Campos, Hugo qualify for section meet to set new school record;
GHS finishes fifth in finals, third in T-CAL
SALINAS – The Lady Mustang duffers came into the T-CAL Finals at Salinas CC with their best chance in years to qualify into CCS as a team for the first time in school history.
Although they finished in fifth place with a 406 team tally, sophomore Kristen Campos – who finished with a team-low 90 – and senior Andrea Hugo – who shot a 99 over 18 holes – both qualified for the section championships. The Gilroy girls golf program had only one past qualifier making this year’s total a new school record.
“We played well today. We have the most qualifiers ever in girls golf for GHS. Kristen and Andrea played well today,” head coach Eric Kuwada said. “Kristen has been working hard and it showed in her score on the course. Eight pars, that is great. Andrea played well, especially well on this hilly course. Her back and hip were bothering her as a result of a car accident over the summer and the warm temperatures did not help either.”
In 99-degree weather, Campos sizzled to an All-League honor. For an individual to qualify for CCS, they must shoot a score of 100 or lower. Hugo made it by one stroke, while teammate Carissa Filice came up short by only one stroke – finishing with a 101.
“Carissa was so close. It hurt to see her score so close,” Kuwada said. “Sometimes you would rather missed by a mile than one single stroke, but that’s golf.”
Rounding out the Lady Mustang line-up were Heather Peterson with a 116, Rowena Tabilas with a 123, and Amy Kishimura with a 124.
“Heather came through in the end to turn in her score last and help us push past MVC in the standings,” Kuwada said.
Santa Catalina won the league championship with a 372; Hollister placed second with a 389; Notre Dame in third with a 401; and RLS in fourth with a 404. Completing Monday’s field were Monte Vista Christain with a 414 ahead of Salinas with a 424, Alvarez with a 471, and Live Oak with a 486.
In the final T-CAL standings, Santa Catalina prevailed with Hollister in second, Gilroy in third and MVC in fourth.
“The team standings were close and Notre Dame and RLS played well. It’s just unfortunate that we worked all season to keep second place and lose it at the end,” Kuwada said. “The girls played so well. We are so happy for them. They had a great season and we have lots to build on for next year.”
Hugo and Peterson are the only seniors on the squad who will not be returning next season – meaning the rest of the line-up will be back with another year of experience.
“It was great to have Rowena play today. She did well. She started golf in August and progressed to qualify for league finals and to shoot 123 on her first 18 holes was great,” Kuwada said.”
Campos and Hugo will compete with the best in CCS on Tuesday at Rancho Canada East.
