as league champion is in her control if she plays her game. She should finish in the top three. It will be a tight battle. There are some good golfers out there. Every now and then you get some freshman phenom who comes into the mix."
Pfaff has already established herself as one of Ceres High's most decorated golfers.
Former Bulldog teammate Arleen Xayasone brought home a sixth-place medal from Divisionals and took second in the WAC her senior year.
"They're hard to compare," Cerny said. "They're both very, good golfers. They've both represented Ceres High well."
Pfaff played a major role while leading Ceres High to a second-place finish in the WAC standings last season. The Bulldogs posted a 9-3 record in conference play.
Caitlin placed third in the WAC and earned first team all-league honors her freshman year.
"I'm really looking forward to this season," Cerny said. "Our expectations are pretty high. We have one of the top golfers in the league. With the talent we have, we can be in a good position. I think we can give Central Catholic a good run for their money. This will be our last opportunity to knock them off. They're going to the Valley Oak League next season. We want to give them a good going-away present."
Ceres High's girls golf program has experienced unprecedented success under Cerny's guidance.
The Bulldogs have amassed a 26-10 record in conference play and qualified for the postseason three times since 2010.
Ceres High didn't field golf teams in 2008 and 2007 due to a lack of interest.
"The success Ceres High has enjoyed, all that credit goes to the girls," he said. "I'm a coach. I'm not a golf coach. I don't kid myself. I motivate the girls. I feel more comfortable being a cheerleader. I leave the teaching to pros like Greg Silva. I've been very fortunate."
