Central Valley’s varsity girls golf program faced stiff competition last week.

The Hawks lost to unbeaten Merced and Golden Valley.

“Those teams have at least four to five returning players,” head coach Kelly Wheelock said. “We only have three. That puts you behind the eight ball.”

Central Valley dropped to 1-4 in the Central California Conference following Thursday’s 207-269 setback to visiting Merced at St. Stanislaus.

The Bears improved to 5-0 in CCC standings.

Amelia Daoheung led the Hawks with a 40.

She tasted defeat for the first time this season in conference play.

“She’s competing at a really high level,” Wheelock said.

Central Valley teammates Esmeralda Lopez, Lina Bernal, Sayra Rodriguez and Lucia Bernal posted rounds of 49, 57, 59 and 64, respectively.

Merced’s Lauren Palumbo led all golfers with a 39.

Kat Arceo (40), Jocelyn Ramirez (42), Angelia Reyna (42) and Brooke Veyl (44) rounded out the Bears’ scorecard.

Central Valley lost 272-323 to Golden Valley on Sept. 10 at Pheasant Run.

Daoheung fired a 45.

Lopez, Rodriguez, Lucia Bernal and Linda Bernal shot 66, 68, 71 and 73, respectively.

“I know they’re undefeated, but we’ll have a realistic shot at beating them at our place,” Wheelock said. 

Central Valley will close out the first half of the CCC season this week.

“It can be way different during the second half and I expect it to be,” Wheelock said. “They’re putting the work in. They’re getting more comfortable.”